Page 14 - February 2020 FOP Magazine

Are you confident that you are fully protected?
In my recent visits to districts and units as a field representative, I have observed a lot of confusion regarding injury on duty (IOD) reports. As police officers risking your lives each and every day to pro- tect the city of Chicago, we are at a greater risk of sustaining injuries during the performance of our duties. The injury itself can be very difficult to over- come, and the pain or injury can recur later on in your career.
Now there is an added insult to your injury: Of- ficers are now greatly concerned if and when their injury claim is going to be approved and granted an IOD certifi- cation. Recently, there has been a spike in the number of unrea- sonable delays in approving the injury as an IOD and certifying the claim. This IOD certification is the primary standard for of- ficers being eligible for workers’ compensation, which not only includes the payment of any and all medical bills as it relates to that specific injury, but also allows the officer full pay and benefits while coded as IOD. Other issues unreasonably delayed or denied approval are MRIs, surgery and physical therapy in
relation to the injury sustained while performing your duties.
I have already addressed my concerns to; The Medical Service Section, Human Resources, the Management and Labor Affairs Section, Corporation Counsel and Dr. Arjmand. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding your injuries before, during or after you are transported to a medical facility to receive the
proper immediate medical care. If an issue arises, we will file the appropriate grievance(s).
If you are denied your certification of IOD, you will be noti- fied through the standard mailing service. Please retain the de- nial letter as well as the original envelope in which it arrived, as they are both crucial in the commencement of your grievance filing.
Another issue I witnessed while being out in the field is with the new IOD reporting system. The IOD reporting system has recently been changed and is causing major issues with regard to injury claims. Little to no training was given to the super- visors on this new IOD reporting system. I recently have had supervisors contact me inquiring about the new IOD reporting system as well as what paperwork their officer(s) should have copies of for their claim of IOD. The new system does not make it easy for the IOD report to be printed, copied or scanned like it was prior to the change. Once the supervisor submits the re- port, it can no longer be pulled up by anyone in the district or unit, not even by the commander.
Only a supervisor at the medical section is granted that abili- ty and, because of the number of requests, it may be some time before you receive a copy. The process of requesting a copy can lead to a timeliness issue when filing your grievance because we only have a certain number of days to file a grievance on your behalf. Officers are contacting me as soon as they get to the hospital for immediate care to their injury due to the fact
ANDREW CANTORE
14 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ FEBRUARY 2020
Field Representative’s Report