As 2022 officially kicks off, there is no better time to reflect on the previous year and the changes that our world has undergone. The workers’ compensation industry, as well as many others, have changed significantly over the past year primarily due to the pandemic. Many of these changes were initially temporary, however because of the precedents they have set over the past year, they could permanently alter the workers’ compensation system as we know it. Although there are many current and ongoing trends that have impacted workers’ compensation, below are three that have the potential to be incredibly impactful: 

Medical Marijuana 

The use of medical marijuana as a covered medical treatment has been widely discussed throughout 2021. The legality and implications of medical marijuana as a an official medical treatment have been reported on heavily over the past year. New York and New Jersey have passed legislation that could possibly allow medical marijuana to be considered a medical expense under workers’ compensation meaning an injured employee could be reimbursed for this form of treatment. Moving into 2022, the industry will likely get more clarification on other state’s stances in regards to the use of this type of treatment as it pertains to work-related injuries.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine has been used in place of in-person medical exams and visits during 2020 and 2021. Many people have opted to speak with physicians and other medical professionals via their phones or computers rather than visiting a doctor’s office. Although this type of medicine has been covered during the pandemic, it is undetermined how different states workers’ compensation laws will view telemedicine moving forward. 

First Responder Coverage

COVID-19 has shone a light on the importance of ensuring that first responders receive the workers’ compensation coverage they deserve. Currently, if a first responder contracts COVID-19 while at work, it is presumed that they are covered under workers’ compensation. Moving forward, it is possible many of these perceptions will remain in place but we are still unsure how first responders will be compensated if they contract COVID-19 or any other illness while on-the-job.

It is undeniable that 2022 will bring about many new changes to the workers’ compensation industry. Each year workers’ compensation evolves to continuously protect workers and ensure their rights are being upheld. Our priority at Poirier Law Firm is to keep up-to-date on the latest workers’ compensation trends and rulings so we can serve as your best resource in the event that you are injured or suffer from an illness while on-the-job. We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy New Year!