Minnesota Workers Compensation Rules

Article Written By: David Whitney

Injured employees and workers have several different Minnesota workers compensation benefits available following a work related injury. As a general rule, under the Minnesota Workers Compensation Act, employers, through their insurers, must pay for medical treatment for employees who suffer a personal injury while at work. In workers compensation cases, a personal injury is defined as an injury arising out of and in the course of employment. It includes injury caused by occupational disease.

First, all medical treatment must be reasonable and necessary. Treatment that is unreasonable or unnecessary will not be approved. Generally speaking, however, treating doctors will not recommend a certain medical procedure if it is not reasonable and necessary.

Second, all medical treatment for a work injury must be casually related to the injury. This means that if it were not for the work injury, an employee would not need the treatment.

The following specific types of treatment are allowed under the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Act for a work-related injury:

A. Chiropractic Treatment

Generally, employees are allowed 12 weeks of treatment with a maximum treatment frequency of five times per week of the first 1-2 weeks and decreasing treatment frequency thereafter. After the first 12 weeks, an additional 12 visits over the next 12 months are allowed if certain requirements are met.

B. Podiatric Treatment

Actual podiatric treatment and podiatric orthotics are approved under the Workers Compensation Act.

C. Christian Science Treatment

Employees may receive Christian Science treatment instead of medical treatment for a work injury, but must notify the employer of the election in writing at the time employment is accepted.

D. Psychological and Psychiatric Treatment

Psychological treatment, as well as psychiatric evaluation and medications for psychological disorders, are allowable. Disputes often arise, however, in cases where an employee's recovery from an injury becomes lengthy and the treating doctor refers the employee for counseling or prescriptions for psychotropic medications.

E. Physical Rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation, including the use of health club facilities, is allowed under the Workers Compensation Act.

F. Medical Supplies and Appliances

Employers are required to provide, replace or repair artificial members, glasses, hearing aids, canes, crutches and wheelchairs.

G. Medications and Related Supplies and Treatment

The Workers' Compensation Act provides for prescription and non-prescription medications. However, hospital beds, recliners and hot tubs are not covered.

H. Home Nursing Services

In cases where an employee suffers from a permanent and total disability, the employer must pay for the reasonable value of nursing services provided by a member of the employee's family.

I. Home Remodeling

Where an employee is permanently disabled, an employer must pay for remodeling of the employee's principal residence as is reasonably required to accommodate the disability.

J. Surgery

Surgery is specifically referenced in a statute in the Workers Compensation Act for work-related injuries.

K. Mileage and Travel Expenses

Travel expenses, including mileage and meals, for medical treatments are provided for by the MN Workers' Compensation Act.

About the Author

John Anderson is the author of this article on MN workers compensation. Find more information about Minnesota worker compensation here.

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