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Division of Workers' Compensation

News and Updates (2007-2009)

December 2009

  • The newly updated Employee Notification Letter is available. See Publications and Reimbursement Manuals for more information.
  • The Division is offering free classes to educate employers, business owners, licensed contractors and other interested stakeholders to help them understand their statutory obligations under the Workers' Compensation Law. The Division is partnering with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide employers with information relating to both workers’ compensation and workplace safety. Continuing Education Units are available to individuals licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Florida Water Well Administration. The attached flyer lists class dates and locations around the State. Advanced registration is required to assure availability. For additional information, bocseminars@myfloridacfo.com or call (850) 221-6518.
  • The Division of Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud and the Division of Workers' Compensation, Bureau of Compliance issued a Joint Report summarizing their respective efforts and activities in combating workers' compensation fraud and employer non-compliance for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.
  • New Informational Memorandum: DFS-05-2009 [28K PDF] - Maximum Workers' Compensation Rate, Effective January 1, 2010
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated

November 2009

  • The Division will hold a rule hearing on Rule 69L-7.501, FAC on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 @ 1:30 PM in 104J Hartman Building, 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, FL, if a hearing is requested in writing within 21 days of the Notice of Proposed Rule. The title of the rule is the Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals. » More info
  • Draft informational documents for Revision E are available under Medical EDI
  • A Notice of Change for Rule 69L-7.602, Florida Administrative Code, was published in the Friday, November 13, 2009, Florida Administrative Weekly. The rule, titled the Florida Workers' Compensation Medical Services, Billing, Filing and Reporting Rule, includes changes that have been made to address concerns expressed at the public hearing and in response to written comments received from the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee. » More info
  • The Division of Workers' Compensation will hold a rule development workshop on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 @ 9:00 AM in 104J Hartman Building, 2012 Capital Circle Southeast, Tallahassee, Florida. The title of the rule is Carrier Report of Health Care Provider Violations. » More info

October 2009

  • The Injured Worker FAQs have been updated
  • Compliance statistics updated
  • A Spanish version [560K PowerPoint] of the Injured Worker Workshop slideshow is now available on the Employee Education and Information page
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated
  • Bureau of Compliance district offices information has been updated
  • The Division is pleased to announce the continuation of Employer Seminars regarding Workers' Compensation and Workplace Safety (presented by OSHA). These seminars are designed to assist Florida employers in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the Florida Workers' Compensation law and in providing a Safe Workplace for their employees. The seminars are free and are offered in several locations throughout Florida. In addition, 4 seminars (in various locations) will be presented in the Spanish language. More details can be found on the Employer Education page. You are welcome to disseminate the flyer and registration forms to anyone you believe may be interested in attending.

September 2009

  • DWC FWCI Conference PowerPoint Slides (August 2009) [5.8MB PowerPoint]
  • A Hearing on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Division of Workers' Compensation Rule 69L-6.012, Notice of Election to be Exempt, Florida Administrative Code, will be held, if requested within 21 days of the date the notice is published. The Notice was published in the September 18, 2009, Florida Administrative Weekly. If requested, the hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in Room 104J Hartman Building., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Florida. If a hearing is not requested, it will not be held. For additional information, please contact Tasha Carter at (850) 413-1878 or Tasha.Carter@myfloridacfo.com.
  • EDI Training PowerPoint Slides [1.9MB PowerPoint] from the DWC FWCI Conference are available on the Claims EDI page
  • The Division of Workers' Compensation has published its 2009 Annual Report [2.5MB PDF] and it is now available under Publications and Manuals. The Annual Report contains a summary of the Division’s activities and accomplishments for fiscal year 2008/2009.
  • Compliance statistics have been updated
  • The 2009 4th quarter schedule for the Division's free classes regarding Florida’s Workers' Compensation law and Workplace Safety is available. For more information see the Employer Education section.
  • Claims EDI section updated
  • The Injured Worker Frequently Asked Questions page has been updated
  • The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation and Division of Risk Management announce a free two day EDI training class October 6, 7, and 8, 2009 in Tallahassee on the Claims EDI Release 3 mandate, and EDI Rule (69L-56, F.A.C.). Seating is limited to 75, and prior registration is required. Registration preference will be given to those who have previously submitted a request for future training and those who have not previously attended an EDI training class. Please complete and return the EDI Training Registration form to the Division. » Get form

August 2009

  • An updated Health Care Provider Tutorial [1.5MB PowerPoint] is available
  • The Division of Workers' Compensation announces the publication of Informational Bulletin DFS-02-2009 issued on August 12, 2009. This bulletin deals with employer/carrier reimbursement decisions regarding pharmaceuticals dispensed by Florida licensed physicians. All Division bulletins are available under Informational Memoranda.
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated
  • Rule 69L-6.025 - Conditional Release of Stop-Work Order and Periodic Payment Agreement was amended effective July 20, 2009. The amendment provides new language that outlines the terms and conditions under which an employer qualifies to enter into a new Payment Agreement Schedule For Periodic Payment of Penalty.
  • The recently available Non-Compliance Referral Database allows individuals to submit referrals of alleged violations of the workers’ compensation laws. Since June the Division has received 328 referrals. As a result of those referrals, 36 Stop-Work Orders were issued, resulting in $526,000 in assessed penalties. See the Databases section for all Division applications.
  • Audio files from the July workshops (69L-7.501 - Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals and 69L-7.602 - Florida Workers' Compensation Medical Services Billing, Filing and Reporting Rule) are available under Draft Rules

July 2009

June 2009

May 2009

  • The Proof of Coverage EDI and Claims EDI sections have been updated
  • New Informational Memoranda: DFS-01-2009 [245K PDF] - Wage Loss Discount Factor Tables, May 20, 2009
  • The Bureau of Data Quality and Collection page has been updated. All bureau information can be found under About the Division.
  • A Hearing on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Division of Workers' Compensation’s Rules for Self Insurers Under the Workers Compensation Act, 69L-5, Florida Administrative Code, will be held if requested within 21 days of the date the Notice was published. Rule Chapter 69L-5, F.A.C. is being amended to concurrently repeal and replace all existing rules with new rules which have been restructured and renumbered to promote clarity and efficiencies to the process by which self-insured employers comply with the duties and obligations associated with the privilege of self-insuring pursuant to Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. If requested, the hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2009; 10:00am – 12:00pm in Room 104 J Hartman Bldg., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Florida. If a hearing is not requested, it will not be held.
  • The following forms have been updated: SI-5 Self-Insurers Payroll Report, SI-6 Sample Self-Insurers Irrevocable Letter of Credit, SI-20 Report of Outstanding Workers' Compensation Liabilities, SI-23 Service Company Annual Report Form. All Division forms can be found under Rules and Forms.
  • Updated files and information have been added to the Claims EDI section
  • The DWC-250 form [36K PDF] (Notice of Election to be Exempt) has been updated again
  • The Division is pleased to announce the publication of its first research brief, which focuses on the effects of the changes to the compensability requirements in SB 50A, which was the 2003 workers’ compensation legislative reform bill.
  • Compliance statistics have been updated
  • Employee Assistance Office information updated
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated

April 2009

March 2009

February 2009

January 2009

December 2008

  • The Division of Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Fraud and the Division of Workers’ Compensation, Bureau of Compliance issued a Joint Report [3.7M PDF] summarizing their respective efforts and activities in combating workers’ compensation fraud and employer non-compliance for the period of July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
  • The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has proposed a rate increase in response to a recent Florida Supreme Court Decision involving attorney fees. The NCCI estimates that the full impact of this decision will be an increase in overall Florida workers’ compensation system costs of 18.6%. The NCCI anticipates that it will take two years for the full impact to be realized, and therefore proposes a first year increase of half of the full impact. On November 14, 2008, NCCI submitted its filing for a proposed first year rate level increase of 8.9% to Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). The NCCI rate filing is proposed to be effective on March 1, 2009, and is currently under review at OIR. More » [62K PDF]
    This rate filing comes on the heels of NCCI’s recently approved annual rate filing wherein the NCCI reduced Florida workers’ compensation rates by 18.6% effective January 1, 2009. The new overall workers' compensation rate level will result in a cumulative 60.5% average decrease since reforms to the workers’ compensation system were implemented in 2003. More » [103K PDF]
  • The Office of Medical Services page has been updated
  • New Informational Memorandum: DFS-02-2008 [22K PDF] - Maximum Workers' Compensation Rate, Effective January 1, 2009
  • A Hearing on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Division of Workers' Compensation’s EDI Rule, 69L-56, Florida Administrative Code, will be held if requested within 21 days of the date the Notice was published. The proposed rule amendment addresses Electronic Proof of Coverage filing requirements for Employee leasing companies, as well as revisions made to EDI forms and EDI Implementation Manuals. If requested, the hearing will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009; 10:00am – 12:00pm in room 104 J Hartman Bldg., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Florida. If a hearing is not requested, it will not be held.
  • The Division of Workers' Compensation will hold a rule workshop to amend rule 69L-24 F.A.C. Insurers' Standards and Practices. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009; 10:00am - 12:00pm in room 104 J Hartman Bldg., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Florida. The proposed rule amendment establishes guidelines to monitor, audit and investigate regulated entities for compliance with requirements of Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, regarding timely payment of benefits to injured workers, timely payment of medical bills, and timely reporting of data to the Department, and establish penalty guidelines for assessment of penalties for failure to comply with the statutory requirements.
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated

November 2008

  • The new Online Workers' Compensation Insurance Registration site is now available on the homepage under Popular Items
  • The Bureau of Compliance is offering free workers’ compensation and workplace safety classes, and more than 100 Florida employers and licensed contractors have attended since the classes began on October 1, 2008, some earning continuing education credits. The Bureau will offer 11 classes quarterly throughout Florida, and the first quarter 2009 schedule will be available in December.
  • Bureau of Compliance statistics have been updated for November
  • The National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCCI) has issued its analysis on the proposed medical fee reimbursement changes for hospital outpatient services. This analysis will be presented at the Three-Member Panel meeting on Thursday, November 20 at 1:00 pm in room 116 of the Larsen Building in Tallahassee, Florida. The Three-Member Panel will consider testimony and comments regarding the proposed adoption of Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System in concert with determined payment adjustment factors as the methodology for reimbursing hospitals 60% and 75% of usual and customary charges for outpatient services provided to Florida’s injured workers.
  • The Division of Workers’ Compensation will hold a rule workshop to amend the rule 69L-56 F.A.C. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Requirements for Proof Coverage and Claims (Non-Medical). The workshop will be held on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008; 10:00am - 12:00pm in room 104 J Hartman Bldg., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Florida. The proposed rule amendment addresses Electronic Proof of Coverage filing requirements for Employee leasing companies, as well as revisions made to forms and EDI Implementation Manuals.

October 2008

  • The Workers' Compensation System Guide (WC System Guide) has been written and published in accordance with section 440.207, Florida Statutes. Its purpose is to provide a summary and overview of the Workers Compensation Law. It is intended to educate and assist all stakeholders in the workers' compensation system as to their rights and responsibilities and to provide resources to persons needing direction and support with the workers' compensation process and system. The Workers' Compensation Guide is not intended to replace or supersede the workers' compensation law (Chapter 440, Florida Statutes) or Florida workers' compensation case law.
  • Bureau of Compliance statistics have been updated
  • The Medical EDI section has been updated
  • Several additions have been made to the Claims EDI area
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated

September 2008

August 2008

July 2008

  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated
  • A slideshow entitled FL Claims EDI Release 3 EDI History & Overview [5.4MB PowerPoint] has been added to the Claims EDI page.
  • Most of the older information from the homepage has been removed, but is still available on this page and/or elsewhere around the site.
  • The Division has published the assessment rates for the Workers' Compensation Administration Trust Fund (WCATF) and Special Disability Trust Fund (SDTF), in Informational Bulletin DFS-01-2008 [252K PDF] and Assessment Rate Orders number 95975-08-WC and 95978-08-WC. The assessment rate for the WCATF will remain at 0.25% for calendar year 2009. For the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the SDTF assessment rate remains at 4.52%.

June 2008

  • New Informational Memorandum: DFS-01-2008 [252K PDF] - Orders Setting Assessment Rates for the Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund and Special Disability Trust Fund
  • The footers on all the Division pages have been updated with the correct contact information
  • Bureau of Compliance statistics have been updated once again
  • Updated Mileage Reimbursement forms (MR-2) are available under the 69L-26 tab (Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office) in the Rules and Forms section
  • Contact information for the various Bureau of Compliance district offices has been updated
  • The Three-Member Panel Meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2008, in Tallahassee, Florida has been CANCELLED. The purpose of the meeting was for the Panel to consider testimony and comments regarding its proposed adoption of Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System and appropriate payment adjustment factors as the methodology for reimbursing hospitals 60% and 75% of usual and customary charges for outpatient services provided to Florida’s injured workers. If adopted, the new reimbursement methodology would be an amendment to Rule 69L-7.501, F.A.C.

May 2008

  • Updated Bureau of Compliance statistics are available. These graphs and all other Division statistics can be found in the Statistics section under Information and Faqs.
  • Much of the Claims EDI area has been updated
  • New Rule:  69L-24.0231 Benefits and Administration Trust Fund Penalties Improper Filing Practices
  • The Division of Workers’ Compensation announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited. The Three-Member Panel will consider testimony and comments regarding the proposed adoption of Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System in concert with appropriate payment adjustment factors as the methodology for reimbursing hospitals 60% and 75% of usual and customary charges for outpatient services provided to Florida’s injured workers. The proposed reimbursement methodology being considered is for purposes of amending Rule 69L-7.501, F.A.C. The meeting will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 116, Larson Bldg., 200 E. Gaines St., Tallahassee, Florida.
  • The UCC-1 [103K PDF] Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement, available under Rules and Forms Chapter 69L-5, has been updated
  • The Medical EDI section has been updated

April 2008

  • The Bureau of Employee Assistance information has been updated, as well as the bureau's district offices
  • The following forms have been updated: DFS-F2-DWC-1a [51K PDF] (Wage Statement) and DFS-F2-DWC-30 [23K PDF] (Authorization and Request for Unemployment Compensation Information)
  • Florida Stay-at-Work Consortium - Florida’s CFO Alex Sink and the Division of Workers’ Compensation are participating in a national initiative and summit seeking better ways to help sick or injured workers stay at work or return to work sooner--and stay employed. The Florida Summit on Preventing Needless Work Disability, to be held at the Rosen Centre in Orlando on June 1 & 2, 2008, is expected to draw up to 200 healthcare providers, employers, insurers and others seeking to improve the service now delivered by disability benefits and workers’ compensation systems. If you wish to learn more, request an invitation, and or be involved as a sponsor of this unique and extremely important event visit www.60summits.org or call 1-800-319-7425.
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) updated

March 2008

February 2008

January 2008

December 2007

November 2007

October 2007

  • An interactive Word version of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Uniform Medical Treatment/Status Report Form (DFS-F5-DWC-25) has been added under 69L-7 on the Rules & Forms page
  • The Revocation of Election of Coverage form (DFS-251-R [17K PDF]) has been updated and can be found under Rules & Forms (69L-6)
  • The MDMS Web Site FAQ [28K PDF] on the Medical EDI page has been updated
  • New additions and updates to the Claims EDI section
  • 69L-7.020 Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Health Care Providers Rule Update - The Florida Workers' Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual, 2007 Edition, has been adopted and will become effective 10/18/2007. The rule implements new reimbursement rates as authorized by Florida’s Three-Member Panel. A copy can be found below and also under the Publications & Manuals section of our website.
  • Contact information has been updated on the Medical EDI and ODQC sections

September 2007

  • 69L-7.501 Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals Rule Update - The Florida Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals, 2006 Edition, has been adopted and will become effective 10/01/2007, and applies to all hospital admissions on or after 10/01/07. This rule implements reimbursement rates as well as other important amendments throughout each section of the rule. A copy can be found below and also under Publications & Manuals.
  • Division Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for proposed Rule 69L-7.020, Florida Workers' Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual, 2007 Edition. UPDATE - 9/25/07: Administrative rule making procedures are in the final adoption stages with an anticipated effective date of 10/19/07. The Division will issue a formal DWC E-Alert notification advising parties of the official effective date of this reimbursement manual, and will update the website accordingly.
  • The Division of Workers’ Compensation has published its 2007 Annual Report and it is now available under Publications and Manuals. The Annual Report contains a summary of the Division’s activities and accomplishments for fiscal year 2006-2007. View/download report [2.3MB PDF]
  • Instruction Manual for the Online Medical Data Management System (MDMS), 2007, Revised 09/14/2007 [1.76 MB PDF] (New for Revision D). Also available in the Medical EDI section.
  • EOBR Business Rules for 2007 [27K PDF] (DWC-9, DWC-10, and DWC-11) (New for Revision D) - updated 9/5/2007. Also available in the Medical EDI section.
  • New additions and updates were made to the Claims EDI area

August 2007

  • Division Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for proposed Rule 69L-7.020, Florida Workers' Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual, 2007 Edition. UPDATE - 08/20/2007: The hearing scheduled on 08/22/2007 for the FL WC Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual was not requested, and therefore, will not be held. After all required rule adoption administrative procedures are taken, it is anticipated that this reimbursement manual will go into effect in late September 2007. The Division will issue a formal DWC E-Alert notification advising parties of the official effective date of this reimbursement manual, and will update the website accordingly.
  • 69L-7.501 Reimbursement Rule Update 08/20/2007 – On February 23, 2007, two rule challenge petitions were filed in reference to the Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals, 2006 Edition. The parties subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement which was approved by the Three-Member Panel in its meeting of June 14, 2007. Following release by the Division of Administrative Hearings, the Division will file the rule with the Secretary of State for final adoption. The effective date of the rule will be twenty days after it is filed with the Secretary of State. The Division anticipates these steps will result in an effective date of approximately October 1, 2007. Until the effective date of the 2006 edition, the appropriate reimbursement manual to use is the Hospital Reimbursement Manual, 2004 Second Edition.
  • 69L-7.100 Florida Workers’ Compensation Ambulatory Surgical Center Reimbursement Manual Rule Update -The Florida Workers' Compensation Ambulatory Surgical Center Reimbursement Manual has been adopted and will become effective 08/19/2007. This rule implements reimbursement rates as well as other important amendments throughout each section of the rule. A copy can be found below and also under the Publications section of our website.
  • The statistics area has been updated, and 2006 Fatal Work-Related Injuries in Florida stats have been added.

July 2007

June 2007

  • The next FL Claims EDI Release 3 (non-medical) Training for Claim Administrators will be held from 8:30-5 p.m. on August 22 & 23, 2007 on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. It is recommended that both a business and technical representative from a claim administrator attend. Seating is limited to 125, and priority will be given to those who have not previously attended. There is no charge to attend this training; however, a prior registration confirmation is required. To reserve your place in the training, please complete the training registration form [12K PDF] and fax it to 850-488-3453.
  • The EDI Informational Brochure [111K PDF] has been updated

May 2007

April 2007

  • Rule Development Workshop Notice: 69L-7.020 - A public workshop for the FL Workers’ Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual, 2007 Edition has been scheduled on 5/8/2007, 10:00 a.m., 104J Hartman Bldg., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Fl. 32399. A formal notice of public workshop appears in the Florida Administrative Weekly on 4/20/2007. (Click here to view the notice)
  • The Special Disability Trust Fund (SDTF) section has been updated
  • Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) and the Office of the Judge of Compensation Claims (OJCC) will hold its next seminar at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Kent Campus on Friday, May 4. More details [25K PDF]
  • Injured Worker Workshop [307K PowerPoint] - This presentation provides an overview of injured workers’ rights and responsibilities under Florida’s workers’ compensation law, information on medical and indemnity benefits, and answers many questions injured workers have following their injury.
  • The Claims EDI area has been updated again
  • New Informational Memoranda: DFS-07-07 [52K PDF] - Wage Loss Discount Factor Tables, April 10, 2007. A complete list of Division bulletins can be found under Informational Memoranda.

March 2007

February 2007

  • Claims EDI (non-medical) Release 3 Training in May in Tallahassee: The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation announces a free two day training class, May 16 & 17, 2007 in Tallahassee on the upcoming Claims EDI Release 3 mandate, and the new EDI Rule (69L-56 F.A.C.) Prior registration is required. Please complete and return the EDI Training Registration form to the Division. (click here [12K PDF])
  • Claims EDI Release 3 Training in April: The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation announces a free two day training class, April 17 & 18, 2007 in Orlando on the upcoming Claims EDI Release 3 mandate, and the new EDI Rule (69L-56 F.A.C.) Seating is limited to 120, and prior registration is required. Class in now full.
  • The Publications Order Form [28K PDF] available under Publications has changed
  • EDI statistics (paper vs. electronic submissions) have been updated
  • The Claims EDI section has been updated
  • 69L-7.100 Reimbursement Rule Update 02/05/2007 - A written request to conduct a public hearing has been received for the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Ambulatory Surgical Centers, 2006 Edition. Accordingly a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in room 104J Hartman Bldg., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Fl. 32399.(Please see proposed rule 69L-7.100 [20K PDF] for contact information.)
  • 69L-7.501 Reimbursement Rule Update 02/05/2007 - A written request to conduct a public hearing has been received for the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals, 2006 Edition. Accordingly a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in room 104J Hartman Bldg., 2012 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, Fl. 32399. (Please see proposed rule 69L-7.501 [18K PDF] for contact information.)

January 2007