POLICY

NUMBER: 2.1.1R7

 

Effective Date:

April 1, 2009

Topic:

Workers’ Travel Expenses for Health Care

Date Issued:

April 1, 2009

Section:

Health Care

Date Approved by Board of Directors: April 1, 2009

Subsection:

Workers’ Expenses

 

  

Policy Statement:
  1. General

    The Board may provide for any injured worker any medical aid the Board considers necessary or expedient as a result of the compensable injury.  Expenses related to transportation, meals and accommodation incurred by injured workers during case management, and as a result of the compensable injury, will be considered for coverage.  Workers will be advised of this policy when they are approved to begin treatment.

    Meal Allowance

    A meal allowance may be provided to workers who must be away from their home over a meal period.  Coverage of meals must be pre-authorized by the WCB case worker.  A per diem amount of $38.00 (including gratuities) can be paid, comprised of:

    Breakfast          $6.00
    Lunch              $12.00
    Dinner              $20.00
    Total                $38.00

    Future meal allowance rates will be adjusted, on a go-forward basis, following notification from the Director of Human Resources that the rates for Workers’ Compensation Board employees have increased; and   

       Rates will not be retroactive; and

    Future rates will be effective on the “Effective Date” specified in the revised policy.    

  2. Commercial Travel (within province)

    When a worker accesses commercial travel within the province, subject to pre-authorization by the case worker, coverage is as follows:
    a) bus or train fare – actual fare, based on receipts
    b) air fare – actual fare, based on receipts

  3. Travel in Local Areas:

    Cost of travel in local areas for medical treatment and Board-arranged appointments, will be paid as follows:

    a)         actual bus, train fares;
    b)         private vehicle - mileage at 40.92 c/km and
    c)         taxi fares will be paid if pre-authorized, or circumstances justify, and proper receipts are provided.

    Use of Private Vehicle

    A client may use his/her own vehicle for transportation purposes to access services necessitated by the compensable injury, if this use has been pre-authorized by the Board.  Authorized vehicle use will be reimbursed at the rate of 40.92 c/km.

    Future travel rates will be adjusted, on a go-forward basis, following notification from the Director of Human Resources that the rates for Workers’ Compensation Board employees have increased; and   

    Rates will not be retroactive; and

    Future rates will be effective on the “Effective Date” specified in the revised policy.    

  4. Out-of-Province Travel

    All out-of-province travel must be pre-authorized by the case worker.  The most appropriate mode of travel (taking into account the worker’s needs, and the need for economical travel) will be approved.  Actual costs will be reimbursed based upon receipts.  Where possible (e.g. commercial travel, hotel accommodations) costs will be charged directly to the Board.

  5. Accommodations – Public and Private

    Workers will be provided with overnight accommodations when the need arises, pre-authorized by the Board.  Where possible, costs will be charged directly to the Board, otherwise reimbursements will be based on receipts.

  6. Escorts

    Expenses related to escorts may be paid.  Each claim must be reviewed on individual merit.

 
   

Application:                                        This Policy applies to travel on or after April 1, 2009.  This Policy replaces predecessor Policy 2.1.1.R6.                       

 

References:                                        Workers’ Compensation Act (Chapter 10, Acts of 1994 – 95), Section 102.               

 

 

 

 

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Executive Corporate Secretary