REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Until July 1, 2017, settlement contracts should still be submitted to the current sitting arbitrator for approval (Arb. Friedman in Zone 5, Arb. Hegarty in Zone 6). As of July 1, 2017, Arbitrator Hegarty and Arbitrator Friedman will be switching dockets to ensure compliance with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission statute.  Arbitrator Hegarty will be moving to Zone 5 and all cases formerly assigned to Arbitrator Friedman will now be assigned to Arbitrator Hegarty.  Arbitrator Friedman will moving to Zone 6 and all cases formerly assigned to Arbitrator Hegarty will now be assigned to Arbitrator Friedman.  If a case had been tried or partially tired by either arbitrator, that individual will retain jurisdiction over the case.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The Illinois Department of Public Health has published an updated list of Trauma Centers on January 27, 2017 to add Decatur Memorial Hospital.
• The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission has updated the Medical Fee Schedule rates for therapy evaluation codes 97161-97172 effective April 1, 2017.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Governor Rauner has appointed Ms. Ketki Steffen as an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.  Ms. Steffen had formerly been an arbitrator with the Commission and will call upon her extensive workers' compensation experience in her newly appointed role.
• Governor Rauner has appointed Ms. Deborah Simpson and Ms. L. Elizabeth Coppoletti to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.  Commissioner Simpson will assume the seat on Panel C formerly held by Commissioner Basurto.  Commissioner Coppoletti will assume the seat on Panel B formerly held by Commissioner White.
• Arbitrator evaluations are now available on the forms page. To obtain a copy go to http://www.iwcc.il.gov/forms.htm.
• Arbitrator Dollison will be in Waukegan to handle the April trial cycle. The call will be held on Friday, April 21st with hearing dates on April 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th. Please send all correspondence to Arbitrator Dollison at:
  • Arbitrator Dollison 1448 E 52nd St #436 Chicago, IL 60615-4122

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Until further notice, Arbitrator Frank Soto will be overseeing the Chicago docket currently assigned to Arbitrator Andros.  All future correspondence (including settlement contracts) for cases currently assigned to Arbitrator Andros should be directed to Arbitrator Soto at the following address:

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
Attn: Arbitrator Soto
100 W. Randolph, Suite 8-200
Chicago, IL 60601

• Any correspondence received that is addressed to Arbitrator Andros will be forwarded to Arbitrator Soto.

FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• A new Medical and Hospital fee schedule has been adopted by the state of Illinois with an effective date of January 1, 2017.  The following resources were adopted by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission for their fee schedule: 2016 CPT, 2017 HCPCS published by CMS, 2017 National Correct Coding Policy Manual, 2017 Relative Value Guide and the November 2016 Federal Register.  The next update is expected on January 1, 2018.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Mr. Michael Glaub as an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.  Mr. Glaub was formerly an attorney with the firm Hennessy & Roach.  Mr. Glaub brings nearly 30 years of experience in workers’ comp law.  Mr. Glaub is a graduate of the Southern Illinois University and DePaul University Law School.
• Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Mr. Frank J. Soto as an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.  Mr. Soto was formerly an attorney with the firm Law Offices of Mr. Frank J. Soto while serving as the Village of Bensenville President. Mr. Soto is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and the John Marshall Law School.