State Issues New Workers’ Comp Guidelines

Goal is “timely and efficient delivery of monetary benefits and medical treatment”

The state Workers’ Compensation Commission has adopted new guidelines for resolving issues that may arise for either payors or medical providers who practice within the workers’ compensation system. The product of months of meetings with representatives from the medical field, employer groups, labor groups, insurance carriers, and attorneys representing injured workers, the guidelines took effect July 1.

According to the commission, timely decisions on benefits and medical treatments are key to achieving the best outcomes for all stakeholders involved in workers’ compensation cases. Communication breakdowns between payors, providers, and claimants, however, often lead to needless confusion and delays in resolving cases and result in unproductive use of the commission’s hearing time: all of which, says the commission, “fosters an acrimonious relationship among the injured worker, medical provider, employer, and insurance payor”_Communication, especially as it relates to medical treatment, is the key to ensuring the system’s goals are achieved.”

The new guidelines outline ways to minimize potential disruptions and ensure compliance with workers’ compensation laws and objectives. They detail the workers’ compensation process and establish a baseline of cooperation for stakeholders to agree on the delivery of appropriate medical services.

For more information, contactCBIA’s Kia Murrell at 860-244-1931 or kia.murrell@cbia.com.