Human Resources Policies

POLICY: WORKERS' COMPENSATION POLICY
POLICY NUMBER: RM-1
Effective Date: July 2002
Revisions: January 2004, June 2002, July 2000
Responsible Officer: President

PURPOSE:

This policy was established to provide protection for employees in the event of loss of time or medical expenses due to work-related accidents, injuries or illnesses.

I. POLICY:
If an employee suffers a work-related injury requiring medical attention or which results in lost time, s/he will receive benefits in accordance with the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. The employee must report all work-related accidents or injuries to his/her supervisor immediately and complete the following forms within 24 hours of the incident and forward them to the Department of Risk Management, 3201 Arch Street, Suite 310, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

A. Report of Employee Injury
B. Acknowledgement of Rights
C. Medical Authorization Form
D. Worker's Compensation Information

II. ELIGIBILITY:
This policy applies to all University employees.

III. PROCEDURES:
A. If the employee sustains a work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment, s/he is required first to seek treatment with a University designated health care provider, referred to hereafter as a “Panel Provider” (available as posted in the Human Resources Department and the Risk Management Department).

B. The employee is required to seek treatment with a Panel Provider for ninety (90) days from the first visit. However, if the Panel Provider recommends invasive surgery, the employee is permitted a second opinion by a physician of his/her choice.

C. If the second opinion differs from that of the first, the employee has the right to determine which course of treatment to follow, provided that the second opinion provides a specific and detailed course of treatment. If the employee chooses to follow the procedures designated in the second opinion, such procedures shall be performed by one of the Panel Providers for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the second opinion visit.

D. The employee may receive treatment from a health care provider who is not a Panel Provider if the employee is referred to one by a Panel Provider. The University will pay for the reasonable and necessary treatment rendered by the referral provider for the work-related injury or illness.

E. Treatment by other than a Panel Provider who is not a referral that does not involve surgery will be at the employee’s expense during the applicable ninety (90) day period.

F. Upon expiration of the prescribed period, if the employee selects a medical provider other than a Panel Provider, the employee must notify the University of his/her choice within five (5) days of the first visit or risk non-payment of those medical bills until proper notice is given.

The University will pay for these services once notified, unless the treatment is found to be unreasonable by a Utilization Review Organization.

G. If the employee is faced with an immediate medical emergency, s/he may secure initial assistance from an Emergency Room or any hospital or physician of his/her choice. Subsequent treatment must then be obtained through a Panel Provider for the first ninety (90) days from the date of the first treatment.

H. Any lost time as a result of a work-related injury or accident that also qualifies as a medical leave of absence will be charged against an eligible employee’s Family and Medical Leave.

Additional Information: Inquiries regarding this policy can be directed to the Director of Risk Management.