The University of Tennessee’s workers’ compensation coverage provides benefits to employees who suffer an injury or illness that is specifically and clearly caused while the employee is in the course and scope of their employment.

The Tennessee Department of Treasury, Division of Claims and Risk Management contracts with a third-party administrator (CorVel) for the processing of workers’ compensation claims and managed-care services. CorVel provides a 24/7 nurse triage phone line, pre-certification for inpatient hospital care, bill review, large case management, and other services to appropriately manage the costs of workers’ compensation claims.

For an injury to be compensable under Tennessee Workers’ Compensation law, employees must prove an injury “arising primarily out of, and in the course and scope of, employment.” An investigation by CorVel will be completed to determine if the claim is compensable.

All claim decisions are made by CorVel and/or the TN Division of Claims and Risk Management.

The University of Tennessee cannot alter or change any of these decisions, rules, or regulations.

COVID-19

Any employee exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace who believes their exposure was a result of their employment, should report it to CorVel. The reporting procedures are the same as for other claims. A determination will be made by CorVel regarding if the employee’s assigned daily work duties and service heighten their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Worker’s Compensation Benefits While Working From an Alternative Work Site

A University of Tennessee employee who is performing their work responsibilities at an alternate work location, as approved by their supervisor, may be eligible for UT’s workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation coverage is for work-related injuries that occur specifically and clearly in the course and scope of employment.

An employee injured at their home or work location, who believes an injury is a result of their employment, should report it to CorVel. An investigation will be completed by CorVel to determine compensability.

Supervisors – Report the injury

• If an injured worker is unable to report the injury, the injured worker’s supervisor must immediately report the injury to 1-866-245-8588, Option 1
• Tell Nurse following location of employment – STATE TN – UT SPACE INSTITUTE (UTSI)
• If a work injury is Life-Threatening or results in Serious Bodily Injury, it will need to be reported to the Office of Risk Management’s Workers’ Compensation Coordinator, Stephanie Strickland, at 865-974-0980 or sstric25@tennessee.edu and your campus Safety Officer.

Non-Life Threatening or Serious Bodily Injuries

Report the injury

• Injured Workers will report the injury to their supervisor and CorVel
  • 1-866-245-8588 Option 1 (a 24/7 Nurse Triage Line)
  • Tell Nurse following location of employment – STATE TN – UT SPACE INSTITUTE (UTSI)
  • The triage nurse will discuss the appropriate level of treatment needed and direct the injured worker to the nearest State of TN authorized treating physician
  • If the injured worker agrees to self-care but later changes their mind, they must first call CorVel 1-866-245-8588 Option 1 to obtain authorization to treat
• Do Not Seek Any Type of Treatment from a Physician Prior to Reporting the Injury to CorVel (*see below)

*The TN Division of Claims and Risk Management will assess a $500 departmental penalty each time an injured worker seeks non-emergency medical treatment prior to reporting the injury to CorVel

NOTE: CorVel offers a PPO Lookup website to assist in locating the closest State of TN-authorized treating physician. This link will allow the injured worker to locate a physician or facility via zip code, city/state, and within a certain radius of their current location. This PPO Lookup website does not replace the requirement to call CorVel to report the injury. All injuries must be reported to CorVel to avoid the penalty.

Complete the paperwork

• WC Procedures Report – Required
• WC Injured Worker Statement – Required
• WC Supervisor Statement – Required
• WC Lost Time/RTW Calendar
• WC Payroll Options Form
• WC Transitional Duty Plan (TDP)
  • *Complete the TDP form only when the injured worker is given work restrictions from a treating physician

Provide all applicable paperwork ASAP to the UTSI Campus Workers’ Compensation Coordinator in the UTSI HR office in Lower C-wing, Room C106, ph: 931-393-7504 or 931-393-7226, email hr@utsi.edu.  Paperwork must be turned in to the Office of Risk Management within 48 hours of injury.  If need immediate assistance, please contact Pam Ledford at 931-393-7504 or UTSI HR staff at 931-393-7226.

The UTSI Campus Workers’ Compensation Coordinator submits a copy of the WC paperwork to the UT System Workers Compensation office for reporting purposes and to the UTSI Safety Office so they may address any safety concerns and/or reporting requirements.

Timely Reporting Penalties

Injuries must be reported to CorVel within (3) business days (*see below)

*The TN Division of Claims and Risk Management will assess a $500 departmental penalty each time an employee or employer does not report a work injury within (3) business days after sustaining that injury.

Return to Work Program

In July 2016, the University of Tennessee and the State of Tennessee implemented a Return to Work (RTW) program. This program is designed to assist injured worker(s) in their return to meaningful, productive, employment as quickly as possible. The department in which the injured worker(s) is assigned will coordinate with Human Resources, the Office of Risk Management, CorVel, and the injured worker(s) to design a modified work plan, if applicable. For more information, please refer to HR0398 – Transitional Duty/Return to Work Program.

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If you have any questions about the process, please contact
Pam Ledford, UTSI’s Workers’ Compensation Coordinator at 931-393-7504 or pledford@utsi.edu.  You may also contact the UT System Workers’ Compensation Coordinator, Stephanie Strickland, at 865-974-0980 or sstric25@tennessee.edu.