At Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. we are keeping a very close eye on the evolving situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our clients. Please keep in mind that as the situation changes, we all are prepared to adjust and be flexible.

Our state’s first responders are involved with on-the-job incidents each day that are more than the average person can imagine. What they witness and the situations they deal with take a toll on their mental health and it’s more important than ever to support those who protect us and ease the stigma of getting help. We’re honored to have a relationship with the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) and happy to be a resource to their members with Minnesota workers’ compensation and PERA/MSRS disability claim needs.

In Minnesota, a police officer or firefighter who suffers from a physical or mental condition that limits their ability to perform the normal duties of their position for a period of at least one year, and where that condition is the direct result of an injury or illness arising out of or incurred during the performance of inherently dangerous duties, is eligible for Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Police and Fire Plan Duty Disability benefits. In turn, a police officer or firefighter who is determined to be eligible for PERA Duty Disability benefits is also eligible for Continuation of Health Insurance Benefits in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 299A.465. State Troopers, DNR Officers, and BCA Officers who are determined to be eligible for Duty Disability benefits under the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) State Patrol Plan are also eligible for this benefit.

The Southwest Journal, a local newspaper in Southwest Minneapolis, recently reported on the development of a mindfulness and wellness program aimed at making Minneapolis cops “more compassionate” in response to the highly publicized shooting death of Minneapolis resident Justine Ruszczyk Damond. According to the article “before the end of the year, all 888 MPD officers will be required to take a three-hour training session designed to improve their health, wellness and sense of compassion”. When practiced regularly, mindfulness can be an effective tool with a lasting impact. The city is taking a step in the right direction by introducing mindfulness training and exercise, but should go a step further by incorporating it in an overall treatment plan to increase its effectiveness.