OAR 436-060-0019: Determining and Paying the Three Day Waiting Period

(1) Determining the three-day waiting period. The three-day waiting period is three consecutive calendar days, beginning with the first day the worker leaves work or loses wages as a result of the compensable injury, subject to the following: (a) If the worker leaves work, but returns and completes the work shift without loss of wages, that day is not considered to be the first day of the three-day waiting period; (b) If the worker leaves work, but returns and completes the work shift and receives reduced wages, that day is considered to be the first day of the three-day waiting period; (c) If the worker leaves work and does not complete the work shift, that day is considered to be the first day of the three-day waiting period, even if there is no loss of wages; and (d) If the worker leaves work or loses wages during a work shift that extends into another calendar day, the first day of the three-day waiting period is the date the employer uses for payroll purposes. (2) Authorization of temporary disability. Authorization of temporary disability under OAR 436-010-0210 is not required to begin the three-day waiting period. (3) Paying the three-day waiting period. No temporary disability compensation is due to the worker for the three-day waiting period, unless temporary disability is authorized under OAR 436-010-0210, and: (a) The worker is totally disabled after the injury, and the total disability continues for a period of 14 consecutive days; or (b) The worker is admitted as an inpatient to a hospital within 14 days of the first onset of total disability. (4) Amount due when the three-day waiting period is payable. When the worker is eligible for compensation for the three-day waiting period under section (3) of this rule, the amount due and payable is determined by applying the following: (a) If the worker left work during the first half of the shift on the first day of the three-day waiting period, and did not return to complete the shift, the worker must be paid compensation for one half of that day; or (b) If the worker left work during the second half of the shift on the first day of the three-day waiting period, the worker is not due compensation for that day. (5) Worker employed with varying days off or a cyclic work schedule. If a worker is employed with varying days off or a cyclic work schedule, the three-day waiting period must be determined using the work schedule of the week the worker first leaves work or loses wages as a result of the injury. (6) Worker no longer employed with the employer at injury. If the worker is no longer employed with the employer at injury, or does not have an established schedule when the worker leaves work or loses wages, the three-day waiting period and scheduled days off must be based on the work schedule of the week the worker was injured.