Things you should know
Updated Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-Aside Reference guide issued
The updated guide, version 2.9, addresses spinal cord stimulators and the inclusion of off-label prescription drugs, particularly Lyrica as well as updating Life Tables and examples of settlements not meeting The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) review thresholds, but which would still require consideration of Medicare's interests.
The NGHP User Guide was also updated and CMS will maintain the $750 threshold for no-fault insurance and workers' compensation settlements, where the no-fault insurer or workers' compensation entity does not otherwise have ongoing responsibly for medicals.
Some experts suggest that the changes are another indication that CMS intends to make Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) enforcement a priority in 2019.
New app can help determine what's allowed in MSAs
The CMS launched its "What's Covered" app to give consumers more information about their Medicare benefits. It also can be a valuable assist for injured workers with MSAs.
Study: Most manufacturing workers experience fatigue
A study by the American Society of Safety Professionals suggests that the automation of manufacturing processes may be contributing to worker fatigue, which was found in 58% of the workers studied. Fatigue monitoring, such as wearables that monitor heart rate, are a possible solution. The report also notes three interventions to help mitigate fatigue: posture variance, chemical supplements and rest breaks.
Work comp insurers cite top concerns
Every year for the past decade, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) surveys carrier executives in the workers' compensation industry to better understand their market perspectives, needs, and challenges. Learn what keeps them up at night.
New guidance for pain management in the age of the opioid epidemic
A draft report from the Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force, which acts in an advisory capacity for the federal government, calls for individualized, patient-centered pain management. Public comments are welcome.
Study: Injured workers in the mining and construction industries and those in rural areas more likely to receive opioid prescriptions
A study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found 33% of injured workers employed in mining and 29% in construction received opioids for certain injuries and are more likely to receive higher doses and for longer time periods. The study also found that older workers were more likely to receive opioid prescriptions compared with younger workers, with 49% of injured workers age 49 or older receiving opioids compared to 42% of workers between the ages of 25 and 39.
Meanwhile, a higher percentage - 66% to 79% - of workers who sustained fractures, carpal tunnel and neurologic spine pain received at least one opioid prescription for pain relief. It's postulated that those in rural areas receive more opioids because there are fewer pain management options available.
New video on performing tower modifications
A new video from the National Association of Tower Erectors highlights the importance of understanding and following the proper sequence of performing tower modifications.
Injured Massachusetts teen workers lacked health and safety training: report
Nearly half of the teen workers in Massachusetts who were injured on the job between 2011 and 2015 said they did not receive health and safety training from their employer, according to a Massachusetts Department of Public Health annual report on teen worker safety. Four industries - accommodations and food service (37 percent), retail trade (19), health care and social assistance (11), and construction (4) - accounted for more than 70 percent of all work-related injuries involving teens in the state.
NIOSH releases resources on dampness and mold assessment
NIOSH recently introduced checklists to help employers assess damp areas and identify mold. The Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool has two versions - one for general buildings and one for schools - as well as a four-step assessment cycle.
CPWR releases alert, toolbox talk on lightning safety
Stressing the importance of lightning awareness while working outdoors, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) has published a hazard alert and toolbox talk addressing the topic.
State News
California
- Division of Workers' Compensation has updated its formulary for injured workers to include drugs to treat traumatic brain injury, effective Feb. 15
- FMCSA granted a petition to pre-empt the state's meal and rest break rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers
Florida
- OSHA resumes normal enforcement activity following Hurricane Michael
Massachusetts
- A new law applies OSHA standards to all public employees, including municipal workers and quasi-public agency workers
Michigan
- Becomes first state to lower acceptable blood lead levels for workers
Minnesota
- New law recognizes post-traumatic stress disorder as a compensable condition for first responders
New York
- Governor vetoed bill that would have regulated and permitted acupuncturists to treat injured workers in the state's workers compensation
- WC Board launches virtual hearing app, WCB VHC, which is free in the iOS App Store