WCD Adopts Permanent Rules Requiring Investigation of COVID Claims

The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division adopted permanent rules describing the scope of the investigation carriers must undertake before denying a claim for COVID-19. The rules will require a “reasonable investigation” before denying COVID claims filed on or after Feb. 1. The investigation must include an assessment of whether there was likely exposure to COVID-19 that arose out of and in the course of employment and whether the worker required medical services as a result of potential workplace exposure, even if he ultimately didn’t test positive for the diseas...