Time At The Doc-Do Employers Pay?

by Susan Martin

Workers’ compensation law is a compromise between business and labor – a compromise that has benefits for both. It delivers no-fault medical and disability/wage benefits to injured employees, at least theoretically allowing for a straightforward administrative and litigation-free system.  Employees receive compensation without having to prove that the employer was at fault for the injury. They need only show that the injury arose “out of and in the course of employment.”

Most workers’ compensation programs are governed by state law. Almost all workplaces in Missouri with more than four employees are covered by the workers’ compensation system.  Missouri employers are not required to pay for time away from work that employees spend at doctor appointments related to workers’ comp injuries.  

The Survey Says     
According to a 2014 survey of 151 metro St. Louis businesses conducted by AAIM, 17% of the respondents go beyond the law’s requirements and pay for employees’ time spent at workers’ comp doctor appointments that are scheduled during work hours as well as those outside work hours. Time spent at appointments that are only scheduled during work hours is paid by 36% of the employers.  

Time for appointments is not paid by 30% of the survey respondents regardless of when the appointments are scheduled.  However, the employee may choose to use accrued paid leave to cover the time. The remaining 17% indicate a variety of other policies for handling the issue.

Susan Martin (susan.martin@aaimea.org) is a research and solutions analyst for AAIM Employers’ Association, which helps Missouri and Illinois companies manage their people and processes.