would you get workers comp?

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Specializes in pediatrics, occupational health.

Our OSHA dpt has contacted our insurer for our hospital to see if a worker caring for a patient who has ebola would get workers compensation. We don't have any ebola patients, we are preparing - of course.

Does anyone have any knowledge as to if this would be considered WC? I am just trying to gather info. I guess it might also be an ins. co. decision?

thoughts?

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I am no authority, but doesn't WC currently cover workers who contract any illness or injury (that requires medical care and time off work) if they can prove it was directly related to their employment? No one can prove he got the flu from a patient, so that's off the table, but I'd THINK if one were caring for an active TB patient prior to proper precautions being instituted, it would qualify....?

And if that's true.....how could caring for an Ebola patient (and subsequently contracting EVD) NOT be a compensable injury?

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This might answer some questions:http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2014/10/10/343250.htm

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

My org has already confirmed WC coverage. But I am very proud of the fact that they have already obtained board approval for special policy/procedure to ensure that any coverage 'gap' will be covered by the organization (for workplace contracted illness) and 100% salary coverage will continue during treatment & any required quarantine - and will NOT require use of any vacation time.

Of course, we hope it will never happen. But it's great to know that we'll be taken care of it it does.

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