There is new information regarding medical provider networks, worker's compensation forms and other notices. Please review the following information carefully and let us know if you have any questions:

Medical provider networks, employee information, and workers' compensation claim form (DWC 1) and notice of potential eligibility:

The DWC (Division of Workers' Compensation) amended regulations on MPN (Medical Provider Networks) and employee information. Employers must revise their employee notices and workers' compensation posters to comply with the new regulations.

Some of the amendments to the regulations are as follows:

· Allows employers to distribute MPN notices electronically to all covered workers.

· Eliminates the 14-day MPN implementation and change of MPN notice period.

· Reduces distribution of both the Change of MPN notices and the Termination/Cessation of Use of MPN only to covered injured workers.

Use of MPN notices only to covered injured workers:

· Requires employers to include an MPN contact e-mail address within notices.

· Requires access to the MPN contact through the toll-free number.

· Updates the Employee Poster and Notice of Potential Eligibility and DWC Claim Form 1.

If you offer an MPN, you must provide the following notices:

Workers' Compensation pamphlet (aka "Written Notice to New Employees"): Please provide to every new employee, either at the time of hire or by the end of the first pay period, the Written Notice to New Employees concerning the rights, benefits and obligations under the worker's compensation law. The notice must include a description about MPNs, which includes that the employer may be using a MPN, what a MPN is, the pre-designation exemption from the MPN, when an employee must begin to use a physician from the MPN and how to request information about using a MPN.

Workers' compensation posting (aka "Notice to Employees Poster"): Please post and keep posted in a conspicuous location frequented by employees during the hours of the workday a Notice to Employees. This notice must include a description about MPNs along with the MPN contact telephone number, address, and if available, the MPN website/URL. You also must include the effective date of the MPN coverage, if you are using a MPN.

The complete written MPN employee notification must be posted in both English and Spanish.

Implementation Notice: Notify every covered employee, in writing, about the use of the MPN prior to the implementation of an approved MPN. New employees must receive the notice at the time of hire.

Termination, Cessation, or Change of MPN:

a. Employers must make sure that each injured covered employee is informed in writing of the MPN policies that cover him or her and you must notify the injured employee when he or she is no longer covered by your MPN. You must supply written notice of the date of termination or cessation of use of your MPN to injured covered employees prior to the effective date of termination or cessation.

b. If you're changing MPN coverage to a different MPN, you must provide a written notice to every injured covered employee prior to the effective date of coverage.

Independent Medical Review: At the time of selection of a physician for a third opinion, you must notify the covered employee about the Independent Medical Review process.

Separate from the MPN implementation notice, you must send a complete written MPN employee notification about coverage under the MPN to covered employees at the time of injury or when an employee with an existing injury begins treatment under the MPN. The insurer or the employer must notify an injured employee of his or her right to be treated by a

physician of his or her choice within the MPN after the first visit with the MPN physician and the method by which the list of participating providers may be accessed by the employee.

A complete list of revisions is online at the DWC website

but some of the revisions include:

· Added information on MPNs that includes information about an employee's right to pre-designate a personal physician.

· Minor changes in language to promote clarity (such as reversing sentence order under "Get Medical Care" to emphasize the priority of addressing emergency care first).

Are there changes to the workers' compensation pamphlet?

Yes, such as language relating to pre-designating a personal physician or medical group and information on MPNs in the Written Notice to New Employees.

Do I have to give the notices or provide the poster in languages other than English?  Yes, but with the following caveats:

· Implementation Notices, Termination, Cessation, or Change of MPN notices, Written Notice to New Employees, Independent Medical Review Process, MPN Employee Notification:  Shall be provided in English and also in Spanish, but it only needs to be provided in Spanish to Spanish-speaking individuals.

· Posting of Notice to Employees: Shall be posted in both English and Spanish where there are Spanish-speaking employees.

You may send these notices by mail to the employee or include them on or with an employee's paystub or paycheck. You may also distribute the notices through electronic means, including email, if the employee has regular electronic access to email at work to receive the notice prior to the implementation, end or beginning of the MPN.

Combining Notices:

The notice of termination or cessation of use of a MPN may be combined with the notice of a change to new MPN coverage of the combined notice meets all the MPN regulatory requirements for both termination or cessation of use of a MPN and for change of a MPN.

The posting/notification has to include the following information:

· How to contact the person designated by the employer or insurer to be the MPN Contact for covered employees to answer questions about MPNs and to address MPN problems. The employer or insurer shall provide a toll-free telephone number with access to the MPN Contact if the MPN geographical service area includes more than one area code.

· A description of MPN services

· How to review, receive or access the MPN provider directory.