Alabama VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The state has posted new changes to the hospital and ASC fee schedules effective October 1, 2017. The next update is expected on January 1, 2018.

Alabama Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of a public hearing and amendment to rules regarding independent adjusters.
• A hearing was held at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, in the offices of the Alabama Department of Insurance, 201 Monroe Street, Fifth Floor Conference Room, RSA Tower, Montgomery, Alabama, as follows:
  • Adoption of new Section 2-1 of Insurance Regulation No. 151 [Rule 482-1-151-.02-1], which will set forth the lines of authority for which an Independent Adjuster may apply.  The new rule will become effective November 25, 2017.  (1 page)
  • Amendment to Section 3 of Insurance Regulation No. 151 [Rule 482-1-151-.03], which sets forth the requirements for the pre-licensing course for Independent Adjusters.  The amendment merely clarifies there are four independent adjuster examinations: (a) Property and Casualty, excluding Workers’ Compensation and Crop; (b) Workers’ Compensation; (c) Crop; and (d) Property and Casualty, including Workers’ Compensation and Crop.  The amendment will become effective November 25, 2017.  (2 pages)
  • Amendment to Section 6 of Insurance Regulation No. 151 [Rule 482-1-151-.06], which sets the requirements for the Independent Adjuster examinations.  The amendment adds the new examination exemption for individuals holding a certification from an approved pre-licensing provider that the individual has passed an examination substantially similar to that required by the rule.  The amendment will become effective November 25, 2017.  (5 pages)
  • Amendment to Section 7 of Insurance Regulation No. 151 [Rule 482-1-151-.07], which sets the requirements for the Independent Adjuster license.  The amendment merely corrects a typographical error, changing a reference to “producer” to “independent adjuster.”  The amendment will become effective November 25, 2017.  (4 pages)
  • Amendment to Section 11 of Insurance Regulation No. 151 [Rule 482-1-151-.11], which sets the requirements for continuing education for Independent Adjusters.  The amendment adds the statutory exceptions to the continuing education requirement.  The amendment will become effective November 25, 2017.  (4 pages)
  • Amendments to Section 2 of Insurance Regulation No. 159 [Rule 482-1-159-.02], which sets the requirements for grants through the Strengthen Alabama Homes program.  The amendments make certain changes to the regulation consistent with current procedures being followed in the implementation of the program, and add a specific provision allowing periods when grant applications will be accepted.  The amendments will become effective November 25, 2017.  (4 pages)
  • Revisions to Insurance Regulation No. 161 [Chapter 482-1-161], which formally determined the operative date in this state of the Valuation Manual developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).  Section 3 [Rule 482-1-161-.03] is retiled to reflect the adoption of the 2017 Version, to include revisions made by the NAIC in 2016; while new Section 4 [Rule 482-1-161-.04] is added to adopt by reference the Valuation Manual as revised by the NAIC in 2017.  The revisions will become effective January 1, 2018.  (4 pages)
  • Adoption of Section 1 of State Fire Marshal Regulation No. 109 [Rule 482-2-109-.01], which adopts by reference the 2015 edition of the International Fuel Gas Code®, with exceptions.  The new rule will become effective January 1, 2018.  (1 page)
  • Adoption of new State Fire Marshal Regulation No. 110 [Chapter 482-2-110] to set forth the rules necessary to implement the provisions of Section 36-19-2.1, Code of Alabama 1975, regarding destructive device permits.  The new regulation will become effective November 25, 2017.  (7 pages).

Alaska VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted the final regulation regarding the medical fee schedule.  The Alaska Fee Schedule becomes effective on January 1, 2018.
• Posted Bulletin 17-03 regarding Workers' Compensation Board List of Second Independent Medical Examiners.

Arizona VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Under A.A.C. R20-5-1301(C), the Industrial Commission of Arizona (the “Commission”) is authorized to “modify or change the applicability of the guidelines as described in subsection B [of R20-5-1301]. If the Commission determines that modification or changing the applicability of the guidelines will:
  • 1) improve medical treatment for injured workers,
  • 2) make treatment and claims processing more efficient and cost effective, and
  • 3) the guidelines adequately cover the body parts or conditions.”
• The Commission has posted information regarding this issue at https://www.azica.gov/resources/medical-provider.

Arkansas VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• On November 8, 2017, the Commission posted the following notice.  On May 23, 2017, a public hearing was held regarding Proposed Rule 099.41, Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Drug Formulary. Oral and written comments were received during the hearing. After the public comment period, revisions were made to the proposed rule. The revised rule as modified may be viewed in its entirety at  http://www.awcc.state.ar.us/proposed/rule099_41_revised_draft_clean.pdf.   Also provided is a copy of the original version of the proposed rule with the revised changes.  It can be viewed at http://www.awcc.state.ar.us/proposed/rule099_41_revised_draft_11_06_17.pdf.
• Notice: The September 1, 2017, implementation of Rule 099.41, Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Drug Formulary, has been extended to July 1, 2018, pending Legislative Review.

Arkansas Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Issued bulletin number 17-2017 regarding assessment by Arkansas rural risk underwriting association.

California VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The Clinical Lab Fee Schedule has been updated with an effective date of January 1, 2017 and the DMEPOS Schedule has been updated with an effective date of February 1, 2017. The DWC has adjusted the pathology and clinical laboratory fee schedule and the DMEPOS schedule to conform with the changes to the Medicare payment system adopted by CMS for calendar year 2018.
• Medi-Cal rates have been released with an effective date of November 15, 2017. The next update is scheduled for December 15, 2017.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adopting regulations to update the evidence-based treatment guidelines of the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS).  The updates, effective for medical treatment services rendered on or after December 1, 2017, incorporate by reference the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine’s (ACOEM’s) most recent treatment guidelines to the General Approaches, Clinical Topics, and Special Topics sections of the MTUS.
• The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) launched its second free online physician education course. This course is highly recommended for California’s Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs). It is also available to the public and may be useful for attorneys, claims administrators and medical providers participating in the California workers’ compensation system. “Evaluating California’s Injured Workers: Qualified Medical Evaluators (QME)” is the second in a planned series of educational modules developed for medical doctors, chiropractors and nurses. QMEs play a critical role in resolving disputes within the workers’ compensation system.   To obtain more information go to: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/CaliforniaDWCCME.htm
• The Division of Workers’ Compensation has scheduled a transmission code validation testing session for JET File in December and posted information for JET File developers on its website.
• The transmission code validation testing sessions are for prospective JET Filers who have built a transmission method for their organization’s use, software vendors who have developed products for case participants, and parties that will act as third-party filers on behalf of clients. Current trading partners and software vendors who want to change their currently validated code or share their code for use by new organizations can use this opportunity to test the code being changed.
• Testing will be conducted over a two-week period. The schedule is:

• • Monday, December 4 through Friday, December 8, 2017, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Monday, December 11, through Friday, December 15, 2017, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• JET File allows electronic filing of multiple court forms and attachments in a single transmission by secure file transfer protocol (SFTP). Those who develop JET File transmission code using technical specifications published by DWC must test that code to validate the data can be received by State of California servers, where it is picked up by the division and deposited into the Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS).
• Requests to participate in transmission code validation testing must be submitted to JET@dir.ca.gov no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, November 27. Requestors should carefully review the information posted on the JET File technical information webpage. Additional information will be provided to confirm testing participants.
• The validation will take place at DWC headquarters in Oakland, but the test files will be sent from the submitter’s location. Periodic phone conferences will be held as needed.
• Requestors will receive a daily testing schedule as well as a mandatory data sheet to be used for all validation. Parties validating JET File code for the first time for any form must successfully submit at least six of each of the JET File forms they develop for filing per the schedule set by DWC. The following categories of forms may be tested:
  • Application for adjudication of claim
  • Declaration of readiness to proceed (to hearing)
  • Declaration of readiness to proceed (to expedited trial)
  • Compromise and release
  • Stipulations with request for award
  • Notice and request for allowance of lien.
  • Unstructured form
  • Supplemental lien form and Section 4903.05(c) Declaration
• Parties that do not test for all eight forms are limited to filing only those forms for which their software has been validated. All parties who will actually do the filing following validation must also fill out and submit the Excel spreadsheet portion of the trading partner agreement to JET@dir.ca.gov.
• JET File was launched on June 27, 2011 and approved vendors are listed on the DWC website. More information on electronic filing, including JET File and e-forms, can be found on the EAMS website.

Colorado VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted an interpretive bulletin regarding the 2018 fee schedule and the fees associated with the 2018 fee schedule. The fee schedule was updated as of October 30, 2017.
• The Division posted in the state register notice of adoption of 7 CCR 1101-3R17 EX 07 Rule 17: Exhibit 7- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Medical Treatment Guidelines and 7 CCR 1101-3 R17 EX9 Rule 17: Exhibit 9 - Chronic Pain Disorder Medical Treatment Guidelines.  Both guidelines became effective October 30, 2017.
• The Department of Labor and Employment has published their intended regulatory amendments agenda for 2018.

Colorado Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice that rule 3CCR 702-5 has been adopted and will be effective April 1, 2018. The purpose of this regulation is to interpret and implement the provisions of §§ 10-4-111(1) and (5) and 10-4-636, of the Colorado Revised Statutes, to provide summary disclosure requirements and the summary disclosure form for private passenger automobile insurance. The purpose of this regulation is to interpret and implement the provisions of §§ 10-4-111(1) and (5) and 10-4-636, of the Colorado Revised Statutes, to provide summary disclosure requirements and the summary disclosure form for private passenger automobile insurance.

Delaware VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The state has posted an update for Prosthetic procedures (L5000 – L9900) reimbursement effective November 20, 2017.

Delaware Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of proposed amendments to a rule regarding arbitration of automobile The Department of Insurance hereby gives notice of proposed amendments to Regulation 901, Arbitration of Automobile and Homeowners’ Insurance Claims. The proposed amendments would raise the filing fees for Automobile Insurance and Homeowners’ Insurance claims from $30.00 to $50.00. These fees have not been adjusted since the regulation was codified on March 1, 2002. The Department is also amending the regulation to update style. The Department is also proposing non-substantive amendments to correct style and subsection references. The Department of Insurance does not plan to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments appear below and can be viewed at the Department of Insurance website at http://insurance.delaware.gov/information/proposedregs/.

Florida WC VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Florida has posted notice of proposed rules for the Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual; Reimbursement Manual for Ambulatory Surgery Centers; and Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals.
• 69L-7.020
  Florida Workers' Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual. The purpose of the changes being made to Rule 69L-7.020, F.A.C., is to incorporate the 2017 version of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual. The manual contains the updated lists of Maximum Reimbursement Allowances for various medical services, as approved by the Three-Member Panel on April 19, 2017, pursuant to section 440.13(12) (a), Florida Statutes. The proposed rule amends the existing rule to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2017 version of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual.

• 69L-7.100
  Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). The purpose of the changes being made to Rule 69L-7.100, F.A.C., is to incorporate the 2017 version of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). The manual contains the updated lists of Maximum Reimbursement Allowances for various medical services, as approved by the Three-Member Panel on April 19, 2017, pursuant to section 440.13(12) (a), Florida Statutes. The proposed rule amends the existing rule to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2017 version of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs).

• 69L-7.501
  Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals. The purpose of the changes being made to Rule 69L-7.501, F.A.C., is to incorporate the 2017 version of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals. The manual contains the updated lists of Maximum Reimbursement Allowances for various medical services, as approved by the Three-Member Panel on April 19, 2017, pursuant to section 440.13(12) (a), Florida Statutes.   The proposed rule amends the existing rule to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2017 version of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals.

• Summary: The purpose of the changes being made to Rules 69L-7.020, 69L-7.100, and 69L-7.501, F.A.C., is to incorporate the 2017 versions of the Florida Workers' Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual, the Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), and the Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals. The manuals contain the updated lists of Maximum Reimbursement Allowances for various medical services, as approved by the Three-Member Panel on April 19, 2017, pursuant to section 440.13(12) (a), Florida Statutes. Posted notice regarding changes to rules affecting health facility and agency licensing regarding drug free workplace standards
• Posted notice of change to rule 69L-8.071 Materials for use with the Florida Workers' Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual and 69L-8.074 Materials for use throughout Rule Chapter 69L-7 F. A. C.

Idaho VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Idaho has posted notice of proposed rules for FY 2018.  The notice posted changes to:
  • 02.04, Administrative Rules of the IC Under the Worker's Compensation Law – Benefits
  • 17-0204-1701 Proposed Rulemaking, Bulletin Vol. 17-11
  • 17-0204-1702 Proposed Rulemaking, Bulletin Vol. 17-11
  • 02.07, Procedures to Obtain Compensation
  • 17-0207-1701 Proposed Rulemaking, Bulletin Vol. 17-11
  • 02.08, Miscellaneous Provisions
  • 17-0208-1701 Proposed Rulemaking, Bulletin Vol. 17-11
  • 02.10, Administrative Rules of the Industrial Commission Under the Workers' Compensation Law --
  • Security for Compensation -- Insurance Carriers
  • 17-0210-1701 Proposed Rulemaking, Bulletin Vol. 17-11
  • 02.11, Administrative Rules of the Industrial Commission Under the Workers’ Compensation Law --
  • Security for Compensation -- Self-Insured Employers
  • 17-0211-1701 Proposed Rulemaking, Bulletin Vol. 17-11
• The Industrial Commission Claims and Benefits department conducts compliance audits of insurers and their designated in-state adjusters. Periodic audits are performed to ensure insurer and self-insured employers comply with claims adjusting requirements as required by Statute and Rule.

Idaho Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of pending: Rule Pertaining to Cancellation of, or Refusal to Renew Automobile Insurance Policies - Docket Number 18-0120-1701 Idaho Code § 41-2502 requires that insurers offer uninsured and underinsured auto coverage to Idaho consumers and also provides that a consumer can reject such coverage in writing when the policy is first purchased. Subsection (3) of this section also provides that the insurer provide a statement approved by the Director of the Department of Insurance explaining both types of coverage and the types of underinsured coverage that might be available in Idaho. The department fulfilled this directive initially by publishing Bulletin 08-08. Recently there has been discussion about whether consumers are adequately protected under the status quo. In 2017, there were three bills (H0163, S1048, and S1078) that considered proposing amendments to Idaho Code §§ 41-2502 or 41-2503 (the latter section containing definitions). Legislators suggested that the Director meet with industry to consider alternatives that might better serve Idahoans. The resulting pending rulemaking provides a revised disclosure form to be used by carriers no later than January 1, 2019.

Illinois VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Department of Insurance issued Insurance Bulletin 2017-04 regarding Workers' compensation Preferred Provider Program Registration/Renewal Fees.

Indiana VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The second injury fund has sufficient monies to pay its obligations through the end of December, leaving a chunk of change in reserve to offset next year’s assessment.  The balance remaining in the Fund as of this date is $3,383,380.  Monthly payouts average roughly $500,000, $100,000 of which goes to replace prostheses. Disbursements for 2016 totaled $6,298,675.  In accordance with IC 22-3-3-13(c) (2), an assessment is appropriate for 2018, as the assets in the Fund on or before November 1st are less than 135% of the previous year’s payments.  The final report and analysis will follow at the end of December, along with the formula for the 2018 assessment.

Iowa VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• While the 2017-2018 Iowa Workers' Compensation Law books are not yet available, you are now able to pre-order your books online.  The order link is: http://www.iwcac.org/publications.html (link is external)
• EDI Claims Update:  To All IWD DWC Workers’ Compensation Carriers, Claims Administrators, and Self-Insured Employers: This correspondence is to provide you with the attached announcement regarding an Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation (IWD DWC) EDI Claims update. Iowa has decided to implement Claims Release 3.1 rather than 3.0 as previously announced, with the mandatory reporting period start date of December 3, 2018.

Kentucky VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Kentucky posted a corrected compensation benefit schedule for 2017.   The Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Office of Employment and Training, has certified that the average weekly wage for Kentucky for Calendar year 2016 was $848.41. Based upon that information and in accordance with KRS 342.143, the following determinations are made:
  • The increase in maximum income benefits under all provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act for the year 2016 over the year 2015 did amount to $2.00 or more; therefore, the maximum weekly indemnity benefits for calendar year 2018 shall be $848.41.
  • There was an increase of $1.00 or more in minimum income benefits; therefore, the minimum weekly indemnity benefits under all provisions of the Act shall be $169.67 for calendar year 2018.

Kentucky Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of proposed amendments to rule 806 KAR 39:030 Kentucky no-fault rejection form.  A public hearing on the proposed rule will be held on November 22, 2017 at 9:00 A.M. in the Kentucky Department of Insurance, 215 W. Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

Maine VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Workers’ Compensation Board now coordinates with CourtCall to provide a system for parties and their representatives to make routine workers’ compensation appearances by video from their offices, homes or other convenient locations. CourtCall is currently available at all Board regional offices for mediations. For more details, please see our information sheet.  The CourtCall web site can be accessed by going to https://courtcall.com/

Massachusetts VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• Hospital fee schedule has been updated as of July 1, 2017.
• The state has posted updates for the following modules:
  • 101 CMR 304.00 Community Health Centers on or after October 20, 2017
• The percentage of the Health Safety Net Uniform Assessment was revised from 0.80% to 0.73% for dates of service on or after October 1, 2017 in Administrative Bulletin 17-17.
•  

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Issued Administrative Bulletin 17-18 regarding 101 CMR 304.00: Community Health Centers:  Clarification on the Methodology and Payment Schedule for 340B Transition Supplemental Payments.
• EOHHS has published notices of public hearings for the following regulations. You can view the notices and the corresponding regulations at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/laws-regs/hhs/public-hearings.html
  • 101 CMR 322.00:  Durable Medical Equipment, Oxygen, and Respiratory Therapy Equipment and the repeal of:  114.3 CMR 22.00:  Durable Medical Equipment, Oxygen, and Respiratory Therapy Equipment 101 CMR 350.00:  Home Health Services 101 CMR 353.00:  Payment for Primary Care Clinician Plan Services and the repeal of 114.3 CMR 53.00:  Payment for Primary Care Clinician Plan Services

Michigan VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of a public meeting in the November 1, 2017 Register. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Workers’ Compensation Agency, held a public hearing on Thursday, November 9, 2017, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Workers’ Compensation Agency, 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, Michigan. The hearing was held to receive public comment on proposed amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Health Care Services rules and fee schedule. The Health Care Services rules are revised in order to provide the Agency’s external customers with updated health care fee schedules for reimbursement to providers for treatment of injured workers and to guide providers and payers on the scope of reimbursement.    The following rules of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended: R 418.10106, R 418.10107, R 418.10207, R 418.10208, R 418.10212, R 418.10214, R 418.10404, R 418.10416, R 418.10904, R 418.10905, R 418.10909, R 418.10912, R 418.10920, R 418.10923b, R 418.101002, R 418.101003, R 418.101003a, R 418.101008a, R 418.101501, R 418.101503 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended, and R 418.10926 and R 418.101010 are added.  These rules are promulgated by authority conferred on the Workers’ Compensation Agency by sections 205 and 315 of 1969 PA 317, section 33 of 1969 PA 306, Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1982-2, 1986-3, 1990-1, 1996-2, 2003-1, and 2011-4, MCL 205, 418.315, 24.233, 18.24, 418.1, 418.2, 445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030.  Rules adopted under these sections will become effective seven days after filing with the Secretary of State.  Rule Set 2017-040 LR is published on the state of Michigan website at http://w3.lara.state.mi.us/orr/Rules.aspx?type=dept&id=LR and in the November 1, 2017 issue of the Michigan Register. A copy of the proposed rules may be obtained by contacting David Campbell at 517-284-8891 or email at campbelld5@michigan.gov
• The Funds Administration is now accepting the Form 112 – Application for Reimbursement and supporting documentation via upload through the Michigan Data Exchange Gateway (DEG), a secure website. Note: Form 112’s uploaded to the DEG are submitted to a different Mailbox than the Workers’ Compensation Agency forms. If you already have a DEG account established use Mailbox: WCFUNDSA and Application ID: 112FA when uploading the Form 112. Those interested in participating that do not have a DEG User Account can email Diane Harger at hargerd@michigan.gov. An account will be established and the necessary instructions on how to upload the Form 112 via the Michigan Data Exchange Gateway, including user ID, password, etc., will be provided.

Minnesota VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Minnesota Statutes § 176.135, subd. 9, requires each payer, hospital and clearinghouse to provide the Department of Labor and Industry with the name and contact information of a designated employee to answer inquiries related to the submission or payment of medical bills.

Mississippi VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published the settlement schedule changes for October -December 2017.

Montana VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of the 10th meeting of the Formulary Committee. The meeting will be held at ERD 2nd Floor Conference Room A&B-1805 Prospect Ave.  The meeting will have presentations from several PBM's and further discussion on moving forward with the formulary processes.  The meeting is scheduled for 3 hours.  The meeting is to be held on December 7, 2017 starting at 1:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time.  Participants may join the meeting off sight by going to https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/694238477  or by calling into 1 571 317 3122.  If you call in the access code 694-238-477.
• Montana Governor Steve Bullock announced he has appointed Galen Hollenbaugh to serve as the Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Galen Hollenbaugh is the Deputy Commissioner for the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.  He has been the Acting Commissioner of the Department since Sept 8, 2017. Hollenbaugh has been working for the State of Montana for over 20 years and has been with Labor & Industry since 2012. A Missoula native, Hollenbaugh, age 49, received a B.A. in Political Science and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Montana.  In addition to his tenure with multiple state agencies, Hollenbaugh also served 4 terms in the Montana House of Representatives, representing the south-central area of Helena.

Nebraska VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• A public hearing will be held December 13, 2017, beginning at 9:30 a.m., in Courtroom 1, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100, Lincoln, Nebraska, for the purpose of accepting testimony regarding the adoption of revised Rules of Procedure in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-163 and Rule 68 of the Workers’ Compensation Court Rules of Procedure, specifically:
  • Adopt Rule 15, Records Checked Out.
  • Amend Rule 26, Schedules of Fees for Medical, Surgical, and Hospital Services; and
  • Rule 47, Lump Sum Settlement.

Notice is also hereby given of a public meeting scheduled for December 13, 2017, immediately following the public hearing in Courtroom 1, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100, Lincoln, Nebraska, for the purpose of adopting the above-referenced revisions. The proposed rule amendments and revisions are available for inspection at the offices of the court at 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100, in Lincoln, Nebraska; at 1221 ‘N’ Street, Suite 402, in Lincoln, Nebraska; at the Hall of Justice, Room 173, in Omaha, Nebraska; and may also be viewed on the court’s website at http://www.wcc.ne.gov/. Written comments may be directed to James Lillis, Public Information Officer, by mail at P.O. Box 98908, Lincoln, Nebraska, 685098908, or by email at james.lillis@nebraska.gov. Parties are encouraged to submit written comments prior to the public hearing as time for oral testimony at the hearing may be limited. Although no other items of business are contemplated or anticipated, other items may be added and if added, agendas for the public hearing and public meeting will be kept continually current and will be available for public inspection during normal working hours at the offices of the court listed above.

• Effective Jan. 1, 2018, the maximum weekly income benefit under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act will increase to $831.00. This amount applies to work-related injuries and illnesses occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2018.  This amount applies to work-related injuries and illnesses occurring on or after January 1, 2018.  This amount equals 100 percent of the state average weekly wage as determined by the Nebraska Workers' Compensation court.  The maximum is set according to a statutory formula.  The minimum weekly benefit remains at $49.00.

Nevada VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Board for the Administration of the Subsequent Injury Account for Self-Insured Employers held a public meeting on November 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at 1301 North Green Valley Parkway, Conference Room B, Henderson, Nevada.
• Posted notice of amendment to rules governing lump sum settlements.

New York No-Fault VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The Department of Financial Services has posted a revision to Section 68.6  Professional Health services performed outside New York State with an effective date of January 23, 2018.
• The revision is available for review at : http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/r_finala/rfinal17.htm

New Jersey WC VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Has posted proposed rules regarding the statutory mandate that all health care providers providing health care services to injured workers subject to the state workers' compensation statutes must submit their medical bills electronically to the payer.  A public hearing was held on Tuesday November 14, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. in the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Jon Fitch Plaza on the 11th floor in the conference Room in Trenton New Jersey.

New Mexico VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The WCA did not host its weekly “Lump Sum Tuesday” on Nov. 21, 2017, due to the short holiday week for the Thanksgiving holiday.
• The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration has revised and redesigned its guidebook for workers, which is now available on the state's website: http://www.workerscomp.nm.gov/ under “publications.” The booklet is organized into a “question and answer” format. The guidebook includes chapters on what to do when hurt on the job, temporary and permanent disability benefits, medical care and dispute resolution, among others. A printed version should be available very soon, and we are also working to get the revised book translated into Spanish.

New York VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• New changes to the DMEPOS fee schedule have been adopted with an effective date of November 1, 2017.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted Bulletin Subject Number .046-998 regarding the 2018 assessment rate.  Pursuant to WCL §151, the Chair of the Workers' Compensation Board (Board) shall annually establish an assessment rate for all employers by November 1 of each year, to be effective January 1 of the subsequent calendar year. For calendar year 2018, the rate shall be 12.1% of the standard premium or premium equivalent. The new rate shall be effective for policies renewing on or after January 1, 2018 and represents a decrease from the 2017 rate of 12.2%. Please contact the Workers' Compensation Board by email at: WCBFinanceOffice@wcb.ny.gov with any questions on the assessment rate.
• NOTICE is hereby given of the following revised rule: Proposed Action: Addition of section 325-1.6 to Title 12 NYCRR. Statutory authority: Workers’ Compensation Law, sections 15(3)(x), 117 and 141 Subject: Impairment Guidelines for Schedule Loss of Use Evaluations. Purpose: Incorporate by reference Impairment Guidelines. Text of revised rule: A new section 325-1.6 is added to Title 12 NYCRR as follows:
• 325-1.6 The Impairment Guidelines for Schedule Loss of Use Determinations
  • a)  All evaluations of permanent impairment for use in a schedule loss of use determination shall be performed in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation Guidelines for Determining Impairment, First Edition, November 22, 2017, effective January 1, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference. Such evaluations must be completed in the format prescribed by the Chair.
  • b)  Obtaining the Workers’ Compensation Guidelines for Determining Impairment. The Workers’ Compensation Guidelines for Determining Impairment incorporated by reference herein may be examined at the office of the Department of State, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York, 12231, the Legislative Library, the libraries of the New York State Supreme Court, and the district offices of the Board. Copies may be downloaded from the Board’s website or obtained from the Board by submitting a request in writing, with the appropriate fee, identifying the specific guideline requested and the choice of format to Publications, New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, 328 State Street, Schenectady, New York 12305-2318. Information about the Workers’ Compensation Guide-lines for Determining Impairment can be requested by email at GENERAL_INFORMATION@wcb.ny.gov, or by telephone at 1-800-781-2362. The Workers’ Compensation Guidelines for Determining Impairment are available on paper or compact disc. A fee of ten dollars will be charged for the guideline requested in paper format, and a fee of five dollars will be charged for a compact disc. Payment of the fee shall be made by check or money order payable to “Chair WCB.” Revised rule compared with proposed rule: Substantial revisions were made in sections 2, 300.39 and 325-1.6.
• Text of revised proposed rule and any required statements and analyses may be obtained from Heather MacMaster, Workers’ Compensation Board, Office of General Counsel, 328 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305, (518) 486-9564, email: regulations@wcb.ny.gov
• Data, views or arguments may be submitted to: Same as above.
• Public comment will be received until: 30 days after publication of this notice.

North Carolina VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The North Carolina Workers' Compensation Opioid Task Force met at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
• The Commission seeks preliminary public comment on the draft rules prior to initiating formal rulemaking. The public feedback will be considered prior to the official filing of proposed rules. The Commission has developed a PowerPoint presentation that provides an executive summary of the draft rules. The Commission strongly recommends reviewing both the PowerPoint and the draft rules before commenting. Comments on the draft rules should be e-mailed no later than December 6, 2017, to meredith.henderson@ic.nc.gov. Professional or other groups are encouraged to consolidate the comments of their members where possible. Questions may be e-mailed to henderson@ic.nc.gov.
• On November 21, 2017, by a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeals issued an Opinion reversing the August 9, 2016 Decision of Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway and remanding the case for entry of an order affirming the Industrial Commission’s December 14, 2015 Declaratory Ruling. The Court of Appeals held that the ambulatory surgery center provisions of the workers’ compensation medical fee schedule that became effective April 1, 2015 were promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and are valid retroactively and prospectively.

North Dakota VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of amendments to their workers' compensation rules that become effective on January 1, 2018.  The impacted rules include   92-01-02-02.5 Contributing Cause of Mental or Psychological Condition Defined; 92-01-02-13.1 General Contractors; 92-01-02-23.2  Employers to Provide Security Instrument; 92-01-02-11.1 Attorney’s Fees; and 92-01-03-02 Definitions.

Ohio VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Has posted two rules for public comment.  Rule 4123-6-02.3 Provider Access to the HPP - provider application and certification criteria and Rule 4123-6-32 Payment for Lumbar Fusion Surgery have been posted and comments are due by November 20, 2017.
• Posted notice that Rule 4123-6-37.1 regarding Payment of hospital inpatient services is being considered for a review and amendment.
• Posted notice of intent to conduct a review of Rule 4123-3-35 Employer Handicap Reimbursement.
• Posted notice that rule 4123-3-08 Preparation and filing of applications for compensation and/or benefits is being considered for review.

Oklahoma VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted in the state register adoption of emergency rules regarding certificates of Non-Coverage Rule Title 810 Chapter 25-1-2.  The rule is in effect through September 14, 2018.

Oregon VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published the October edition of Case News and Notes.
• The Workers’ Compensation Division has published notice of proposed amendment of OAR 436-060-0025,  “Rate of Temporary Disability Compensation,” to its website: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/Proposed_rules_and_testimony/Div-060-2017-12-18/mailpiece.pdf.
• A public rulemaking hearing is scheduled for:
  • Dec. 18, 2017, 9 a.m.
    Room F, Labor & Industries Building 350
    Winter St. NE, Salem, Oregon
• The public may also listen to the hearing or testify by telephone: Dial-in number is 1-213-787-0529; Access code is 9221262#. The closing date for written testimony is Dec. 21, 2017.
• In summary the proposed rule will:
  • Restore the method for determining the weekly wage for workers employed through a union hiring hall to the one in place before Jan. 1, 2017; for these workers, insurers must calculate the rate of compensation on the basis of a five-day work week at 40 hours a week, regardless of the number of days actually worked per week
  • Correct a typographical error to explain that the insurer may not include any gap in “earnings” (not “employment”) of more than 14 days that was not anticipated in the wage earning agreement, when calculating the average earnings; and
  • Clarify that when a wage earning agreement has been changed due to reasons other than a pay raise, it is a new wage earning agreement.
• The following Workers’ Compensation Division publications have been updated:
  • “Important information about independent medical exams” http://wcd.oregon.gov/Publications/3923.pdf
  • “What happens if I’m hurt on the job?” http://wcd.oregon.gov/Publications/1138.pdf

Pennsylvania WC VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The state has adopted changes to the PAWC Part A and Part B Fee Schedule services with an effective date of October 1, 2017.  The next expected update is for January 1, 2018.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Schedule for 2018.

South Carolina VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of minor revisions to Form 16A and Form 59.  The Commission has modified the Form 16A for formatting purposes only; no content changes were made. Also, the Form 59 has been updated to remove text in the footnote section regarding when the brief is due, that no longer applies to the process.    Please use the most recent forms available on the Commission’s website.

South Dakota VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The state has adopted a new fee schedule with an effective date of July 7, 2017. The state is adopting the 2017 Relative Values for Physicians and conversion factors.  A new updated fee schedule is expected to be adopted July 2018.

Texas VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) is accepting comments for a second time on an informal working draft of amendments to 28 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §127.5, regarding scheduling designated doctor appointments.   The informal working draft is available at tdi.texas.gov/wc/rules/drafts.html and the comment period closes on November 15, 2017 at 5 p.m. Central time.  This section is part of a larger rule project, but the division is only requesting comments on §127.5 at this time.  The informal working draft is not a formal rule proposal and comments received will not be treated as formal public comments for the purposes of the Administrative Procedure Act. There will be an opportunity to formally comment once the rule is proposed and published in the Texas Register. Informal comments may be submitted by email to InformalRuleComments@tdi.texas.gov or by mail or delivery to:  Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation Maria Jimenez Workers’ Compensation Counsel MS - 4D 7551 Metro Center Drive, Suite 100  Austin, Texas 78744 -1645  On August 18, 2017, TDI-DWC began accepting comments on an informal working draft of amendments to 28 TAC §§127.1, 127.5, 127.10, 127.100, 127.110, 127.130, 127.140, and 127.220.  In response to comments, TDI-DWC made significant changes to 28 TAC §127.5, regarding scheduling designated doctor appointments, and would like to give system participants another opportunity to submit comments on that specific section.  The purpose of the proposed amendments to 28 TAC Chapter 127 is to simplify certain DD processes, retain and recruit doctors to continue to ensure the most optimally qualified doctor is selected for an examination, provide transparency, and allow for better monitoring of designated doctors.
• Published the performance based oversight 2018 assessment selection criteria.
• Posted notice of amendment to rule Title 18 Part 1 Chapter 1 Subchapter C Assessment of Maintenance Taxes and Fees including those that apply to workers' compensation insurance.  The rule is expected to become effective on December 10, 2017.
• Posted notice of an informal posting: Revisions to DWC Form -005 Notice of No Coverage or Termination of Coverage. The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) is accepting comments on revisions to DWC Form-005, Notice of No Coverage or Termination of Coverage. The revised form is available at http://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/rules/drafts.html. The revised form was posted to the TDI-DWC website on November 17, 2017 and the comment period closes on December 1, 2017 at 5 p.m. Central time.  Revisions to DWC Form-005 change the way that required information is arranged to make it easier for employers to know what is needed on the form.  The information requested on the form is the same information that was requested in the previous form.  The frequently asked questions portion is updated to include questions that are currently on the division’s website, but not currently on the form. Specifically, the FAQs being incorporated into the form are: How do I determine my filing period start date; How do I determine my filing period end date; What is a NAICS code; and, Are any fields on the DWC Form-005 optional?  The proposed version of the DWC Form-005 also removes the requirement that an employer file a Termination of Coverage notice by certified mail to align with HB 2112 (85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017) which amended Texas Labor Code § 406.007(a) and removed that requirement.  Finally, the notice at the bottom of the form that is required by Texas Govt. Code § 559.003 is updated to include the current approved language and provide a link to the procedure to correct information.
• The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) seeks input on the development of a Lumbar Spine MRI Plan-Based Audit (Plan-Based Audit) to evaluate the appropriateness of a doctor’s decision and recordkeeping that supports the ordering of lumbar spine MRIs prior to one month of conservative therapy. The Plan-Based Audit sets the scope, methodology, selection criteria, and program area responsibilities as laid out in the Medical Quality Review Process. A copy of the proposed Lumbar Spine MRI Plan-Based Audit is available on the TDI website at tdi.texas.gov/wc/hcprovider/medadvisor.html.  The Medical Advisor approved a Lumbar Spine MRI Plan-Based Audit plan as part of the CY 2017 Medical Quality Review Annual Audit Plan, which is available on the TDI website at  www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/hcprovider/documents/auditplan17.pdf.  Workers’ compensation system participants can submit suggestions for this Plan-Based Audit by email to OMA@tdi.texas.gov by 5:00pm Central time on Monday, December 4, 2017.  If you have any questions regarding this memo, contact Mary Landrum at 512-804-4814 or Mary.Landrum@tdi.texas.gov.
  The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) seeks informal input from workers’ compensation system participants concerning potential categories for the 2018 Medical Quality Review Annual Audit Plan (Audit Plan).
  As a reminder, the Annual Plan sets the priorities for audits the Medical Quality Review Panel (MQRP) will initiate during the upcoming year per Section IV of the Annual Plan.  This includes the scope, methodology, selection criteria, and program area responsibilities described in the medical quality review process (Process).  Information about the Process and Annual Plans are available on the TDI website at www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/hcprovider/medadvisor.html.  The Medical Advisor is responsible for developing the Audit Plan, which is adopted by the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation.  The Medical Advisor evaluates Audit Plan suggestions from system participants using the following criteria: • Does the suggested audit relate to a statutory responsibility of the Medical Advisor or the Medical Quality Review Panel pursuant to Sections 413.0511 and 413.0512 of the Texas Labor Code? (e.g., the quality of health care provided by doctors or other health care providers treating injured employees; or the quality and timeliness of decisions made by utilization review agents, insurance carriers, designated doctors or independent review organizations) • Is the administrative data to select system participants for the audit available to TDI-DWC, or is it easily obtained and reasonable to complete the audit? • Does TDI-DWC have adequate resources to complete the audit within the next year?  Workers’ compensation system participants can submit suggestions for this Plan-Based Audit by email to OMA@tdi.texas.gov by 5:00pm Central time on Monday, December 4, 2017.  If you have any questions regarding this memo, contact Mary Landrum at 512-804-4814 or Mary.Landrum@tdi.texas.gov

Texas Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• On November 16, 2017, in accordance with Insurance Code §2151.2022, the commissioner of insurance issued Commissioner's Order No. 2017-5289. The order approves changes in the rates for private passenger and commercial automobile insurance provided through the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), which is the state's assigned risk plan. The changes are effective March 1, 2018.

Utah No-Fault VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of proposed amendment to rule R590-267 Personal Injury Protection Relative Value Study Rule. The purpose of this rule is to establish a reasonable value of services and accommodations for the diagnosis, care, recovery, or rehabilitation of an injured person under automobile personal injury protection coverage as described in Subsection 31A-22-307(1)(a).  As required by Subsection 31A-22-307(2), the reasonable value is based on the 75th percentile of medical, dental, and chiropractic charges, as they presently exist in the most populous county in this State.

Utah WC VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published a notice regarding review and statement of continuation regarding Subsection 34A-1-104(1)   and Section   34A-1-304   authorize   the   Utah   Labor   Commission (Commission) to   adopt   rules   and   conduct   adjudicative proceedings   relating   to   the   administration   of   the   Utah Workers' Compensation Act.  Section 34A-2-422 of the Utah Workers' Compensation Act specifically prohibits any transfer of   workers'   compensation   payment   rights   unless   the proposed transfer is first submitted to and approved by the Commission.    Therefore, in   order   to   administer   an   orderly system of adjudication, it is necessary for the Commission to establish   the   procedural   and   substantive   requirements   for Commission approval of any request for transfer of workers compensation payment rights.

Virginia VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• Virginia has posted the final fee schedule regulations that become effective on January 1, 2018.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• VWC Headquarters Relocation | Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission on December 13, 2017, The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission will begin full operations in its new agency headquarters, the former Media General building, located at 333 East Franklin Street in downtown Richmond, Virginia. The new VWC headquarters consolidates office space from three (3) current office locations in Richmond. Sufficient parking for employees and visitors will be available at the corner of 3rd and E. Main Street.

Virginia Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published Administrative Order regarding commercial auto. Effective January 1, 2018 - AIPSO Filing VA 17-10 makes revisions to Rule 94 applicable for Commercial Auto to provide a clearer distinction between the use class for a limousine and the use class for an airport limousine.

Washington VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of the following in the register:  Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-14 WAC, Industrial insurance.  Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 04.020, 51.44.070(1), 51.44.080.
• Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The pension discount rate is the interest rate used to account for the time value of money when evaluating the present value of future pension payments. Currently, WAC 296-14-8810 sets the pension discount rate at 6.2 percent. The department worked with the workers' compensation advisory committee (WCAC) developing a plan for reducing the pension discount rate annually, through 2022, until it reaches 4.5 percent. The purpose of this rule making is to consider whether to reduce the current pension discount rate for 2018 in furtherance of that long-term goal. Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None. Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in these rules may contact the individual listed below. The public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments and/or testimony during the public hearing and comment process. Public hearings will be held after the proposal is filed. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Suzy Campbell, Claims Specialty Services, P.O. Box 44250, Olympia, WA 98504-4250, phone 360-902-5003, fax 360-902-4960, TTY 360-902-4252, email campbell@lni.wa.gov.
• Good communication is key to high-quality health care and vocational services. As part of our efforts to ensure access to care, L&I pays for interpretation services for workers who have limited ability to speak English. An L&I work group is evaluating whether our customers’ language needs are being met. The work group will also identify a method of evaluating interpretation services on an ongoing basis. We need your help to gather information.  If you use interpretation services at medical or vocational appointments, we want to hear your observations. Are the services effective at helping the worker understand their work-related injury or illness, and the recommended treatment? To tell us what you know, use the form at wa.gov/apps/RAI/default.asp.  We will be collecting information for six months. You can share your thoughts about interpretation services over the next few months — until May 1, 2018 when our workgroup must conclude its efforts. Your responses will help us develop our long-term strategy for ensuring high-quality interpreter services. Questions? Contact Cecilia Maskell at 360-902-5161.

Wisconsin VIEW STATE →

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The certified physician database has been updated with an effective date of July 1, 2017. The next update is scheduled for January 2018.

Wyoming VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) released an updated Work-Related Fatal Injuries report. The report, which provides analysis over years 2012-2016 and is the second multi-year report, reveals a complete view of recent fatality patterns in the state by industry and cause. Wyoming continues to have one of the highest occupational fatality rates in the country. In 2016, the State Occupational Epidemiologist identified 27 workplace fatalities. This is a reduction from the 30 fatalities identified by the state in 2015. Since 2012, 30 percent of the 143 deaths fell under the jurisdiction of Wyoming OSHA for in-depth investigation and 65 percent were Wyoming residents. Nearly half of all fatalities during this time were due to motor vehicle incidents. This includes six ATV/UTV crashes. "Safety is an expectation of every job – any single workplace fatality is one too many. We continue to make progress with the help of industry safety alliances," said Governor Mead. "I thank the Department of Workforce Services for their good work on this report." During the period 2012-2016, the Transportation and Warehousing industry accounted for the largest proportion of occupational fatalities in Wyoming (25 percent), followed by the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry (18 percent), and a tailored Oil & Gas Extraction and Production industry category (17 percent). In 2016, no fatalities were identified in the industries of Manufacturing and Mining (excluding oil & gas). During the period 2012-2016, Natrona County had the highest number of occupational fatalities (22), followed by Laramie (15), Campbell (14), Carbon (12), and Sweetwater (12) Counties.  "Motor vehicle incidents are the leading cause of occupational fatality in Wyoming and across the country, State Epidemiologist Meredith Towle said, "What we are starting to learn is that many of these deaths in Wyoming are attributed to incidents that occurred road-side or on a job site. There is real risk while working around moving vehicles, and workers using utility vehicles should be properly trained and equipped to use those machines. We have also learned that nearly 40 percent of the workers killed in a roadway crash were not properly using a seat belt. Employers have the opportunity to help elevate their employees’ compliance with safety restraints on the job." Due to additional data collection and slight changes in case classifications, findings in this report replace findings in last year’s Work-Related Fatal Injuries report. The report includes federal and state fatality data, but does not address non-fatal occupation injury data. Developing and expanding non-fatal occupational injury reporting continues to be a strategic goal of the State Occupational Epidemiology program. Combining multiple years of worker fatality data helps policymakers identify patterns in the fatal-injury causes. The data in this report show differences in fatal injury cause by industry, as well as differences in the demographics of affected workers and follow-up investigation experience by industry. An example can be seen in the Agriculture industry. Only a small portion of deaths are investigated by a comprehensive framework set forth by a state agency. The implication is that age-related deaths are not fully or systematically evaluated state-wide, thus a full picture of burden and causality isn’t available to help inform prevention efforts in that sector.

Wyoming Auto VIEW STATE →

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice to repeal three rules and amend a rule.  The rules being repealed are Chapter 9 Unfair Discrimination on the Basis of Blindness or Partial Blindness; Chapter 30 Adjustment of Damages to Dwelling Roofs Under Homeowners Policy; and Chapter 62 Use of Senior-Specific Certifications and Professional Designations.  The rule being amended is rule Chapter 33 Unfair Trade Practices.