Administrative Review of Utilization Program Not Mandatory

A worker who was denied medical treatment through an employer's utilization review process has the option to appeal the decision through administrative means, but is not required to do so before pursuing judicial relief, the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court of Tennessee ruled.Case: Ricky L. Mayes v. Peebles, Inc., E2009-02030-WC-R3-WC, published, August 23, 2010. Facts and Procedural History: Ricky L. Mayes sustained a compensable spinal injury while working for Peebles Inc., in June 2004. A settlement agreement stating that Peebles would provide medical...