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Texas: Division issues notices on impairment ratings, quality review
The Division of Workers' Compensation issued a memorandum reminding doctors who certify maximum medical improvement and assign an impairment rating of the requirement to provide notice to injured employees of their ability to dispute the determination of MMI and the assignment of an impairment rating by a treating or referral doctor.
The requirement applies to treating doctors, referral doctors in the event a treating doctor is not authorized to do so, and certifying doctors. The notice must be provided with the report of medical evaluation, and it must be provided in English, Spanish, or any other language common to the injured employee. The notice must provide a statement that the assigned impairment rating may become final if not disputed within 90 days, and if the injured employee, or the injured employee's representative, disagrees with the certification, they may dispute the certification by contacting the division and requesting a benefit review conference. The Division of Workers' Compensation also issued a memorandum outlining revisions to the medical quality review procedure, which went into effect on Jan. 1. The changes include a reduction of the number of members on the quality assurance committee panel from five to three. Additionally, quarterly audits of selected medical quality reviews are now required. The complaint process was clarified to ensure that only written, non-anonymous complaints will be accepted.
February 14, 2011 Copyright 2011© LRP Publications |
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