Workers' Compensation Training For Insurance Agents In Maryland

Improve Your Workers' Compensation Skills

Are you currently working as a Workers' Compensation professional? Do you need to know more about the Workers' Compensation state laws and statutes in Maryland? Or would you like to pursue a professional designation and earn the Workers' Compensation Specialist (WCS) designation?

What Role Does An Insurance Agent Play In Maryland Workers Compensation?

Every Maryland business is required to carry workers' compensation unless the business is an agricultural employer that has fewer than three employees or an annual payroll totaling less than $15,000. As such, Maryland insurance agents should be able to explain to their clients how workers compensation in Maryland works, understand their clients' past and potential claims, then be able to get quotes for coverage.

Insurance Agents also 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 that and more!

Maryland Workers' Compensation Rules and Requirements

Coverage Requirements

Maryland requires most employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. There is no minimum employee threshold, so coverage is required as soon as a business hires its first worker. (wcc.state.md.us)

Employers Required To Carry Coverage

Coverage generally applies to:

• Employers with 1 or more employees
• Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers
• Most private employers and nonprofits
• Out-of-state employers with employees working in Maryland
• Most industries including construction, healthcare, retail, and services

Common Exemptions

Some workers or business owners may be excluded or able to elect exclusion:

• Sole proprietors (unless they elect coverage)
• Partners in a partnership
• Certain corporate officers (may elect exclusion)
• LLC members (may elect exclusion depending on structure)
• Domestic workers in limited situations
• Certain agricultural workers depending on payroll and employment structure

Employer ResponsibilitiesCareful! Maryland heavily scrutinizes independent contractor classification, and misclassification can result in coverage liability.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Obtain workers’ compensation insurance from a licensed insurer or become self-insured
• Maintain continuous coverage
• Pay the full cost of insurance (employees cannot be charged)
• Display required workers' compensation notices in the workplace
• Report workplace injuries promptly to the insurer
• File required reports with the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission
• Maintain payroll and injury records for audits and compliance

Employee Responsibilities

An injured worker should:

• Report the injury to the employer as soon as possible
• Seek medical treatment promptly
• File a claim if necessary with the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission
• Follow medical advice and restrictions
• Participate in return-to-work programs when able

Benefits Available

Covered employees may receive:

• Medical treatment (doctor visits, surgery, prescriptions)
• Temporary total disability benefits (wage replacement)
• Temporary partial disability benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Death benefits for dependents
• Funeral expenses (in qualifying cases)

Wage Replacement

• Typically two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage
• Subject to Maryland’s statutory minimum and maximum weekly benefit limits
• Paid while the worker is medically unable to work or has reduced earning capacity

Statute of Limitations

Generally:

• Claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of injury, or
• Within 2 years from the date of last compensation payment, depending on circumstances

Self-Insurance

Employers may self-insure if they:

• Demonstrate strong financial stability
• Obtain approval from the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission
• Provide required security (bond or other financial guarantee)
• Maintain claims-handling capability

Penalties For NoncomplianceEmployers without required coverage may face:

• Civil penalties and fines
• Stop-work orders
• Liability for all workers' compensation benefits directly
• Possible criminal penalties for willful violations
• Additional enforcement actions by the state

State Agency

Workers’ compensation in Maryland is administered by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).

Additional Resources:

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

Maryland Workers' Compensation Training Courses

The Maryland Workers' Comp Specialist Designation

A Maryland workers' compensation specialist designation helps ensure that you and your organization follow federal and state guidelines for job safety, disability law, and claims management that could affect the rights of employees or employers.

It is a valuable credential that verifies an individual's specified level of knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding the handling of workers' compensation claims and administration. The certification not only demonstrates that you know the laws and regulations, but that you understand how to apply the concepts taught in the workplace.

For more details on the Maryland Workers' Comp Specialist Designation, go to www.ABTrainingCenter.com/showbudetails.aspx?tcid=1000237

Worker's 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

Find Workers' Comp Training Courses

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