Changes to the State of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law

Larry T. Ellis, Director, Division of Human Resources

The Florida Legislature revised the state’s Workers’ Compensation Law, Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, during the first special session held in 2003. As a result, the university must adjust its workers’ compensation procedures. Effective January 1, 2004, an injured employee must sign a First Report of Injury or Illness form (DWC-1) and the department must immediately return the signed form to UF’s Workers’ Compensation Office.

Chapter 440.105(7) of the statute states:

“An injured employee or any other party making a claim under this chapter shall provide his or her personal signature attesting that he or she has reviewed, understands, and acknowledges the following statement: ‘Any person who, knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive any employer or employee, insurance company, or self-insured program, files a statement of claim containing any false or misleading information commits insurance fraud, punishable as provided in s. 817.234.’ If the injured employee or other party refuses to sign the document attesting that he or she has reviewed, understands, and acknowledges the statement, benefits or payments under this chapter shall be suspended until such signature is obtained.”

In the past, departments maintained a signed copy of the First Report of Injury or Illness form for a limited period of time (typically three to six months). Due to the statutory changes, departments are no longer required to keep a copy.

For additional information about the university’s workers’ compensation program, please visit the Workers’ Compensation section of the Division of Human Resources’ web site at <www.hr.ufl.edu/emprelations/workers.htm>. Should you have questions, please contact Workers’ Compensation at 352-392-4940 (SC 622-4940) or workcomp@ufl.edu.