JCC Denies Home Evaluation by Social Worker After Treating Doctor Retracts Recommendation

In Borodenko v. Pavco Furniture, OJCC Case No. 25-028541TSS, Judge Timothy S. Stanton considered a Petition for Benefits seeking authorization of a home evaluation by a licensed social worker to assess the claimant's environment for safety (a related “food sufficiency” aspect was withdrawn).

The Employer/Carrier defended on the ground that a licensed social worker was not qualified to perform the requested home evaluation. At hearing, the physician who had initially recommended the evaluation testified he had retracted the social-worker recommendation and that a physical therapist or nurse should perform any home evaluation instead.

The JCC found there was no current evidence supporting a social-worker evaluation and held the claimant did not meet the burden of proof. The claim for the requested home evaluation was denied, and the claim for attorney's fees and costs was also denied.

Source: Final Compensation Order