Providers Allege DWC Exceeded Authority by Not Ruling on Fee Disputes

Health care providers and claims managers have filed legal actions against the Department of Financial Services and its Division of Workers’ Compensation, alleging the agencies have created a loophole for insurers to avoid payments. The Florida Society of Ambulatory Care Centers, two HCA companies and a claims management firm are challenging proposed Rules 69L-31.016 and 69L-31.005(2)(d). The DWC on May 2 published a notice of change to correct a technicality with the proposed revisions, but conceded it already has implemented the new rules even though they have not been finalized. Ru...