Workers' Compensation Insurance
Overview of Nevada Coverage
The university self-insures its workers’ compensation exposure. The purpose of workers' compensation is to protect employees from cost of medical care and/or loss of income attributable to a work-related injury or disease. The coverage applies to personal injury, disease or death by an accident arising out of and in the course of employment. Coverage starts immediately upon employment.
Reporting an Injury or Disease
Work-related injuries or diseases, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately by the employee to the supervisor. In addition, the employee must complete a Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease Incident Report (C-1). The C-1 must be submitted by the employee to the supervisor within 7 days of the accident. The supervisor must ensure that the information in the C-1 form is complete and accurate before signing and sending it to the workers' compensation office.
If the employee is unable to complete a C-1, due to the nature of the injury/disease, the supervisor must complete the C-1 and indicate the reason(s) why the employee could not complete the form. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that the workers’ compensation office receives this form immediately after the accident.
Medical Treatment
Medical care and other necessary medical services are provided through a managed care organization. The employee must choose a physician and medical service provider contracted with the managed care organization. If an injury or disease arising from a work-related accident requires emergency medical treatment, the employee or a co-worker should immediately call 911.
Pay During Workers' Compensation Related Absences
Employees off work as a result of a work-related injury or disease may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits beginning with the fifth day of certified disability in a twenty day period. Benefit payments are approximately 2/3 of the employee’s regular salary up to a cap determined by the State of Nevada . The employee may elect to remain in full pay status by using authorized leave. When this occurs, the employee’s leave is partially restored based on the amount of the workers’ compensation payment due the employee.
Early Return-to-Work
When an injury or disease prevents the employee from returning to work in their regular capacity, the university supports early return-to-work. The employing department is required to explore all early return-to-work options for the employee eligible for such assistance. If the department cannot provide a temporary assignment compatible with any temporary restrictions the employee has, the employee will be placed in an assignment with a different department. Salary and benefits will remain the responsibility of the employing department.
Out-of-State and Foreign Voluntary Coverage
The NSHE purchases workers' compensation insurance to cover employees domiciled in other states and employees working in foreign countries.
Contact Information
For assistance with workers' compensation issues, contact the BCN Risk Management/Workers' Compensation Office at 784-4394.
For more detailed information regarding workers' compensation, please visit the BCN Workers' Compensation web site.