Free WORK EXPOSURE TO - Arizona

WORK EXPOSURE TO METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA), SPINAL MENINGITIS, OR TUBERCULOSIS (TB) Notice to Employees Employees are notified that a claim may be made for a condition, infection, disease or disability involving or related to MRSA, spinal meningitis, or TB within the provisions of the Arizona Workers' Compensation Law. (A.R.S. § 23-1043.04) Such a claim shall include the occurrence of a significant exposure at work, which is defined to mean an exposure in the course of employment to aerosolized MRSA, spinal meningitis or TB bacteria. Significant exposure also includes exposure in the course of employment to MRSA through bodily fluids or skin. Certain classes of employees (as defined below) may more easily establish a claim related to MRSA, spinal meningitis or TB by meeting the following requirements: 1. The employee's regular course of employment involves handling or exposure to MRSA, spinal meningitis or TB. For purposes of establishing a claim under this section, "employee" is limited to firefighters, law enforcement officers, correction officers, probation officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who are not employed by a health care institution; 2. No later than 10 days after a possible significant exposure, the employee reports in writing to the employer the details of the exposure; 3. A diagnosis is made within the following time-frames: a. For a claim involving MRSA, the employee is diagnosed with MRSA within two to ten days of the possible significant exposure;

b. For a claim involving spinal meningitis, the employee is diagnosed with spinal meningitis within two to eighteen days of the possible significant exposure; and c. For a claim involving TB, the employee is diagnosed with TB within twelve weeks of the possible significant exposure.

Expenses for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, including reasonably required prophylactic treatment for MRSA, spinal meningitis, and TB is considered a medical benefit under the Arizona Workers' Compensation Act for any significant exposure that arises out of and in the course of employment if the employee files a claim for the significant exposure or the employee reports in writing the details of the exposure. Providing post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, including prophylactic treatment, does not, however, constitute acceptance of a claim for a condition, infection, disease or disability involving or related to a significant exposure.

Employers must post this notice in a conspicuous place next to the Workers' Compensation Notice to Employees.

REV. 6/09