MN HF6

Employees of school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools who contract COVID-19 are presumed to have an occupational disease arising out of employment if they meet verification requirements.

Eligible employees include teachers, school administrators, paraprofessionals, student support services personnel, school bus drivers, nutrition staff, custodial staff, and contract employees providing student-related services.

COVID-19 contraction must be confirmed by a positive laboratory test or, if unavailable, diagnosed and documented by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

The presumption can only be rebutted if the employer or insurer proves employment was not a direct cause of the disease, and any denial of liability must follow Minnesota Statutes section 176.221 requirements.

The provision is effective retroactively for employees who contracted COVID-19 on or after July 15, 2020, and sunsets on July 30, 2021; the commissioner must report on COVID-19 claims to the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council and relevant legislative committees by January 15, 2021, with an updated report by August 15, 2021.