Extensive Changes to Claims-Handling Standards Take Effect Aug. 2

Tennessee's Bureau of Workers' Compensation announced new claims-handling standards and rules that will take effect Aug. 2, including a rule that ends the requirement that carriers have a claims office in the state. The new rules, announced this week, address a number of other issues, and will require: A civil penalty of $500 if an employer or insurance carrier fails to provide reasonable medical treatment, or directs a legitimate workers' compensation claim to be paid by health insurance. That each insurance carrier, self-insured employer or third-party administrator to desig...