Board Members

MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

MINNESOTA SELF INSURERS ASSOCIATION
HOLIDAY INN I 35W
1201 West 94th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431
June 6, 2008

MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

The June 6, 2008 membership meeting was called to order at 8:45 a.m. by President Brian Rotty followed by the introduction of members and guests. President Rotty made the following announcements:

Yearly membership dues collection is complete. We thank all returning and new members for their continued support. 2009 is expected to bring Workers Compensation reform initiatives. MSIA legislative counsel with the Board of Directors will follow the activity and continue the legislative web site updates.

Meeting sponsorships are available to associate members. Program information is available through the MSIA web site and Mary Jo Wilson, Administrator.

The Fall meeting sponsorship does include an exhibit booth during the social gathering Thursday evening and the membership meeting Friday morning.

The Fall meeting will be held at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, Alexandria, MN September 18 & 19, 2008. The golf tournament will be held Thursday Sept. 18, Atikwa Golf Course, Arrowwood Resort, 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. A social reception will follow golf. Prize donation and golf hole sponsorships are needed and will be handled by Mary Jo Wilson, Administrator.

The December 5, 2008 membership meeting will be held at the Hoilday Inn I 35 W, Bloomington, MN.

Treasurer Report
The report was presented by Mike McCallum, Xcel Energy.

Membership
The membership report was presented by Brad Wiggins, Cargill. 125 new member applications were sent this quarter. The current membership total is 105, 56 voting and 49 associate members.

Program Presentation
Dr. David Gesensway, Orthopedic Medicine and Surgery, presented “Hand Surgery for the Workers Compensation Patient”. The presentation included general principles of CTS and thumb CMC osteoarthritis including anatomy, symptoms, accurate diagnosis, causation, treatment, testing, disability, recovery, surgery and residual disability.

Paul Cassidy and Kelly Wolfe, Legislative Counsel, Leonard Street and Deinard PA, presented the legislative update. Discussion included Workers Compensation Advisory Council Bill-H. F. 3566/S. F. 3218 signed into law April 30, 2008. It is currently in Minnesota Statute Chapter 250. Highlights of Senate file 3218 include:

• Change in the definition of employees

• Definition of independent contractor

• TTD maximum weekly benefit increase to $850.00

• Maximum duration increase of TTD benefits to 130 weeks for injuries on or after 10-1-2008

• Increase in the maximum hourly rate for QRCs to $91.00, interns to $81.00

• Retraining benefit request extension up to 208 weeks for injuries after 10-1-2008

• Allows the commissioner of Labor & Industry to update the WC relative value fee schedule, at lease every three years, by incorporating reference updates to the Medicare relative value fee schedule

• Health care providers located out of state shall be paid at the rate the provider would receive under the WC law where treatment is provided

• Allows DOLI to audit records and files to determine whether benefits have been paid in compliance with WC law

House File 1812 addresses the $935 million biennial budget deficit through cuts and transfers. As part of the negotiated bill, the $10 million transfer for the WC Special Fund to the general fund that was included in the original version was deleted

In anticipation of a major WC reform bill, DOLI has established a number of working groups that will be meeting throughout the summer and fall. The working groups include Employer Choice Health Care Benefits; Vocational Rehabilitation; Billing and Auditing Processes; Repricing Industry. The groups are comprised of employees, employers, business and labor representatives, medical and insurance providers.

Case Law
Matthew Bandt, Attorney, Jardine, Logan & O’Brien PLLP presented the case law update. Discussion included:
Nelson v. Bristol Place Corp, WCCA 3-1-2008; Clasen v. Pro Floor Inc., WCCA 3-25-2008; Lawrence v. Willman Trucking Inc., WCCA 4-14-2008; Ricke v. Plantenberg’s Market Inc., WCCA 4-22-2008; Pickar v. Coates Plaza Hotel, WCCA 5-8-2008

Tom Hesse, VP Governmental Affairs, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, presented “Workers Compensation, Looking Ahead to the Election & 2009 Session”. The presentation included:

• 2008 election outcome,

• DOLI working groups,

• 2008 Legislative makeup including retirements and open seats,

• Projected 2009 session including budget, anticipated WCAC bill and the 2010-2011 budget deficit.

The meeting was concluded at 11:30 a.m. by President Rotty.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Jo Wilson 6-26-2008.