CRONA
Committee for Recognition of Nursing Achievement
Area Representatives and Membership Newsletter
October, 2008

The Annual CRONA Convention on October 7, 2008 was a huge success. A variety of topics were discussed that provided important information to those attending. These topics will be highlighted in this and upcoming newsletters.

Michael McKenna, Esq. gave a presentation on Workers Compensation. Highlights of his discussion will be presented in this newsletter.

Work-Related Injury: Survival Tips

1. Report the Injury Anyone with more than a “band-aid” injury at work should report it and fill out a claim form. Make sure you keep a copy.
2. Get Medical Treatment You can “pre-designate” your regular doctor to treat future workers compensation injuries prior to being injured. Make sure your doctor agrees to this ahead of time and is aware that he/she will be handling the paperwork. Medical Provider Networks (MPN) is a list of employer approved doctors. SHC/LPCH has an MPN which can be found at www.FirstHealth.com. Another option is to be treated by the hospital’s Occupational Health Services.
3. Documentation Make sure your injuries are documented, including any side effects caused by medication taken for a work-related injury, i.e. weight gain or sleep dysfunction.
4. Get a Certified Workers Compensation Attorney If it appears that you are going to have a serious or permanent injury or your medical or temporary disability benefits are denied, or disputed, get an attorney who specializes in workers compensation.
5. Permanent Injury You may be eligible for State Disability and Social Security Disability. This may provide additional benefits over and above workers compensation and potentially last longer. An attorneys’ expertise should be sought.

   There are only about 700 qualified workers compensation lawyers in the state of California. They are not allowed to accept money from an injured worker. They take a percentage of the workers compensation settlement as pay. Free advice is also given.

   Sunny Balson, Secretary
   On behalf of the CRONA Executive Board