FEE SCHEDULE NEWS:

• The state has adopted new 2017 CPT codes with an effective date of January 1, 2017.  New updates to the medical fee schedule are expected April 2017.
• The state has also adopted changes to the Hospital Cost-to-Charge Ratios effective October 1, 2016. The next expected update is on April 1, 2017.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY:

• The Department of Labor and Industries updated its rules website. Division: Insurance Services (Employer Services) Topic: Adoption (CR-103) - 2017 Industrial Insurance Premium Rates Brief Description: This rule amends the tables of classification base premium rates, experience rating plan parameters, experience modification factor calculation limitations and retrospective rating plan size groupings for the workers' compensation insurance program for calendar year 2017. Classification base rates were amended for updated loss and payroll experience. The department is adopting a 0.7 percent overall average premium rate increase.  The rule also repeals WAC 296-17-86507, 2007 Claim-free experience modification phase-in limitation which is now obsolete.  This rulemaking also provides notice that as part of rebuilding the contingency reserves, the Director is transferring the amount of the accident and medical-aid funds combined that exceed 10 percent of funded liabilities as required by RCW 51.44.023. The department's decision to increase overall rates is intended to ensure adequate premiums to cover expected losses for 2017 claims and to continue rebuilding the contingency reserves to adequate levels. Washington law provides that rates should be adjusted annually to reflect the hazards of each industry and in accordance with recognized workers' compensation insurance principles.
• Revised Bulletin 209, "Report of losses instructions and guidelines," and related forms are available online:
• The forms below are effective January 1, 2017 http://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/index.aspx (Forms and bulletins page) http://wcd.oregon.gov/Bulletins/bul_209.pdf (Bulletin 209) http://wcd.oregon.gov/WCDForms/2808.doc (Form 2808 - revised) http://wcd.oregon.gov/WCDForms/2809.xls (Form 2809 - revised) http://wcd.oregon.gov/WCDForms/2810.doc (Form 2810 - not revised) http://wcd.oregon.gov/WCDForms/2937.xls (Form 2937 - not revised)
• Oregon has announced the revision of two forms.  While the forms can be found at the web links below a copy of each of the revised forms is attached. Revised forms 1880, "Vocational Assistance Certification Program Individual Certification under OAR 436-120," and 4619, "Request for approval of training program by vocational rehabilitation counselor," are now available online: http://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/forms.aspx (forms page) Changes to Form 1880 include restructuring the form for ease of use and adding fields to capture provider information. Form 1880: http://wcd.oregon.gov/WCDForms/1880.doc Changes to Form 4619 include updating contact information and adding a rule citation. Form 4619: http://wcd.oregon.gov/WCDForms/4619.doc
• Oregon has posted notice of adopted rules.
• The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division has published final (permanent) administrative rules to its website:
• General link to “New rules” page: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Pages/new-rules.aspx
• Direct links to revised rules:
• 436-050, Employer/Insurer Coverage Responsibility, effective 1/1/2017 Clean copy:  http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/50_16054.pdf With marked revisions:  http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/50_16054ub.pdf
• 436-060, Claims Administration, effective 1/1/2017 Clean copy: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/60_16055.pdf With marked revisions: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/60_16055ub.pdf
• 436-105, Employer-at-Injury Program, effective 1/1/2017 Clean copy: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/105-16056.pdf With marked revisions: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/105-16056ub.pdf
• 436-110, Preferred Worker Program, effective 1/1/2017 Clean copy: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/110-16057.pdf With marked revisions: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/110-16057ub.pdf
• 436-120, Vocational Assistance to Injured Workers, effective 1/1/2017 Clean copy: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/120-16058.pdf With marked revisions: http://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/New_rules/120-16058ub.pdf
• Revised Bulletin 260, "Employer-at-Injury Program Reimbursement Request Form," is available online: http://wcd.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/index.aspx (main forms and bulletins page) http://wcd.oregon.gov/Bulletins/bul_260.pdf (Bulletin 260) http://wcd.oregon.gov/WCDForms/2360.doc (Form 2360)
• The Workers’ Compensation Division has developed a new training tool and resource for providers. Whether you are new to or very familiar with the workers’ compensation system, we designed the handbooks to be a helpful tool to look up topics for your specific provider type. The handbooks do not replace the Oregon workers’ compensation statutes and rules; however, they are designed to help explain some of the rules and give clarification. There are eight provider-specific handbooks, located along the right-hand side of the handbook web page. Each handbook will help you become familiar with workers’ compensation requirements, as well as responsibilities and treatment limitations specific to your specialty. Also, these handbooks have tips to help you avoid problems when treating workers’ compensation patients. The handbooks are replacing five existing publications (Guides to Oregon On-the-Job Injuries).
  • Acupuncturists
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage therapists
  • MDs, DOs, and Podiatrists
  • Naturopathic physicians
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Physical therapists
  • Physician assistants
• The Workers' Compensation Division has published temporary rules to adopt 2017 medical billing codes. These rules are effective Jan. 1, 2017, and will allow providers and insurers to use either the 2016 or 2017 codes until the agency adopts revised, permanent rules, effective April 1, 2017.  A copy of the Rule is attached.
• Oregon has also adopted additional rules that become effective on January 1, 2016. Rule 436 Division 50 Employer/Insurer Coverage Responsibility, 436 Division 060 Claims Administration, Division 436 Division 105 Employer -at- Injury Program, 436 Division 110 Preferred Worker Program, and 436 Division 120 Vocational Assistance to Injured Workers have all been amended and these rules become effective January 1, 2017.