New Nature of Injury Code for Adverse Reaction to Vaccination

 A new Nature of Injury Code (DN0035) — 38 for “Adverse reaction to a vaccination or inoculation” was approved recently by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Organizations (WCIO) and recommended by the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC).

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court (NWCC) will be ready to accept the new code effective March 8, 2021, in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat § 48-144 and Workers’ Comp. Ct. R. of Proc. 29 and 30. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) requirement tables updated with the new codes constitute the form and manner and include the content prescribed and approved by the NWCC court administrator.

For more information, please visit our EDI website (https://nwccedi.info/news).

Employer Coverage Search Application Online

 The Employer Coverage Search Application is back online (https://inet.newcc.gov/apps/npoc/).

2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics Reports for Nebraska

The 2019 Nebraska Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses and Nebraska Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries are now available (https://www.newcc.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/bureau-of-labor-statistics-reports).

UPDATE: Employer Coverage Search Application

UPDATE: The Employer Coverage Search Application is back online (https://inet.newcc.gov/apps/npoc/).

Correction: Decisions and Orders Search Application

Correction: The Decisions and Orders Search Application is currently ONLINE.

Rules of Procedure, Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s revised Rules of Procedure are now available (https://www.newcc.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/rules-of-procedure). Amendments to Rules 2, 3, 11, 26, 37, 42, 43, 47, and Addendum 2 were adopted at a public meeting on December 17, 2020. Non-adjudicatory Rules 26, 37, 42, 43, 47, and Addendum 2 became effective December 17, 2020. Adopted amendments to adjudicatory Rules 2, 3, 11 became effective January 20, 2021 following review and approval by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Schedules of Fees for Inpatient Hospital Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and Inpatient Hospital Trauma Services

The Schedules of Fees for Inpatient Hospital Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and Inpatient Hospital Trauma Services may be downloaded from the Fee Schedules section of the our website (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/medical-providers/fee-schedules). Both schedules are effective January 1, 2021. 
Please note that these schedules will be updated with medicare factor information for a new hospital, Grand Island Regional Medical Center, when that information becomes available.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Trials and Evidentiary Hearings

Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings will continue to be conducted in accordance with our November 10, 2020 administrative order until otherwise ordered.

Select this link to view our November 10, 2020 administrative order.

Schedule of Fees for Medical Services

The Schedule of Fees for Medical Services may be downloaded from the Fee Schedules section of our website (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/medical-providers/fee-schedules). The Schedules of Fees for Inpatient Hospital Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and Inpatient Hospital Trauma Services will be posted within the next week. All three fee schedules are effective January 1, 2021.

NEWS RELEASE: Change in mileage reimbursement rate

Effective January 1, 2021, the mileage rate will become 56.0 cents per mile for travel to seek medical treatment or while participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation plan. This conforms to the reimbursement rate paid to State of Nebraska employees. See related news release (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/attorneys/benefit-rates/mileage-rate-news-release). 

Historic mileage reimbursement rate information is available in the Tables of Maximum / Minimum Compensation Benefits, Burial Benefits, and Mileage Reimbursement Rates on the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s “Benefits” web page (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/attorneys/benefit-rates).

Rule amendments adopted at December 17, 2020 public meeting

Amendments to Rules 2, 3, 11, 26, 37, 42, 43, 47, and Addendum 2 were adopted at a public meeting on December 17, 2020. Non-adjudicatory Rules 26, 37, 42, 43, 47, and Addendum 2 became effective December 17, 2020. Adopted amendments to adjudicatory Rules 2, 3, 11 will become effective only upon review and approval by the Nebraska Supreme Court. (https://www.newcc.gov/home/public-hearings-and-public-meetings)

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2020

Our 78th Annual Report features activities of the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court in Fiscal Year 2020 (https://www.newcc.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/annual-reports).

NEWS RELEASE: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Maximum Weekly Income Benefit To Increase

Effective January 1, 2021, the maximum weekly income benefit under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act will increase to $914.00. This amount applies to work-related injuries and illnesses occurring on or after January 1, 2021 (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/attorneys/benefit-rates/benefits-news-release).

Temporary Email Address for Litigants to Provide Notification of COVID-19 Status

The email address (trials@wcc.ne.gov) provides a simple means for parties to comply with the requirements of our November 10, 2020 Administrative Order regarding in-person trials and hearings conducted during the remainder of calendar year 2020. Use of this temporary email address should be limited to that purpose and is intended only for notifications made outside normal business hours. During business hours, the judge’s assistant should be contacted.

Select this link to read the news release.

Public Hearing and Public Meeting: December 17, 2020

 The Notice, Agenda, and Proposed Amended Rules for a December 17, 2020 public hearing and public meeting are available for viewing or downloading (https://www.newcc.gov/home/public-hearings-and-public-meetings).

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Trials and Evidentiary Hearings

Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings will be conducted in accordance with our November 10, 2020 administrative order.

Nebraska Supreme Court issues new administrative order regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.

The Nebraska Supreme Court issued a new administrative order on November 6, 2020 regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. Select this link to read the order.

Career Opportunity: Staff and Electronic Records Assistant [Update: Position Closed]

 This position has been reopened.

Decision Summaries, FY 2020

Summaries of Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Decisions on Workers’ Compensation Cases for Fiscal Year 2020 are available for viewing / downloading on our website (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/attorneys/appellate-court-decisions).

Career Opportunity: Staff and Electronic Records Assistant [Update: Position Closed]

 The closing date for this position is October 16, 2020.