State considers treatment guidelines through rule change

If adopted by the Workers' Compensation Administration, New Mexico would have treatment guidelines in effect for the workers' comp system before the end of the year.

Unlike most states with MTGs, New Mexico would allow the use of either the Official Disability Guidelines or the guidelines from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

"In a nutshell, as long as treatment by an authorized provider falls into either, it is presumed to be reasonable and necessary and should be paid for," said Darin A. Childers, general counsel of the WCA.

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New York: Regulators announce updates to treatment guidelines (12/17/12)

Some of the public comments received by the WCA have expressed opposition.

"We don't believe this proposed rule will be a big change to the system," Childers said. "It creates a presumption of reasonable and necessary care. If it doesn't, parties are left to the current system as is."

The agency accepted public comments until Nov. 26.

December 10, 2012

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