Regulatory News

Florida seems to be on a course towards marked changes in the Expert Medical Adviser process. There is some discussion about whether the legislative changes to 440.13(9)(c) will have  any relevance .  In the meantime, the Division of Workers' Compensation has changed various rules regarding the EMA process. According to  WorkCompCentral , the Division wants more Expert Medical Providers, but the changes "were not made because there was a shortage of doctors." The rationale was instead because "the doctors who are in the program tend to be located in and around the state's big population centers like Miami and Tampa." Thus, there was a perception that "the problem we had was a geographic distribution."   There is "no magic number" of EMA providers required or wanted, and the list is "not short-staffed." According to  WorkCompCentral , the new rules will (in italics is all directly quoted from WCC) result in: * Increased compensat...

From Florida Administrative Weekly, March 4, 2016 (Page 934) Division of Worker’s Compensation  RULE NOS.:    RULE TITLES:  69L-22.006      Screening Process  69L-22.008      Reemployment Services and Programs  69L-22.009      Employee Responsibilities  69L-22.011      List of Forms  PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rules are amended to clarify the process injured employees must follow when seeking to obtain Department-sponsored reemployment services. The proposed rules provide injured employees with information and guidance regarding available reemployment services and the terms, conditions, and responsibilities associated with receiving such services. Additionally, the proposed rulemaking incorporates two new forms and revises two existing forms.  SUMMARY: The proposed rules clarify the process through which injured employees access reemployment services.  SUMMARY OF STATEMENT...

Summary: The rule dictates how to qualify, apply to become, be selected, and be recertified as an Expert Medical Advisor (EMA). This Rule also dictates how to bill for and receive reimbursement for EMA services. Finally, this Rule states circumstances under which previously certified EMAs can become decertified. https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=69L-30