The Governor declared a state of emergency March 11, 2020 and has issued Executive Orders directing state and private employers to dramatically reduce the number of employees reporting to work in person. 

The increase in individuals working remotely, combined with the guidelines for “social distancing” have created barriers to injured workers and others in accessing the workers’ compensation system. Additionally, the Division of Workers’ Compensation is striving to move all employees to remote work in order to protect employee safety and the safety of the general public. 

The emergency rules continue procedures which have been in place since late-March requiring electronic communications and increasing reimbursement for telehealth.  These rules are necessary to ensure access to care and to permit remote work.  The rules discontinue provisions which are no longer required, such as allowing for settlement documents to be submitted without notarization.