REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• On June 12, 2020, the Honorable Harold D. Melton, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, issued a Third Order Extending Declaration of Statewide Judicial Emergency which extends the judicial emergency through July 12, 2020.  Consistent with the Chief Justice’s order, the Board hereby extends its order dated May 12, 2020, through July 12, 2020, with the following clarifications, modifications, and directions.  The complete memorandum addresses Hearings, Mediations, Board Appellate Proceedings, Virtual Proceedings, Deadline Extensions, payment of benefits, provision of authorized medical treatment and professionalism.  The memorandum is effective June 17, 2020. To view the memorandum, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• On May 11, 2020, the Honorable Harold D. Melton, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, issued a Second Order Extending Declaration of Statewide Judicial Emergency which extends the judicial emergency through June 12, 2020.  Consistent with the Chief Justice’s order, the Board hereby extends its order dated April 7, 2020, through June 12, 2020, with the following clarifications, modifications, and directions.  To view the order, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• A new Medical and Hospital fee schedule effective April 1, 2020 has been adopted. The state has also posted changes to the 2020 Dental Fee Schedule. The next expected update is in April 2021.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Added Telemedicine services to the Georgia Medical Fee Schedule due to CONVID-19. To view this information, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/.
• The Administrative Law Judges in the Hearing Division will hold virtual hearings with the consent of the parties.  The judges will also consider issues in claims that the parties agree can be submitted on stipulated facts, along with each party’s supporting documentary evidence.  If you and opposing counsel would like to have a virtual hearing in your claim or submit issues on the record in lieu of a hearing, please call the office of the assigned judge to discuss these options further.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation has issued a telemedicine guideline.  To view the guideline, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published Board Rule Changes Effective March 11, 2020. To view the board rule changes, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/statutes-and-rules/rules.
• The State Board of Workers’ Compensation continues to be open for business.  However, the Board is actively monitoring developments regarding COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus.  The safety and wellbeing of our staff and visitors are of utmost concern. In accordance with state guidelines concerning limiting COVID-19 exposure, workers’ compensation hearings scheduled for the period Monday, March 16, 2020 through Monday, April 13, 2020, are being postponed.  Parties will be sent a reset notice. The Board will continue to handle settlements, Petitions for Medical Treatment (PMTs), motions, conference calls and any emergency situation.  To view the full notice, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/notice-regarding-hearings-and-mediations.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Issued bulletin 20-EX-2 regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers. To view the bulletin, go to https://www.oci.ga.gov/Externalresources/ANNOUNCEMENTS/Bulletin-192020-00.pdf

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• A tentative rollout date of November 30, 2019 has been scheduled for “Track Policy.”  This new coverage verification enhancement system will allow users to be notified by email if a cancellation or subsequent reinstatement transaction is received for a chosen insurance policy.  There will be no charge to the user for utilizing the system. More information will be forthcoming.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Announced information regarding their upcoming Annual Education Conference that will be held August 26, 2019 - August 28, 2019 at 9000 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30009.  For additional information, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/events/2019-08-26/annual-educational-conference.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:

• Senate Bill 135

The enacted legislation makes changes to certain provisions relating to the workers’ compensation administration and benefits. In regards to the benefits changes the legislation establishes that for injuries on or after July 1, 2013 that are not designated as catastrophic injuries that have the maximum benefit period of 400 weeks will no longer have the 400-week cap in certain circumstances.  The exceptions are for maintenance, repair, revision, replacement or removal of prosthetic device, spinal cord stimulator or intrathecal pump, and durable medical equipment.  Effective Date July 1, 2019.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• A new Medical and Hospital fee schedule effective April 1, 2019 has been adopted. The next expected update is in April 2020.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Announced the following schedule for their regional educational conferences:
  • March 20, 2019 in Cartersville, Georgia
  • March 28, 2019 in Newnan, Georgia
  • April 11, 2019 in Valdosta, Georgia.

To view additional information regarding the conferences, go to https://sbwc.georgia.gov/.