The Workers' Compensation Board of Indiana has released new guidelines for nurse case managers and will soon unveil new protocols for disputed claim settlement documents.
With fewer hearings and more settlements, "the legal environment surrounding Indiana workers' compensation cases is changing," the board announced this week.
Documents submitted for approval in disputed claims, also known as "C" claims, will need to go the respective single hearing members. More information will be posted as the board finalizes internal procedures.
The board also posted new guidelines for nurse case managers, who play an increasingly important role in claims management, the board said.
"The nurse case manager’s role in worker’s compensation in the State of Indiana includes, among other things, providing information and communication among the parties and medical providers, scheduling appointments, helping to facilitate care recommended by the treating physician, and reporting back to the employer and/or carrier," the guidelines state.
Also, the board will be transitioning to electronic data interchange version 3.1 on Jan. 1 for first reports of injury and subsequent reports. The electronic reporting will be required of all insurers, self-insured employers and claim administrators.
The 3.1 reporting standards were devised by the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions. More information about the reporting is available at the board's website.
This article was first published by WorkCompCentral.
