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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
TO ALIGN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PAYMENT PROCESS WITH STATE STATUTE
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners requires the Department of Risk Management to administer workers compensation benefits for Cook County employees pursuant to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, 820 ILCS 305; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Risk Management works with County employers and the Office of the States Attorney to ensure that injured employees receive proper workers’ compensation benefits while also preserving the Employer’s interests; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Subcommittee on Workers’ Compensation authorizes workers’ compensation settlements and awards as presented by the State’s Attorney’s Office; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 13-R-02 authorizes the Department of Risk Management to resolve Workers’ Compensation cases under $25,000.00; and
WHEREAS, the workers’ compensation benefits are referred to as workers’ compensation claim payments and include indemnity payments, payments to case management and service providers, and payments to medical providers for injuries or illnesses sustained in the course and scope of employment with Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Illinois Public Act 100-1117 and the Workers’ Compensation Act requires a medical provider to bill an employer or its designee directly and further requires employers and insurers to pay interest to providers at the rate of 1% per month for services rendered on and after the effective date of this amendatory Act if the bill is not paid promptly; and
WHEREAS, workers’ compensation medical providers must receive payments within 30 days or face penalties in accordance with Illinois Public Act 100-1117; and
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioner of Cook County that the Department of Risk Management be granted the authority to resolve and execute all workers’ compensation claim payments. A report of such approved workers’ compensation claim payments shall be made available to the Finance Committee of the County Board on a monthly basis by the Director of Risk Management.
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