More than 140 industry leaders gathered at the IAIABC’s third National Conversation on the Future of Workers’ Compensation. The IAIABC (International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions) is a not-for-profit association representing most of the government agencies charged with the administration of Workers’ Compensation systems. The majority attending the gathering unanimously (90%) agreed that Workers’ compensation must be guided by a focus on medical recovery and return to work.
The industry, according to an IAIABC press release, must be aligned to encourage a timely return to work, assist employers in maintaining a trained workforce and facilitate quality of life and financial stability of those injured at work. The four objectives of Workers’ Compensation that the majority of attendees agreed upon include focusing on outcomes, reduction of complexity, reduction of disputes, and encouragement of safety. One objective, however, not in sync with the majority of attendees (at 48%) was that Workers’ Compensation should be more consistent across U.S. jurisdictions.
In addressing how to remedy perceived inequities across U.S. jurisdictions two perspectives were offered. Fifty percent of the group believed shared objectives with performance reporting of system efficiency and effectiveness would be beneficial. The other half felt jurisdictions respond to cultural and economic norms within their borders and it would be difficult to come to any meaningful consensus on shared objectives.
As the session was closing, one attendee commented, “I have been in the industry for more than 30 years and we have never had these discussions before. It is clear there are diverse experiences and perspectives within the industry; however, everyone agreed the system must focus on medical recovery and return to work. If the future is guided by that goal, Workers’ Compensation will better serve employers, employees, and society.”
About Caitlin Morgan
Caitlin Morgan provides a portfolio of Workers’ Compensation insurance solutions, including guaranteed cost and self-insurance plans. We also offer a cost-effective program to members of the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA), HOPE, and Leading Age Indiana associations. Through this program, we provide nursing home members with tangible benefits such as dividends, tailored loss prevention, lower claims costs, and fast claims resolutions. For more information about our Workers’ Compensation products and services, please contact us at 877.226.1027.