In light of the expiration of the State of Emergency necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Workers' Compensation Board (Board) will be returning to more regular operations on June 29, 2021. All of the guidance and modifications provided on the Board's webpage relating to the State of Emergency are lifted, with the following exceptions:
- The suspension of the labor market attachment requirement will expire on August 16, 2021 (see: Updated labor market attachment Guidance, revised 8/13/21)).
- Relief from the original signature requirements on 27 Board prescribed forms will continue until further notice.
- Board offices remain closed for the time being and contact with Board employees will be by phone and email only.
- Remote-only attendance at hearings will continue, with parties and witnesses appearing by video through the Virtual Hearing Center or, as an option for claimants only, by telephone.
- Consideration of requests for the extension of the 30-day filing requirement will continue for appeals and rebuttals post-marked through July 6, 2021.
- Personal service on the Board still will not be permitted. Service will continue to be by mail only.
- Telehealth will remain in effect by Emergency Regulation. A permanent telehealth regulation has been released for public comment.
Please watch the Board's website for any updates, and if you have questions, contact the Board's Office of General Counsel at officeofgeneralcounsel@wcb.ny.gov.