PCoRP's members will continue to reap the rewards of being part of a public entity risk pool, with another year of decreased average costs for coverage. For the policy year starting June 1, 2017, costs will decrease 1.93 percent compared to last year. This is the fifth consecutive year with a decrease:

  

          

Policy Year	Rate Change
June 1, 2013	-1.40 percent
June 1, 2014	-2.50 percent
June 1, 2015	-4.00 percent
June 1, 2016	-3.00 percent
June 1, 2017	-1.93 percent

           

PCoRP members also share in savings from credits. For the coming policy year, members will collective save $240,000 in Risk Control Incentive Credits, for accomplishing prevention activities such as participating in risk management training, reviewing prison policies, having an active safety committee and more. Members with risk managers will collectively save an additional $177,000 in costs for having a full time or part time risk manager.

  

Total cost to the members for the upcoming policy year will be $13,816,000 which is down $271,00 from last year.

  

Even with a dividend distribution last year of $2 million, and in addition setting aside $1.8 million for the PCoRP Prison Electronic Documentation Project, PCoRP remains in a strong financial position, with more than $29 million of Fund Balance.

Coverage changes for the June 1 renewal are mainly to clarify coverage, not change it. A detailed listing will be in the renewal package sent to all local insurance producers and members in early May. Clarifications include removal of multiple deductible language for auto physical damage and auto liability claims, inclusion of language to show incidental malpractice coverage is provided for administration of Naxolone, adding a definition of unmanned aircraft (drones) to clarify coverage and specifying coverage for therapy dogs. Members will notice that what was previously called cyber liability coverage is now Privacy and Security Liability, indicating that non-electronic releases of data are also included in coverage. We have also added a clarification that liability coverage is provided for county employees performing notary work for the county (but we do not provide the bond the notary is required to purchase).

 

Our liability coverage for drones will continue to be available, at a set limit of $3 million for $1,500 per drone. Drones must be scheduled and other provisions must be met (such as registration with the FAA) before coverage can be provided.

 

For questions about the PCoRP renewal, contact Karen Cohen at CCAP.

This form is thought of as "the return to work" form. It is to be completed by the provider at the time of each evaluation to concisely communicate to the employee and employer the results of the visit.

  

Why is this important? At the time of an injury, the injured worker's head is swimming with form completion, workers' compensation rules, and concern for the injury. Directions and explanations get mixed up and easily misinterpreted. The physical capacity form should provide a diagnosis, prognosis, next appointment date, medical restrictions if any, how long medical restrictions are in effect, medical restrictions to follow at home, if any, and ability to return to work. Not using this form allows the physician to simply sign an "out of work" note which offers no documentation whatsoever.

  

At the time of a workplace incident, include a physical capacity form in your packet of information that is reviewed with the employee. It should be completed at each evaluation or referral until the injured worker is released from care. It is the responsibility of the employee to take the form to each office visit and to make sure it is completed and returned to the employer immediately by fax and/or in person. If the employee meets with the county claims coordinator to return the form, he or she can get another form as well as communicate in person his or her interpretation of the evaluation. This is a great opportunity to check on your employee as well as answer questions about workers' compensation and return to work expectations.

  

Using these forms as part of your return to work program will help get your injured worker back to work and on the road to recovery. In addition to the claim management and expense savings benefits of a return to work program, PComp offers members a one percent incentive credit for utilizing a return to work program. Our claims representatives, risk control specialists and the risk control wellness nurse are available to assist you with your return to work program.

  

For more information about a return to work program, sample forms, or the loss control incentive program, contact your PComp representative today.

Watch Your Step - Stairway Safety
By: Maureen McMahon, Senior Risk Control Specialist

• Do not carry bulky objects that block your vision

Housekeeping