The Board previously elected to engage Knox County to provide workers’ compensation coverage and administer claims on behalf of Knox County Schools’ classified and certified employees by an agreement adopted in 2016. Workers’ compensation benefits shall be administered in accordance with Tennessee law.

Knox County Schools and Knox County shall designate a medical panel of three (3) or more independent reputable physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, or specialty practice groups if available in injured employee’s community or, if not so available, in accordance with Tennessee law, from which the injured employee shall select one (1) to be the treating physician.

This policy is not intended to supersede or modify the procedures applicable to employees eligible for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or leave benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Inquiries about the ADA or FMLA should be directed to the human resources department (HR).

Knox County Schools defines “transitional work” as temporary, modified work assignments within the worker’s physical abilities, knowledge, and skills as determined by the treating physician. When possible, transitional positions will be made available to injured workers to minimize or eliminate time lost from work. Knox County Schools cannot guarantee a transitional position and is under no obligation to offer, create or encumber any specific position for purposes of offering placement to such a position.

In the event an employee refuses transitional work, the employee will not be eligible for continuing temporary total disability benefits beyond the date of the Schools’ “transitional work” offer. If the employee refuses transitional work, the employee must use sick or other available leave.

TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS (WAGE REPLACEMENT

Disability begins when the authorized treating physician takes an employee off work or transitional work is not available. No compensation shall be allowed for the first seven (7) days of disability resulting from the injury, excluding the day of injury, but if disability extends beyond that period, compensation shall commence with the eighth day after the injury. In the event, however, that the disability from the injury exists for a period as long as fourteen (14) days, then compensation shall be allowed beginning with the first day after the injury. Temporary disability benefits are two-thirds (2/3) of an employee’s average weekly wages earned during the 52 weeks prior to the injury.

The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Insurance Posting Notice shall be posted in a prominent place where all employees have access.

Legal References:

1. T.C.A.§ 50-6-204 (3) (A).
2. T.C.A.§ 50-6-205(a).

Approved as to Legal Form
By Knox County Law Director 3/27/2023 
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director