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Adjuster Certification Program

Training for insurance adjusters in Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Law

Purpose

The Bureau of Workers' Compensation wants to ensure that injured workers return to their health and to their jobs as quickly as possible. We don't want injured workers to experience a delay in receiving medical benefits or lost wage benefits that could negatively impact or unnecessarily delay their recovery. To help meet these goals, an Adjuster Certification Program was developed to educate adjusters about the requirements of Tennessee's workers' compensation laws, rules and regulations. 

The purpose of this program is two-fold: assure that injured employees are treated fairly, and to assure that Tennessee workers' compensation claims are handled in an appropriate and uniform manner.

The program is not intended to show adjusters “how to do their job”, but rather focuses on the relationships and interactions from the adjuster’s perspective pertaining to Tennessee workers’ compensation law and best practices.

Class Structure

The program is conducted by Bureau staff, including judges, program directors, and the assistant administrator. Training sessions are offered periodically throughout the year. Insurance adjusters who attend the two-day class, and pass a final exam will be recognized by the Bureau as "certified". 

Certification Status

Being designated as “certified” indicates a higher level of understanding of Tennessee's workers' compensation claims handling standards, the time frames for providing benefits and the improved communications that result from early and continued contact with each person involved in the claim. This designation can also prove to be a marketing advantage for adjusters and the carriers / Third Party Administrators as employers looking to obtain workers' compensation insurance will be able to access the list of certified adjusters and certified adjusting entities.

View the Program Rules

This list contains the names of insurance adjusters who are now recognized by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation for their dedication and proficiency of the Tennessee Workers' Compensation System.  Download the Registry of Certified Adjusters.

Registry of Certified Adjusters

An adjuster’s certification expires no less than 24 months from the date of designation. Notice will be sent to certified adjusters at least thirty calendar days prior to the expiration of their certification.

If you are interested in attending an upcoming training, contact us at WC.Info@tn.gov. Fees are generally less than $150 per attendee which covers the cost of the venue, food, and materials.

The tentative dates and locales for the 2-day training events being offered are as follows:

Class Dates City Registration Status
November 5 - 6, 2019 Memphis Almost Full

Registration for the individual training sessions will open approximately 45-60 days before each session. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register promptly, as 2018 sessions filled within 24 hours of their opening. Specific locations within these cities will be announced when registration opens.

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Presentations

The voluntary program consists of a two-day training event conducted by Bureau staff. The facilitators are all directors and supervisors within Bureau. In other words, the very people that interpret and enforce the policies and procedures present in the training.

Exam

A test is administered at the end of the second day. Attending both days and achieving a passing grade is required to be recognized as a "Certified Adjuster".

Example Agenda

Day 1
7:30 – 8:00 am Coffee and Carbohydrates Registration and Sign in  
8:00 – 8:45 am Welcome, Intros and Ice breaker Jeff Francis  
8:45 – 9:15 am The Story of Charlie Goodfella The Not Ready for Comp Time Players  
9:15 – 9:30am BREAK—Q & A with staff members    
9:30 – 10:15 am The Making of a Claims Professional Jeff Francis  
10:15 – 10:45 am Claims Administration—Pt 1 Lance Wheaton  
10:45 – 11:45 am Claims Administration—Pt 2 Cathy Dodd, Matthew Salyer  
11:45 – 12:45 pm LUNCH Provided  
12:45 – 2:15 pm Medical Topics—How you could needlessly be costing your client money and delaying recovery Suzy Douglas  
2:15 – 2:30 pm BREAK—Q & A with staff members    
2:30 – 3:15 pm The Ombudsman Program April Verdoni  
3:15 – 4:15 pm Mediation of Temporary Issues Brian Holmes  
Day 2
7:30 – 8:00 am Coffee and Carbohydrates  
8:00 – 8:45 am Review of Day 1: Gaining Cooperation and Building Trust  Jeff Francis
8:45 – 9:45 am e-billing, Fraud Awareness, Compliance Program  Lance Wheaton
9:45 – 10:00 am BREAK—Q & A with staffmembers   
10:00 – 11:00 am Mediation of Permanent Issues Subsequent Injury and Vocational Recovery Fund  Brian Holmes, Robert Davies
11:00 – 11:45 am The Penalty Program Mark Finks
11:45 – 12:45 pm LUNCH Provided
12:45 – 1:30 pm Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims  Judge Josh Baker
1:30 – 2:15 pm The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board  Elizabeth Vines
2:15 – 2:30 pm BREAK—Q & A with staff members  
2:30 – 3:30 pm Quality Decision Making Jeff Francis
3:30 -  TEST  

If you have any questions about this program, contact B.Jeff.Francis@tn.gov.