FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• Published the Radiology Data Base effective January 2020.  To view the 2020 Data Base, go to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/insurance/radiology/radiology_data.htm. The next update is expected July 2020.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• A new Hospital Radiology Database has been released retroactive to July 1, 2019. The next update is expected in January 2020.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:

Assembly Bill 56 The enacted legislation is the overall state budget bill however in the bill it transfers workers’ compensation claims adjudicatory functions of DHA to the Division of Workforce Development.  Effective Date January 1, 2020.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published the draft meeting minutes for the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council Meeting held on December 11, 2018.   To view the draft of the minutes, go to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/councils/wcac/wcac_minutes.htm.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The certified radiology database has been updated with an effective date of July 1, 2018. The next update is scheduled for January 1, 2019.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Posted notice of order of adoption revised rule 65 regarding Vocational Rehabilitation.  The adopted rule becomes effective August 1, 2018. To view a copy of the adopted rule, go to http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/register/2018/751B/register/final/cr_18_013_rule_text/cr_18_013_rule_text.
• Posted notice of a hearing regarding changes to Wis. Admin. Code Ch. HA 4 concerning the rules of procedure for adjudication of worker’s compensation and related claims.  To view a copy of the notice and rule text, go to http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/register/2018/752A1/register/rule_notices/cr_18_059_hearing_information.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:

• Senate Bill 781

The enacted legislation eliminates the right of action in tort by an injured employee against certain third parties by reason of the injury if the injured employee has the right to make a claim for compensation against his or her employer under the workers’ compensation law. Under current law, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for an employee who is injured while performing services growing out of and incidental to his or her employment, except that, subject to certain exceptions, an injured employee may claim workers’ compensation from his or her employer and bring an action in tort against a third party for damages by reason of the injury.  Current law also provides that certain specified types of employee are prohibited from making claims against certain third parties, such as a “temporary help agency” or “employee leasing company,” if the injured employee makes a claim for compensation under the workers’ compensation law. The enacted legislation prohibits an injured employee from maintaining an action in tort against certain third parties, specified under current law, regardless of whether the employee makes a claim for compensation under the workers’ compensation law against his or her employer.  For example, an injured employee of a temporary help agency engaged in work for the employer to which the employee is placed or leased may not maintain a tort action against the employer to which the employee is placed or leased if the employee has the right to make a claim for compensation under the workers’ compensation law. Effective Date March 2, 2018.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Has published the WC Advisory Council Meeting Minutes for council meetings held on 10/4/2017, 10/13/2017, and 12/12/2017.  To view a copy of the minutes, go to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/councils/wcac/wcac_minutes.htm.
• Published the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council Meeting Minutes for the meeting of February 5, 2018 in draft form.  To view the meeting minutes draft form, go to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/councils/wcac/wcac_minutes.htm. 

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:

Assembly Bill 877 The enacted legislation relates to: disclosures to the commissioner of insurance and other changes to the insurance laws, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority.  Effective Date April 17, 2018.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The hospital radiology database has been published with a retroactive effective date of January 1, 2018. The next update is expected in July 2018.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published a statement of scope regarding rule DWD 80 making minor and technical changes to the workers’ compensation program.  To view the statement of scope, go to http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/register/2018/747A2/register/ss/ss_024_18/ss_024_18.
• Published the updated Hospital Radiology Databases on March 29, 2018. The effective date is January 1, 2018.  To view the updated data bases, go to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/insurance/radiology/radiology_data.htm

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

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

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.