Rules Adopted to End NJ Pension Cost Shifting

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development [DLWD] adopted Rules embracing the recommendations of  NJ State Comptroller concerning NJ State Pensions. A February 2021 investigative report by the NJ State Comptroller raised critical issues common to other state and national collateral social insurance programs challenged by current fiscal limitations. The rules are effective as of March 7, 2022.  54 N.J.R.448(a). The Rules were adopted without change and have retroactive application.

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Lifted - Terminating The Rebuttable Presumption

At his final COVID-19 press briefing, NJ Governor Phil Murphy announced the signing of Executive Order No. 292, which lifts the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The order effectively ends the liberalized span of time that established a rebuttable presumption in favor of the employee as to the causal relationship between employment and COVID-19 on March 7, 2022.

Legislation Would Improve Access To Resources And Education For People Living With Long COVID

Long-COVID, Post Acute COVID Syndrome. [PASC] is a compensable illness that many workers now suffer from and seek workers’ compensation benefits. The medical condition affects approximately one-third of those who have contracted COVID. It is a  costly and incapacitating condition that lingers long after the acute stage of SARS-CoV-2 passes. 

President Biden Supports Burn Pits Exposure Benefits for Veterans

Veterans who suffer from medical conditions following exposure to toxic burn pit hazards and chemicals received support from President Biden last night. President's State of the Union Address included strong presidential support for health care benefits and wartime disability compensation. A burn pit is used to burn solid waste in open-air without equipment.

The Master of the Complaint Retains Jurisdiction

Deciding employment status is an issue that can be resolved either before the Division of Workers’ Compensation [DWC] or before Superior Court in a civil action.

NJ COVID-19 vaccination mandate for, among others, the State's corrections officers, upheld.

NJ COVID-19 vaccination mandate for, among others, the State's corrections officers, upheld. The App Div court held that the Civilian Defense and Disaster Control Act, N.J.S.A. App. A:9-33 to -63, empowered the Governor to issue the order and that the order's vaccination mandate was rationally and adequately tailored to the problem posed. #NJExOrder283 #COVID #VaccineMandate

NJ Division of Workers' Compensation to Go Forward With In-Person Hearings

The New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation [DWC] has announced that it will go forward with in-person hearings effective March seven 2022.