When will employees be required to begin utilizing the preferred providers list?

The preferred providers list is effective as of October 15, 2022.

What date is the statewide Workers’ Compensation policy effective?

The statewide Workers’ Compensation policy is effective as of October 15, 2022.

What if there is no preferred provider near my work site or in my locale?

Contact your agency human resources department to obtain further instruction on where to seek medical treatment.

What happens if I am injured outside of the preferred provider’s business hours?

If you are injured outside of the preferred provider’s business hours and need to seek treatment, you should seek treatment with the nearest urgent care or emergency room. If available in your locale, you would then seek additional follow-up treatment(s) with a preferred provider.

What happens if I require emergency care?

If you require emergency care, you should go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room. If available in your locale, you would then seek follow-up treatment(s) with a preferred provider. If there is no preferred provider in your locale, please contact your agency human resources department.

If I have to travel for medical appointments, will I received mileage reimbursement?

In many cases, you may be eligible for mileage reimbursement. The employee should contact State Insurance Fund to discuss their eligibility and obtain further information.

What if I do not want to seek treatment with a preferred provider?

Employees are required to use a preferred provider within their locale the majority of the time, regardless of extenuating circumstances. However, if an employee is in need of emergency medical treatment, they should seek that treatment with the nearest urgent care or emergency room. After seeking medical treatment at the urgent care or emergency room, the employee should follow-up with a preferred provider within their locale. If an employee chooses not to seek treatment with one of the preferred medical providers, the employee may be responsible for any/all expenses associated with their medical care.

What if I need to see a specialist for treatment?

The preferred provider will determine what medical treatment is necessary and will recommend such treatment as needed including referrals for specialized care.

My doctor released me with work restrictions, what should I do?

You should obtain a work note every time you seek medical treatment and provide the note to your agency human resources department to discuss return to work options. Your human resources department will work with your supervisor to determine if there is light duty work available for you within your restrictions.

What happens if my employer has light duty work available, but I do not want to accept it?

If you decline light duty work that your employer has offered, your workers’ compensation benefits may be affected.

If I am receiving lost time benefits, can I use my accrued paid leave to supplement my income?

Yes. An employee may use any of their accrued paid leave to bring them up to their regular salary.

Can I use my accrued leave instead of receiving workers’ compensation benefits?

No. If workers’ compensation benefits are owed, they must be paid.

Am I required to use my accrued paid leave?

No. An employee is not required to use their accrued paid leave in lieu of workers’ compensation benefits but can choose to supplement their income with their accrued leave. An employee may also take leave without pay.

If I am receiving workers’ compensation benefits, am I eligible for other types of leave like FMLA, ADA, short-term disability?

Yes. If you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you may be eligible for other benefits. To determine your eligibility, contact your agency human resources department.

If I am using my accrued leave to supplement my workers’ compensation benefits, what time codes should I use on my timesheet?

You should use applicable workers’ compensation time codes. These codes can be found on the State Controller’s website here.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the statewide Workers’ Compensation policy?

Questions regarding the statewide Workers’ Compensation policy should be directed to our phone line at 208-334-2263 or org-box at dhr@dhr.idaho.gov.

What should I do if I have questions or need help with reporting requirements, preferred providers, or return to work?

For additional assistance regarding any part of the process, please contact your agency human resources department, or the Division of Human Resources website.

What should I do if I have questions about my workers’ compensation claim?

For questions regarding your specific claim, contact the State Insurance Fund at 208-332-2100.

What if I have questions about my rights under the Idaho Workers’ Compensation laws and rules?

For questions regarding an employee’s rights under the Idaho Workers’ Compensation laws and rules, please contact the Idaho Industrial Commission at 208-334-6000.

When will employees be required to begin utilizing the preferred providers list?

The preferred providers list is effective as of October 15, 2022.

What date is the statewide Workers’ Compensation policy effective?

The statewide Workers’ Compensation policy is effective as of October 15, 2022.

What if there is no preferred provider near my work site or in my locale?

Contact your agency human resources department to obtain further instruction on where to seek medical treatment.

What happens if I am injured outside of the preferred provider’s business hours?

If you are injured outside of the preferred provider’s business hours and need to seek treatment, you should seek treatment with the nearest urgent care or emergency room. If available in your locale, you would then seek additional follow-up treatment(s) with a preferred provider.

What happens if I require emergency care?

If you require emergency care, you should go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room. If available in your locale, you would then seek follow-up treatment(s) with a preferred provider. If there is no preferred provider in your locale, please contact your agency human resources department.

If I have to travel for medical appointments, will I received mileage reimbursement?

In many cases, you may be eligible for mileage reimbursement. The employee should contact State Insurance Fund to discuss their eligibility and obtain further information.

What if I do not want to seek treatment with a preferred provider?

Employees are required to use a preferred provider within their locale the majority of the time, regardless of extenuating circumstances. However, if an employee is in need of emergency medical treatment, they should seek that treatment with the nearest urgent care or emergency room. After seeking medical treatment at the urgent care or emergency room, the employee should follow-up with a preferred provider within their locale. If an employee chooses not to seek treatment with one of the preferred medical providers, the employee may be responsible for any/all expenses associated with their medical care.

What if I need to see a specialist for treatment?

The preferred provider will determine what medical treatment is necessary and will recommend such treatment as needed including referrals for specialized care.