Justia Iowa Supreme Court Opinion Summaries

Claimant, an undocumented worker, underwent surgery in 2007 to correct work-related hernias. Claimant returned to work, but in 2008 Employer terminated Claimant's employment. In 2007, Claimant filed for workers' compensation benefits. A deputy commissioner awarded running healing period benefits from the date of the work-related injury until Claimant reached maximum medical improvement. The Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner affirmed the deputy's decision. The district court affirmed, holding that substantial evidence supported the running award of healing period benefits, the Commissioner was correct in starting healing period benefits at a date prior stipulated date, and Claimant's return to work did not cut off any of her benefits. The Supreme Court affirmed in part and reversed in part, holding (1) an undocumented worker is entitled to healing period benefits under the Iowa Workers' Compensation Act; (2) the district court did not err in affirming on the issues of substantial evidence and the starting date of Claimant's benefits; and (3) Claimant was not entitled to healing period benefits while she was working. Remanded. View "Staff Mgmt. v. Jimenez" on Justia Law

Plaintiffs, several nursing homes approved by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) as Medicaid providers, submitted annual reports disclosing their income and expenses to DHS. DHS used the reports to calculate the Medicaid per diem reimbursement rates for the nursing homes. Some of the facilities' expenses were disallowed by DHS, and DHS reduced reimbursement rates accordingly. The facilities appealed the adjustments. The director of human services upheld the action. The district court affirmed. The court of appeals reversed, concluding that the DHS rules did not support its decision that the disputed costs were not allowable. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that DHS's exclusion of the facilities' lab, x-ray, and prescription drug costs from the nursing homes' reports was based on an incorrect interpretation of its rules.View "Sunrise Ret. Cmty. v. Iowa Dep't of Human Servs." on Justia Law