Which statement best describes volunteer coverage under workers' compensation?

• A. Volunteers are covered only if they are paid.
• B. Volunteers are always covered regardless of anything.
• C. Volunteers are covered only if the nonprofit adopts coverage.
• D. Volunteers are never covered.

Answer: (C)

Volunteers aren’t automatically covered by workers’ compensation. Coverage for volunteers exists only when the nonprofit organization elects to extend workers’ compensation to them. If the nonprofit adopts coverage, volunteers performing duties for the organization are protected under the policy; without that adoption, volunteers have no coverage. This makes the statement that volunteers are covered only if the nonprofit adopts coverage the best description. It’s not about payment, it isn’t automatic, and it isn’t true that volunteers are never covered in all cases.