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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.

We are proud to recognize adjusting entities that are dedicated to providing the best quality service to employers and injured workers by going “above and beyond” Tennessee standards regarding their claims handling practices.

Registry of Certified Adjusting Entities

Entity Date Certified
Accident Fund: Insurance Company of America January 2020

What is an Adjusting Entity?

An adjusting entity is an insurance company, third party administrator or self-insured employer that administers Tennessee workers’ compensation claims.

Application Process

To be designated as a “certified” adjusting entity:

  • Fill out an application and provide all requested documentation.
  • Implement a training program for adjusters that process Tennessee claims.
  • Meet or exceed state standards in the past year.
  • Have at least 60% of its adjusters that process Tennessee claims be certified by the Bureau.
  • Have at least 75% of its supervisors of Tennessee adjusters be certified by the Bureau.
  • For complete details, see Program Rules.

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.

COVID-19 Update

The Adjuster Certification Program was designed from the beginning with a small class size format, so participants could get more personalized attention and interaction among their classmates. We fear much of those qualities might be lost in a transition to offering the class digitally. However, we are exploring options to provide this program online and still provide a forum to communicate with classmates and presenters throughout.

All in-person classes this year have been canceled. Stay tuned for future updates regarding online classes.

Class Dates City Registration Status
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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 – 10:00am  BREAK—Q & A with staff members
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. 

This Page Last Updated: September 23, 2020 at 10:11 AM