Minnesota legislation
New law increases maximum weekly benefit

Workers’ compensation law changes passed by the 2008 Minnesota Legislature increase the maximum amount and duration of indemnity benefits for injured employees.

The new law increases the maximum weekly compensation from $750 to $850. Workers’ compensation provides two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage at the time of injury, subject to the maximum compensation amount.

The new law also extends the duration an injured worker can receive this wage-replacement benefit from 104 weeks to 130 weeks. The changes go into effect Oct. 1.

Additionally, the law:

• Deems any services provided by unlicensed complementary and alternative healthcare providers as not compensable.
  
  
• Provides for an easier process to adopt changes to the state relative value fee schedule for new drugs and treatments.