REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Quarterly Fatality report for the second quarter 2019 (4/01/2019-6/30/2019) is now available. In the second quarter 2019, DCBS received notification of ten fatalities accepted for workers’ compensation benefits; the same total as in the same period a year earlier. Of the 24 fatalities accepted by insurers in the first two quarters, nine were to workers who died in years prior to 2019. The Quarterly Fatality Report presents compensable fatalities grouped by industry. The previous year’s counts are included for comparison. Please note the 2019 data are preliminary until the final count is released in the spring of next year. To view the report, go to https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/reports/protection/Pages/compensable-fatalities.aspx.
• Published the latest issue of News and Case Notes. The July 2019 Edition can be viewed at https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.
• Published revised bulletin number 345 regarding employer reimbursement of medical service costs.  The revised bulletin becomes effective January 1, 2020.  This bulletin instructs insurers and self-insured employers how to apply employer-reimbursed medical service costs for individual claims and provides updated maximum reimbursement amounts. This bulletin replaces Bulletin No. 345 dated Aug. 21, 2018.  To view the bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• Registrations are now being accepted for the 2019 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference. The registration packet is available online at: https://wcd.oregon.gov/training/conference/Pages/index.aspx. This conference is designed for everyone involved in the Oregon workers’ compensation system. General Sessions will provide information for the entire industry, and concurrent workshops are designed to accommodate specific areas of interest. There will be basic workshops for those new to Oregon Workers’ Compensation and advanced workshops with updates for those more familiar with the system.
• The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division, with sponsorship from the International Workers’ Compensation Foundation, coordinates an annual Educational Conference for participants in the Oregon workers’ compensation system. The year’s 2019 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference is the 17th conference in Oregon. It is designed to enhance understanding of the workers’ compensation system and improve processes and services that affect injured workers and employers. This year’s conference is being held in Portland at the Red Lion on the River – Jantzen Beach and offers all the following:
  • A variety of concurrent sessions and informational booths so participants can get the answers they need
  • The latest in services, equipment, and materials from participating vendors
  • Educational credit hours.

To view additional information, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/training/conference/Pages/index.aspx.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Oregon WCB Case News & Notes Current Issue for June 2019 is now available.  To view the publication, go to https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.
• The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division has scheduled time for comprehensive review of: OAR 436-030, Claim Closure and Reconsideration, and OAR 436-060, Claims Administration. Please RSVP to fred.h.bruyns@oregon.gov if you would like to join for one or both of the following meetings: To review and discuss OAR 436-030 – Oct. 7, 2019, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PDT OSHA Training Room (first   floor) 16760 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Portland, Oregon 97224. To review and discuss OAR 436-060 – Oct. 14, 2019, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PDT OSHA Training Room (first floor) 16760 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Portland, Oregon 97224. If you will submit agenda topics, please record them on this form, https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/5141_final_pdf_form.pdf, and send to Fred Bruyns – by Aug. 9, if possible. This will give time to research the issues and options before the October meetings. Topics submitted later on or at the meetings may be discussed if time allows, but related rule changes, if any, may be deferred until the next opening of the rules.
• Published the July 2019 edition of WCD Today Newsletter.  To view the newsletter, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/Pages/wcd-today.aspx.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:

• House Bill 3003

Permits Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services to release surety bond or other security on deposit with director if self-insured employer or self-insured employer group obtains paid-up insurance policy satisfactory to director. Effective Date January 1, 2020.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published bulletin 381 regarding Self-Insured Base Rates.  This bulletin notifies self-insured employers of the base rates to be used for calculating the premium assessment for quarters occurring during the period from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. In addition, this bulletin provides reporting instructions and rating plan options. All forms and rates referenced in this bulletin are not effective until July 1, 2019.  Refer to Bulletin 378 in order to complete the second quarter (April, May, June) 2019 Workers’ Compensation Payroll and Assessment Reports.  To view the bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• Published Bulletin 1 (Revised) Attorney fees: ORS 656.262(11) (a); ORS 656.308(2) (d) (effective 7/1/19).  To view the bulletin, go to https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/legal/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• The Workers' Compensation Board has published the May Issue of Case News & Notes Current Issue for Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.  To view the publication, go to https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.
• Posted notice announcing that the TTD/PPD calculator has been updated to reflect the 7/1/2019 State Average Weekly Wage calculation. This version of the TTD/TPD calculator replaces all previous versions that may have been installed on computers. This web version will be kept up to date and should be used as the primary calculation tool. It has been tested with the major web browsers and should work on any operating system. Older versions of the desktop calculator no longer work. The web calculator has two versions available:
  • The "web" version is used with an active internet connection and updates automatically. The web calculator is the preferred version if you have an internet connection.
  • The "stand-alone" version of the web calculator is for offline use (no active internet connection). The stand-alone version will automatically update when an internet connection is established. To update, you must have an active internet link, then start the stand-alone calculator and allow it to update. You can obtain this version at Windows TTD / TPD Stand-alone Calculator. If you need access to the PTD or PPD calculation tools, you can find them on the Disability Calculators page.  To view this notice, go to https://www4.cbs.state.or.us/exs/wcd/ttd/.
• The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division has scheduled time for review of possible amendments to OAR chapter 436. Please RSVP if you would like to join us for one or both of the following meetings:
  • 11, 2019, 8:30 a.m., Room F (basement), Labor & Industries Building, 350 Winter Street NE, Salem Oregon Regarding OAR 436-105, Employer-at-Injury Program (EAIP), including a possible requirement to submit documentation in support of EAIP reimbursement requests, restoring a provision removed in 2017 describing the method for calculation of partial days of reimbursement for salaried workers, and clarifying that the restriction for using both EAIP and Preferred Worker program benefits only applies to the same claim during the same claim opening.
  • 11, 2019, 1:30 p.m., Room 260 (2nd floor), Labor & Industries Building, 350 Winter Street NE, Salem Oregon Regarding OAR 436-050, Employer/Insurer Coverage Responsibility, and 436-085, Premium Assessment, including implementation of House Bill 3003 (insurance policy in lieu of surety), and premium assessments for self-insurance employers.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Has published the April 2019 edition of WCB Case News and Notes. To view the latest publication, go to https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.
• Published revised Bulletin Number 356 regarding attorney fees.  This bulletin publishes the attorney fee matrix under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 436-001-0410(1)(d) for attorney fees awarded under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 656.385(1). This bulletin replaces Bulletin No. 356 issued May 22, 2018.  This bulletin becomes effective on July 1, 2019.  To view the bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• Published revised Bulletin Number 124 regarding forms for vocational assistance to injured workers, cost-of-living matrix, and fee schedule. This bulletin provides forms, examples, checklists, and a chart for insurers and vocational assistance providers to use under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 436-120. This bulletin is revised to provide an updated cost-of-living matrix and fee schedule for vocational assistance expenditures, effective July 1, 2019. This bulletin replaces Bulletin 124 dated July 30, 2018.  To view the bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• Published revised Bulletin Number 111 regarding computation of temporary disability, permanent disability, and death benefits based on Oregon’s state average weekly wage.  This bulletin provides updated benefit rates based on the Oregon average weekly wage for 2019.  This bulletin replaces Bulletin No. 111 dated June 6, 2018.  To view the bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:

• House Bill 2406

The enacted legislation establishes that certain trainees in school programs are covered by the workers’ compensation statute. All persons participating as trainees in a work experience program or a school directed professional education project of a school district, as defined in ORS 332.002, in which such persons are enrolled, including persons with intellectual disabilities in training programs, are workers of the district subject to this chapter for purposes of this section. Trainees placed in a work experience program with the trainees’ resident school district as the training employer are subject workers under this section if the training and supervision are performed by noninstructional personnel. Effective January 1, 2019.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published the March edition of news and case notes.  To view the publication, go to https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.
• The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation recently adopted the following rule: ID 05-2019: Revisions to Workers’ Compensation Insurance Test Audit Program. Rules affected: OAR 836-043-0125, 836-043-0130, 836-043-0135, 836-043-0145, 836-043-0150, 836-043-0155, 836-043-0165.  Rule Summary: Revises wording of description of alternative audit level. Filed: April 19, 2019. Effective: July 1, 2019.  To view the adopted rules, go to https://dfr.oregon.gov/laws-rules/Pages/adopted-rules.aspx.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:

• House Bill 2087

The enacted legislation establishes caps relating to civil penalties that the Director of Consumer and Business Services may impose for violations of certain workers’ compensation statutes or required practices. For an employer or insurer that intentionally or repeatedly induces claimants for compensation to fail to report accidents the maximum penalty for each violation is two thousand dollars or more than forty thousand dollars in the aggregate during a calendar year.  For employers, self-insured employers, insurers, managed care organization or service companies that fail to comply with statutes, rules or orders of the director regarding reports or other requirements necessary to carry out the purposed of the chapter the maximum penalty per violation is four thousand dollars and no more than one hundred eighty thousand dollars in the aggregate for violations during a calendar year.   Effective Date January 1, 2020.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The Workers’ Compensation Division has published new rules for the Oregon Medical Fee Services with an effective date of April 1, 2019. The next update is expected in April 2020.
• The Division has published new cost-to-charge ratios for hospitals with an effective date of April 1, 2019.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Oregon announced revisions to Workers’ Compensation Insurance Test Audit Program: ​Rules affected: OAR 836-043-0125, 836-043-0130, 836-043-0135, 836-043-0145, 836-043-0150, 836-043-0155, 836-043-0165. Need for Rules: ORS 737.318 directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) to establish and administer a continuing test audit program for workers’ compensation insurers. The proposed rule makes adjustments to the test audit program to better meet the needs of Oregon’s workers’ compensation insurance market. The number of insurance policies audited is determined by a risk-based formula that takes into account the premium size of the insurer and the error rates found in past audits. The proposed rule:
  • Simplifies the program by reducing the number of premium size tiers used to categorize insurers;
  • Reduces the audit rates for insurers who meet the test audit performance standard of 20% error rate for the premium size tiers greater than $2,500;
  • Adjusts the formula for determining an insurer’s error rate by giving equal weight to the statewide error rate and the insurer’s specific error rate and excluding payroll reports and non-productive audits and
  • Improves the error rate and test audit standards by including only the policies in which insurer the insurer performed an audit.

Insurers that do not meet test audit performance standards are required to meet with the DCBS director or a designee to report on its remediation plans. Performance standards vary by the number of policies audited. The proposed rule would simplify the program so that there are fewer tiers used to determine performance standards. The proposed rule also makes technical changes relating to forms provided by DCBS, the timing and manner of reports provided to DCBS, and the frequency of examinations of the audit program.  Filed: February 26, 2019; Public hearing: March 25, 2019, 10:00 a.m.  Last day for public comment: April 1, 2019, 5 p.m.  To view the notice and proposed rule, go to https://dfr.oregon.gov/laws-rules/Pages/proposed-rules.aspx.

• WCD published the following industry notice: "Communicating worker eligibility for supplemental disability benefits": https://wcd.oregon.gov/IndustryNotices/03-06-19-IN-supp-disability.pdf.  If you have questions, contact Self-insurance, Reimbursements, and Registration Manager Barbra Hall at 503-947-7751 or hall@oregon.gov.   To view the notice, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/Pages/industry-notices.aspx.
• Issued revised bulletin no. 359 regarding insurers and self-insured employers required to report medical bill payment data. This bulletin provides the list of insurers and self-insured employers required to electronically submit detailed workers’ compensation medical bill and payment data to the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services under OAR 436-160-0405. We are republishing this bulletin to add three insurers. This bulletin replaces Bulletin No. 359 dated April 11, 2017.  The three insurers added are: Ace Fire Underwriters Insurance Company, Ohio Security Insurance Company and XL Specialty Insurance Company.  No self insured employers were added.  The bulletin is effective March 12, 2019. To view the bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• The Workers’ Compensation Division has published final rules that are effective April 1, 2019:
• OAR 436-001, Procedural Rules, Attorney Fees, and General Provisions https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/1-19050-posted-new.pdf
• OAR 436-009, Oregon Medical Fee and Payment https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/9-19051-posted-new.pdf
• OAR 436-010, Medical Services https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/10-19052-posted-new.pdf
• OAR 436-015, Managed Care Organizations https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/15-19053-posted-new.pdf

Summaries of public testimony on proposed rule changes and the agency’s responses have been posted:

• OAR 436-001, https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/Proposed_rules_and_testimony/Div-001-2019-02-19/1-19050-TNR-Final.pdf
• OAR 436-009, 010, 015, https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/Proposed_rules_and_testimony/Div-009-010-015-2019-02-19/9-19051-TNR-Final.pdf

Posted an industry notice regarding continuation of benefits for 14 days after enrollment in a managed care organization.  To view the notice, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx. WCD published the following industry notice: Exhibits for director hearings: https://wcd.oregon.gov/IndustryNotices/03-26-19-IN-exhibits.pdf  WCD wants to make sure parties are aware of rule changes that will affect the preparation and submission of exhibits for hearings within the director’s jurisdiction under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 656.704(2)(a) and Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 436-001. These hearings generally relate to disputes regarding medical services; medical treatment; medical fees; managed care organizations; vocational assistance benefits; or penalties and fees under ORS 656.262(11).  To view the notice, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/Pages/industry-notices.aspx.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The 2018 Report on the Oregon Workers’ Compensation System has been completed and is now available online. For more than two decades, the Research Unit within the DCBS Information Technology and Research Section published a report on the Oregon workers’ compensation system. The report is now published online. We are also connecting the information in this report to the other research reports and providing data on Oregon’s open data portal, https://data.oregon.gov/. The new report can be found at the link below. It provides data through 2017. We anticipate adding 2018 data this spring. https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/reports/compensation/Pages/index.aspx.
• Published bulletin 151. The bulletin provides a link to the updated list of registered vocational assistance providers as required by ORS 656.340(10). The Workers’ Compensation Division publishes Bulletin 151 annually. This bulletin replaces Bulletin 151 issued Jan. 29, 2018. List of registered vocational assistance providers," is available online: https://wcd.oregon.gov/Bulletins/bul_151.pdf.
• The Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) published the following industry notice: Vocational eligibility determination audits https://wcd.oregon.gov/IndustryNotices/02-07-19-IN-Voc-Audits.pdf.  WCD will begin a focused audit this month to verify that workers’ eligibility or ineligibility for vocational assistance benefits were evaluated.
• Published the January 2019 issue of WCB case News and Notes.  To view the publication, go to https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published an update to the December 2018 issue of WCB Case News and Notes.  To view the updated issue, go to http://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.
• Released the 2017 Oregon Occupational Injury & Illness Survey Combined Report.  To view the report the report, go to https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/reports/Documents/boli-stats/occ-sum/18-2081.pdf .
• Posted notice of proposed rulemaking hearing regarding the establishment of Oregon Prescription Drug Transparency Program, reporting requirements, fees, civil penalties.  The affected rules are OAR836-053-0473, 836-200-0500, 836-200-0505, 836-200-0510, 836-200-0515, 836-200-0520, 836-200-0525, 836-200-0530, 836-200-0535, 836-200-0540, 836-200-0545, 836-200-0550, 836-200-0555, 836-200-0560 . The Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act (2018 Oregon House Bill 4005, enrolled at 2018 Oregon Laws, Chapter 7) directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) to establish a reporting program for prescription drug manufacturers and health insurance carriers to increase the transparency of prescription drug pricing in Oregon. This program will be known as the Oregon Prescription Drug Price Transparency program. The law directs DCBS to engage in rulemaking to define key terms and timelines, and empowers DCBS to establish fees, adopt a schedule of civil penalties for violations and adopt any other rules necessary for carrying out the provisions of Section 2 of the law. The proposed rule establishes:
  • Definitions for key terms including “new prescription drug,” “net annual increase,” “one month supply” and “course of treatment” that clarify the circumstances when a report is required;
  • Form, manner and content requirements for reports from drug manufacturers;
  • DCBS’s supervisory expectations of participating drug manufacturers, including good faith standards;
  • Timelines for DCBS to request additional information relating to drug manufacturer reports, and for manufacturers’ responses;
  • DCBS’s process for adjudicating trade secret claims from drug manufacturers;
  • Timelines for DCBS to make drug manufacturer reports publicly available, subject to applicable trade secret  exemptions;
  • DCBS’s process for receiving notices from consumers about prescription drug price increases;
  • Establishing an annual $400 fee for drug manufacturers, as well as an additional surcharge fee for manufacturers that file reports with DCBS;
  • Adopting a schedule of civil penalties for drug manufacturer violations; and
  • Requirements for information on drug pricing to be provided by health insurance carriers in rate filings.

The proposed rules are necessary to ensure that the program is administered in a fair and equal manner for all participating drug manufacturers and health insurance carriers, to minimize the administrative burden and cost of the program for the state and the industry, and to achieve the program’s purpose of providing notice and disclosure of information relating to the cost and pricing of prescription drugs in order to provide accountability for prescription drug pricing

• Published revised Bulletin 112 Reimbursement of injured workers' travel, food, and lodging and accompanying form 3921.  To view the revised bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• Published permanent administrative order ID 1-2019 Chapter 836 Insurance Regulation regarding update to adoption of the valuation manual for principle-based reserving. The effective date is January 1, 2019.
• In accordance with ORS 183.405, the Board is conducting its “five-year” review of OAR 438-011-0055, which prescribes the procedures to be followed by a “paying agency” in issuing a “third party election” letter.  The Board has already requested/received written comments from members of the advisory committee regarding this rule, as well as parties/practitioners who offered comments during the initial rulemaking process.  (Copies of those responses will be posted on the Board’s website.) To further assist the Members in conducting their review of this rule, they are seeking written comment from the public.  Any such comments should be directed to Kayleen Atkins, WCB’s Executive Assistant, at 2601 25th St, SE, Ste. 150, Salem, OR 97302, kayleen.r.atkins@oregon.gov, or via fax at (503)373-1684.  The deadline for these written comments is February 28, 2019.  Those written comments, which will also be posted on the Board’s website, should address the following questions:
  • Did the rule achieve its intended effect?
  • Was the anticipated fiscal impact of the rule underestimated or overestimated?  (See Board’s “Statement of Need and Fiscal Impact” dated June 28, 2013.)
  • Have any subsequent changes in the law required that the rule be repealed or amended?
  • Is there a continued need for the rule?
  • What impacts has the rule had on small business?

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The state has adopted the new 2019 CPT and HCPCS codes for their medical fee schedule with an effective date of January 1, 2019. The next expected update to the medical fee schedule is in April 2019.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Published an industrial which provides information pertaining to the submission of self-insured employer and employer group claim-loss data, also known as the annual report of losses. To view the notice, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/Pages/industry-notices.aspx.
• The Quarterly Fatality Report for the third quarter 2018 (7/01/2018-10/31/2018) is now available. In both 2017 and 2018 DCBS received notification of ten fatalities accepted for workers’ compensation benefits during the 3rd quarter. The Quarterly Fatality Report presents compensable fatalities grouped by industry. The previous year’s counts are included for comparison. Please note the 2018 data are preliminary until the final count is released in the spring of next year.
• Issued Revised Bulletin 209 regarding report of losses, instructions and guidelines. This bulletin explains reporting requirements under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 436 -050-0175(3), which requires all self-insured employers to submit claim loss data to the department for calculation of annual experience rating modifications, security deposits, and retrospective rating plan adjustments. This bulletin replaces Bulletin 209 issued Dec. 4, 2017. In 2019, self-insured employers’ reporting threshold for individual claims, established by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) split point, will increase to $17,000. Included with the update bulletin are revisions to forms 2808, 2809, 2810, and 2937.  To view bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• Issued Revised Bulletin 316 regarding claims processing administrative cost factor. This revised bulletin notifies insurers and self-insured employers of the 2019 claim processing administrative cost factor. The Workers’ Compensation Division (division) applies this factor to approved reimbursements for supplemental disability benefits and certain claim costs. The factor is calculated under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 436- 050-0180. This bulletin replaces Bulletin 316 issued Dec. 4, 2017.  The claim processing administrative cost factor for calendar year 2019 is 22.78 percent. To view the bulletin, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/bulletins.aspx.
• Posted notice of temporary changes to Oregon Rule OAR 436-009 Oregon Medical Fee and Payment Rules regarding the adoption of new medical billing codes for 2019. The adopted rule becomes effective January 1, 2019 and remains effective through June 29, 2019.  To view the notice and adopted rules, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Pages/new-rules.aspx.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Lou Savage, the Administrator of the Workers' Compensation, has approved the recommendation of the Medical Advisory Committee to keep platelet rich plasma injections a non-compensable service in Oregon workers' compensation system. The committee recommendation is attached to this notice and also posted on the committee website. The next step is to get public testimony on the recommendation. Comments can be submitted in writing to Juerg Kunz (juerg.kunz@oregon.gov) or provided to the committee at their February 15, 2019 meeting. If you have questions, please contact Cara Filsinger, 503-947-7582.
• The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division has updated the permanent total disability (PTD) calculator that is posted to the division's website: https://www4.cbs.state.or.us/exs/wcd/ptd/ . The web calculator has two versions available: 1. The "web" version is used with an active internet connection and updates automatically. The web calculator is the preferred version if you have an internet connection. 2. The "stand-alone" version of the web calculator is for offline use (no active internet connection). The stand-alone version will automatically update when an internet connection is established. To update, you must have an active internet link, then start the stand-alone calculator and allow it to update. The web version is kept up to date and should be used as the primary calculation tool. It has been tested with the major web browsers and should work on any operating system. Because this calculator is always kept current, we do not plan to issue this notice in the future. If you have any questions, contact fred.h.bruyns@oregon.gov.
• The Workers’ Compensation Division has posted an update to OAR 436-070-0003: https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/70-18063-short.pdf.  The effective date in Rule 0003, applicable for all rules in OAR 436-070, “Workers’ Benefit Fund (WBF) Assessment,” has been revised from Jan. 1, 2017 to Jan. 1, 2019. The division previously adopted a reduced WBF assessment rate, also effective Jan. 1, 2019. To view the new rule, go to https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Pages/new-rules.aspx.  Both rules become effective January 1, 2019.
• Posted notice of a board meeting to be held 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 2601 25th St. SE, Suite 150, Salem, OR. To view the notice, go to  https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/meetings-minutes.aspx.
• Posted notice of four rules that become effective on January 1, 2019.  The four rules becoming effective on January 1, 2019 are OAR 436-050 Employer/Insurer Coverage Responsibility, OAR 436-080 Noncomplying Employers, OAR 436-070-003 Workers' Benefit Fund Applicability Date and OAR 436-070-0010 Workers' Benefit Fund Assessment Rate.  To view the new rules, go to  https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Pages/new-rules.aspx.
• The October Edition of Board News and Case Note has been published.  To view the latest edition, go to https://www.oregon.gov/wcb/Pages/news-notes.aspx.