Workers' Compensation Training For Insurance Agents In Arkansas

Improve Your Workers' Compensation Skills!

Are you an Arkansas Insurance Agent or handle workers' compensation administration for an Arkansas organization? Do you need to know more about the workers comp state laws and statutes in Arkansas ? If yes, we can can help! Simply read below for an overview of what you need to know, as well as links info on Arkansas workers comp rules and training course to help you stay in compliance.

What Should An Insurance Agent Know Re Arkansas Workers Compensation?

Any business in Arkansas with three or more employees is required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Some businesses with fewer than three employees are required to carry workers' comp coverage if they work in an especially risky industry, such as construction. As such, insurance agents should be able to explain to their clients how workers compensation in Arkansas works, understand their clients' past and potential claims, then be able to get quotes for coverage. Regarding coverage - and it's cost - insurance agents should understand the number and type of employees, as well as the kind of work the employees do in order to get quotes.

Regarding the administrative end, Insurance Agents should understand the state's workers comp rules and requirements, how to deal with accommodation and return-to-work requests, management of the claim, proper account handling procedures, and how to fight fraudulent claims. Read below for training courses that teach you and your clients how to do this and more!

What Should Insurance Agents And Administrators Know About Workers Comp Compliance?

Insurance Agents should have at least a working knowledge of, and individuals assigned to handle workers compensation responsibilities should specifically know, how to develop, maintain, and manage the organization's workers' comp program, investigate and process workers' compensation claims, communicate with employees, managers, insurance carriers, medical providers, attorneys, and upper management re workers comp issues.

Further, workers comp administrators should be able to accurately and timely report workplace injuries and illnesses, work within the various workers compensation laws, rules, and requirements for issues and requests such as accommodations, restrictions, and return-to-work. Yes, there is a lot of work - and regulations - in handling an organization's workers comp responsibilities. But don't worry, we have many workers comp training courses that can help!

Arkansas Workers' Compensation Rules and Requirements

Coverage Requirements

Most employers in Arkansas are required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have three or more employees. However, some employers with fewer than three employees—particularly in the construction industry or those using subcontractors—may also be required to maintain coverage.

Employers Required To Carry Coverage

Coverage generally applies to:

• Employers with 3 or more employees
• Construction employers with 2 or more employees engaged in building or building repair work
• Contractors and subcontractors who employ workers
• Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and minor employees

Common Exemptions

The following workers are generally exempt unless coverage is voluntarily provided or otherwise required:

• Certain agricultural laborers
• Domestic workers
• Some casual employees
• Independent contractors who meet the legal definition of an independent contractor
• Certain sole proprietors and business owners who qualify for exemptions

Employer Responsibilities

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Purchase workers' compensation insurance from an authorized insurer or obtain approval to self-insure.
• Pay the full cost of the insurance (employees cannot be charged).
• Display the required Form P workers' compensation poster in the workplace.
• Provide employees with required notices following a reported injury.
• Promptly report workplace injuries to their insurance carrier using the required forms.
• Maintain required payroll and injury records.

Employee Responsibilities

An injured employee should:

• Report the injury to the employer as soon as possible.
• Seek treatment from the employer's authorized medical provider.
• Complete required workers' compensation forms.
• Keep medical appointments.
• Follow prescribed medical treatment.
• Return to work when medically released.

Benefits Available

Eligible employees may receive:

• Medical treatment
• Hospital services
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Temporary total disability benefits
• Temporary partial disability benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation (when applicable)
• Death benefits for eligible dependents
• Burial expenses

Wage Replacement

• Wage-loss benefits generally replace two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to Arkansas statutory maximums.
• There is a 7-day waiting period before disability benefits begin.
• The first seven days are paid only if the disability lasts more than 14 days.

Statute of Limitations

Generally, claims must be filed within:

• 2 years from the date of injury, or
• 1 year from the date of the last payment of compensation or medical benefits, whichever is applicable.

Self-Insurance

Qualified employers may apply to the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission for approval to self-insure by demonstrating sufficient financial ability and meeting state security requirements.Penalties For NoncomplianceEmployers that fail to maintain required workers' compensation coverage may face:

• Civil penalties
• Loss of legal protections provided under the Workers' Compensation Act
• Liability for workplace injury claims
• Additional enforcement actions by the state

State Agency

Workers' compensation in Arkansas is administered by the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission (AWCC), which oversees employer compliance, claims administration, dispute resolution, and self-insurance programs.

Arkansas Workers' Compensation Training Courses

Workers Comp Training Seminars And Webinars

Listed below are some of our best-selling Workers Comp seminars and webinars. You attend seminars in-person at a specific date, time, and venue. Webinars are available in live, CD, and OnDemand formats.

• Workers' Comp Training Seminar
• Workers' Comp 101: The Whats, Whens, And Whys
• Tips For Tracking, Monitoring, And Managing Your Workers' Comp Claims
• Workers' Comp Cost Savings Tips
• Return-To-Work Strategies
• Tips That Strengthen Your Workers' Comp Program

Online Workers Comp Training Courses

The following are online courses you can take anywhere with Internet access:

• How Workers Comp Works
  
• Integrating FMLA, ADA, COBRA, And Workers' Compensation Training & Certification Program

Additional Resources:

FAQs | Blogs | Glossaries | Compliance Checklist
State-Specific Requirements | Certification Programs | FMLA/ADA Integration | Specialty Webinars

Find Workers Comp Training Courses

Select one of the recommended courses below or use the search box to find additional workers compensation training courses.