Bureau Announcements
Registration is now open for the 21st WC Educational Conference
Registration is now open and the agenda is now set for the 21st WC Educational Conference. The theme for this year's conference is "Building a Better Tomorrow" and it will be conducted one week earlier than in the past - June 6-8, 2018.
Sessions will delve into the changing dynamics taking place in the workplace - multi generations in the same workforce, increased use of robots and Artifical Intelligence, aging workers and their needs, the need to approach claims handling differently based on demographics - are jus a few topics.
REMEMBER, we have moved to the beautiful and spacious Embassy Suites Nashville SE - Murfreesboro. This site has much more space for attendees, exhibitors, and breakout sessions as well as tons of FREE PARKING! We have arranged a special conference hotel rate of $161.00 per night, available by calling 615-890-4464 and asking for the "TWC" conference rate or by clicking here. If the host hotel is full, there are several nearby hotels. Continuing Education applications have been submitted tor attorneys (CLE), human resource professionals (SHRM) and rehabilitation providers (CRC, CDMS, CCM) including applications for the three hours of dual CLE credits required annually for Tennessee attorneys!
New Claims Handling Standards will go into effect August 2, 2018
Revisions to the Claims Handling Standards include requirements for adjusting entities to designate a liaison to the Bureau to serve as a primary point of contact, clarification on the steps to file claims if the SSN is missing or unknown, deletion of the requirement to have a claims office in the state, and new requirements for making contact with the injured employee.
2018 Legislative Update
This is a general overview of workers’ compensation legislation passed by the 2018 session of the 110th General Assembly. For a complete, detailed review of this information and all workers’ compensation bills introduced in this legislative session, please go to www.capitol.tn.gov.
New General Workers' Compensation Rules and Rules for the voluntary Adjuster Certification Program will go into effect May 31, 2018
Highlights of the General Workers' Compensation Rules include less time for providing medical panels, clearer language regarding walk-in/urgent care facilities on panels, and the use of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in treatment. Highlights of the Adjuster Certification Rules include opportunites for adjusters and adjusting entities to achieve recognition from the Bureau and their ability to distinguish themselves from their competitors by participating in training offered by Bureau staff.
New Rules for the Drug Free Workplace Program will go into effect on May 6, 2018
Highlights of the new rules include easier to understand language, point of collection testing procedures, clear instructions on how to handle an employee's inability to provide or refusal to provide a sample, Employee and Employer Protections, and suggestions for all required training. As part of the revisions to the Program, a new Employer Implementation Guide and a template for a Substance Abuse Policy Statement have been added to the Program's website. Beginning on May 6, 2018, employers will be able to conduct point-of-collection testing for job applicants that have been offered a conditional offer of employment. The devices must meet the same testing standards as required by the US Department of Transportation and SAMSHA and be approved by the Bureau.
The new Form SD-2, the replacement form for the current Statistical Data Form SD-1, will go into effect May 6, 2018
The new rules will require a SD-2 Form to be filed with the Bureau in all claims that conclude by settlement or are resolved by trial, including settlements that close future medical benefits or benefits provided after the expiration of the initial compensation period.
e-Billing Rules to become effective July 1, 2018
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BWC Kingsport, TN office relocates to Gray, TN
From February 22nd until February 28th, the staff of the Bureau's Kingsport office will be temporarily working in the Career Center located at 206 High Point Road in Johnson City. Effective March 1, the staff will relocate to its new offices located at 5788 Bobby Hicks Highway, Gray, Tennessee 37615-3190. This relocation will require new phone numbers for the office and staff.
Designation of Insurance Rate Service Organization
The Insurance Rate Service Organization designated for Bureau purposes that include the filing of insurance policy provisions and coverages and the determination of job classifications for applicable Bureau Rules is the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI)