After you’re injured at work, you can expect to receive a letter from the insurance company with several releases. Do you have to sign them?
Maybe. It depends on what they are asking for.
Medical Release: The insurance company is entitled to all of the medical records relating to treatment of you work injury. Also, as a general rule, the insurance company is entitled to all of your medical records relating to the body part that was injured from two years prior to the date of injury. There is a form on the Alaska Workers Compensation Board’s website which has been drafted by the Board. Release of Medical Information
If the insurance company’s form looks like the Board’s form and is limited to the body part injured at work and from two years prior to your date of injury, it’s appropriate. Additionally, certain providers (like Alaska Regional and Providence) insist on their own forms. As long as these forms are limited to the body part injured at work and from two years prior to your date of injury, they are appropriate.
Employment Records Release: The insurance company is entitled to a list of your employers during the preceding ten years and an employment records release allowing them to speak with your prior employers IF you are applying for reemployment benefits. As a general rule, they are not entitled to this information unless you are applying for reemployment benefits.
If you have questions about your workers compensation claim, call my office. I have more than 30 years experience fighting for the rights of injured Alaskans. Consultations are FREE. Call 258-7663.