The Oregon Administrative Rules contain OARs filed through November 15, 2015

 

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DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES,

WORKERS' COMPENSATION DIVISION










 

DIVISION 15
MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATIONS

436-015-0001
Authority for Rules
These rules are promulgated under the director's general rule-making authority of ORS 656.726(4) and specific authority under ORS 656.245, 656.248, 656.252, 656.254, 656.260, 656.268, 656.325, 656.327, and 656.794.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02
436-015-0002
Purpose
The purpose of these rules is to establish and provide policies, procedures, and requirements for the administration, evaluation, and enforcement of the statutes relating to the delivery of medical services by managed care organizations (MCOs) to injured workers within the workers' compensation system.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02
436-015-0003
Applicability of Rules
(1) These rules apply on and
after the effective date to carry out the provisions of ORS 656.245, 656.248, 656.252,
656.254, 656.260, 656.268, 656.325,
656.327, and 656.794, and govern all MCOs and insurers contracting with an MCO.
(2) Applicable to this chapter, the director
may, unless otherwise obligated by statute, waive any procedural rules as justice
so requires.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90,
cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 2-1992, f. 1-10-92,
cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96,
cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12,
cert. ef. 4-1-12
436-015-0005
Definitions
Unless a term is specifically
defined elsewhere in these rules or the context otherwise requires, the definitions
of ORS chapter 656 and OAR 436-010-0005 are hereby incorporated by reference and
made a part of these rules.
(1) “Group of medical
service providers” means individuals duly licensed to practice one or more
of the healing arts who join together to provide managed medical services through
a managed care organization, whether or not such providers have an ownership interest
in the managed care organization.
(2) “GSA” means
a geographic service area.
(3) “Health care provider”
means an entity or group of entities, organized to provide health care services
or organized to provide administrative support services to entities providing health
care services. An entity solely organized to become an MCO under these rules is
not, in and of itself, a health care provider.
(4) “Managed care organization”
or “MCO” means an organization formed to provide medical services and
certified under these rules.
(5) “Non-qualifying employer”
means either:
(a) An insurer as defined under
ORS 656.005(14), with respect to managed care services to be provided to any subject
worker; or,
(b) An employer as defined under
ORS 656.005(13), other than a health care provider, with respect to managed care
services to such employer’s employees.
(6) “Primary care physician”
means a physician qualified to be an attending physician according to ORS 656.005(12)(b)(A)
and who is a general practitioner, family practitioner, or internal medicine practitioner.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260,
OL 2007 Ch. 423

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90,
cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 4-1991, f. &
cert. ef. 6-14-91; WCD 2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94,
cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98,
cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 4-2006(Temp), f.
5-11-06, cert. ef. 6-1-06 thru 11-27-06; WCD 7-2006, f. 10-19-06, cert. ef. 11-28-06;
WCD 10-2007, f. 11-1-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; WCD 1-2008, f. 6-13-08, cert. ef. 7-1-08;
WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12, cert. ef. 4-1-12
436-015-0006
Administration of Rules
Any orders issued by the division in carrying out the director's authority to enforce ORS Chapter 656 and the rules adopted pursuant thereto, are considered orders of the director.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02
436-015-0007
Entities Allowed to Manage Care
Only an MCO may provide managed
care services as described in ORS 656.260(4)(d), 656.260(20)(a), and under these
rules, except as allowed under 436-015-0009. An insurer or someone acting on behalf
of an insurer may not manage the care of non-MCO enrolled workers by limiting choice
of medical providers, except as allowed under ORS chapter 656, or by requiring medical
providers to abide by specific treatment standards, treatment guidelines, and treatment
protocols.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 5-2008, f. 12-15-08,
cert. ef. 1-1-09; WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12, cert. ef. 4-1-12
436-015-0008
Administrative Review
(1) Any party may
request that the director provide voluntary mediation after a request for administrative
review or hearing is filed. The request must be in writing. When a dispute is resolved
by agreement of the parties to the director’s satisfaction, any agreement
shall be reduced to writing and approved by the director. If the dispute does not
resolve through mediation, administrative review shall continue.
(2) Administrative
review before the director: The process for administrative review of such matters
shall be as follows:
(a) Any party
that disagrees with an action taken by an MCO pursuant to these rules must first
use the MCO’s dispute resolution process. If the party does not appeal the
MCO’s decision, in writing and within 30 days of the mailing date of the decision,
the party will lose all rights to further appeal the decision.
(b) The aggrieved
party shall file a written request for administrative review with the administrator
of the Workers’ Compensation Division within 60 days of the date the MCO issues
a final decision under the MCO’s dispute resolution process. If a party has
been denied access to an MCO dispute resolution process because the complaint or
dispute was not included in the MCO’s dispute resolution process or because
the MCO’s dispute resolution process was not completed for reasons beyond
a party’s control, the party may request administrative review within 60 days
of the failure of the MCO to issue a decision. The request must specify the grounds
upon which the action is contested.
(c) The director
shall create a documentary record sufficient for judicial review. The director may
require and allow the parties to submit such input and information appropriate to
complete the review.
(d) The director
shall review the relevant information and issue an order. The order shall specify
that it will become final and not subject to further review unless a written request
for hearing is filed with the administrator within 30 days of the mailing date of
the order.
(3) If the
director determines an evaluation by a physician is indicated to resolve the dispute,
the director, in accordance with OAR 436-010-0330, may appoint an appropriate medical
service provider or panel of providers to review the medical records and, if necessary,
examine the worker and perform any necessary and reasonable medical tests, other
than invasive tests. The worker may refuse an invasive test without sanction.
(a) A single
physician selected to conduct an evaluation must be a practitioner of the same healing
art and specialty, if practicable, as the medical service provider whose treatment
or service is being reviewed.
(b) When
a panel of physicians is selected, at least one panel member must be a practitioner
of the same healing art and specialty, if practicable, as the medical service provider
whose treatment or service is being reviewed.
(c) When
an examination of the worker is required, the director will notify the appropriate
parties of the date, time, and location of the examination. No party may directly
contact the physician or panel except as it relates to the examination date, time,
location, and attendance. If the parties wish that the physician or panel address
special questions, the parties must submit these questions to the director for screening.
The director will determine the appropriateness of the questions. Matters not related
to the issues before the director are inappropriate for medical evaluation, and
the director will not submit questions regarding such matters to the evaluating
physician(s). The evaluation may include:
(A) A review
of all medical records and diagnostic tests submitted,
(B) An examination
of the worker, and
(C) Any necessary
and reasonable medical tests.
(4) Hearings
before an administrative law judge: Any party who disagrees with an order under
these rules may request a hearing by filing a request for hearing as provided in
OAR 436-001-0019 within 30 days of the mailing date of the order. OAR 436-001 applies
to the hearing. In the review of orders issued pursuant to ORS 656.260(14) and (16),
no new medical evidence or issues shall be admitted at hearing. In these reviews,
administrative orders may be modified at hearing only if the administrative order
is not supported by substantial evidence in the record or reflects an error of law.
The dispute may be remanded to the MCO for further evidence taking, correction,
or other necessary action if the administrative law judge or director determines
the record has been improperly, incompletely, or otherwise insufficiently developed.
(5) Contested
case hearings of sanctions and civil penalties: Under ORS 656.740, any party that
disagrees with a proposed order or proposed assessment of civil penalty issued by
the director pursuant to ORS 656.745, or to a civil penalty or cease and desist
order issued under ORS 656.260(20), may request a hearing by the Hearings Division
of the Workers’ Compensation Board as follows:
(a) The party
shall file a written request for a hearing with the administrator of the Workers’
Compensation Division within 60 days after the mailing date of the proposed order
or assessment. The request must specify the grounds upon which the proposed order
or assessment is contested.
(b) The division
shall forward the request and other pertinent information to the Hearings Division
of the Workers’ Compensation Board.
(c) An administrative
law judge from the Hearings Division, acting on behalf of the director, shall conduct
the hearing in accordance with ORS 656.740 and ORS chapter 183.
(6) Hearings
on the suspension or revocation of an MCO’s certification:
(a) At a
hearing on a notice of intent to suspend issued pursuant to OAR 436-015-0080(2),
the MCO must show cause why it should be permitted to continue to provide services
under these rules.
(A) If the
director determines that the acts or omissions of the MCO justify suspension of
the MCO’s certification, the director may issue an order suspending the MCO
for a period of time up to a maximum of one year or may initiate revocation proceedings
pursuant to OAR 436-015-0080(5). If the director determines that the acts or omissions
of the MCO do not justify suspension, the director shall issue an order withdrawing
the notice.
(B) If the
MCO disagrees with the order, it may request a hearing by filing a request for hearing
as provided in OAR 436-001-0019 within 60 days of the mailing date of the order.
(C) OAR 436-001
applies to the hearing.
(b) A revocation
issued pursuant to OAR 436-015-0080(5) shall become effective within 10 days after
service of such notice upon the MCO unless within such period of time the MCO corrects
the grounds for revocation to the satisfaction of the director or files a written
request for hearing with the administrator of the Workers’ Compensation Division.
(A) If the
MCO appeals, the administrator shall set a date for a hearing and shall give the
MCO at least ten days notice of the time and place of the hearing. At hearing, the
MCO shall show cause why it should be permitted to continue to provide services
under these rules.
(B) Within
thirty days after the hearing, the director shall issue an order affirming or withdrawing
the revocation.
(C) If the
MCO disagrees with the order, it may request a hearing by filing a request for hearing
as provided in OAR 436-001-0019 within 60 days of the mailing date of the order.
(D) OAR 436-001
applies to the hearing.
(c) An emergency
revocation issued pursuant to OAR 436-015-0080(7) is effective immediately. The
MCO must file a request for hearing as provided in OAR 436-001-0019 within 60 days
of the mailing date of the order. OAR 436-001 applies to the hearing.
Stat. Auth.: ORS
183.310 - 183.550 & 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented:
ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD
11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef.
12-26-90; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert.
ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 13-1999(Temp), f. &
cert. ef. 10-25-99 thru 4-21-00; WCD 4-2000, f. 4-4-00, cert. ef. 4-21-00; WCD 3-2002,
f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 14-2003(Temp), f. 12-15-03, cert. ef. 1-1-04 thru
6-28-03; WCD 6-2004, f. 6-14-04, cert. ef. 6-29-04; WCD 8-2005, f. 12-6-05, cert.
ef. 1-1-06; WCD 5-2011, f. 11-18-11, cert. ef. 1-1-12; WCD 2-2013, f. 3-11-13, cert.
ef. 4-1-13
436-015-0009
Formed/Owned/Operated
(1) The director will not certify
an MCO formed, owned, or operated by a non-qualifying employer.
(2) A non-qualifying employer
or any member of its staff may not:
(a) Directly participate in
the formation, certification, or incorporation of the MCO;
(b) Nominate, assume a position
as, or act in the role of, a director, officer, agent, or employee of the MCO; or
(c) Arrange for, lend, guarantee,
or otherwise provide financing for any of the organizational costs of the MCO.
(3) A non-qualifying employer
or any member of its staff, or their immediate family, may not:
(a) Arrange for, lend, guarantee,
or otherwise provide financial support to the MCO (financial support does not include
contracted fees for services rendered by an MCO); or
(b) Have any ownership or similar
financial interest in or right to payment from the MCO.
(4) A non-qualifying employer
or any member of its staff may not:
(a) Make or exercise any control
over business, operational, or policy decisions of the MCO;
(b) Possess or control the ownership
of voting securities of the MCO; the director will presume possession or control
exists if any person, directly or indirectly, holds the power to vote or holds proxies
of any other person representing ten percent or more of the voting securities of
the MCO;
(c) Provide MCO services other
than as allowed by section (6) of this rule;
(d) Enter into any contract
with the MCO that limits the ability of the MCO to accept business from any other
source; or
(e) Direct or interfere with
the MCO’s delivery of medical and health care services.
(5) For purposes of this rule,
“staff” is any individual who is a regular employee of a non-qualified
employer or of any parent or subsidiary entity of a non-qualified employer.
(6) Notwithstanding sections
(2), (3), and (4) of this rule, an MCO may contract with an insurer to provide certain
managed care services. However, such insurer-provided services must be in accordance
with protocols and standards established by the certified MCO plan. For purposes
of this rule, the insurer may not provide or participate in provision of managed
care services related to dispute resolution, service utilization review, or physician
peer review.
(7) An MCO may not contract
exclusively with a single insurer. However, an MCO has up to one year from the effective
date of its first contract to obtain contracts with more than one insurer. If the
MCO has not obtained additional contracts within this time period, the MCO must
provide the director with a report documenting the MCO’s efforts to obtain
additional contracts.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90,
cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 14-1994, f.
12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002,
f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 1-2008, f. 6-13-08, cert. ef. 7-1-08; WCD 1-2012,
f. 2-16-12, cert. ef. 4-1-12
436-015-0010
Notice of Intent to Form
Any health care provider or
group of medical service providers initiating an MCO under ORS 656.260, must submit
a “Notice of Intent to Form” to the director, by certified mail, in
a format prescribed by the director. (Form 440-2737 may be used for this purpose).
The notice must include the following:
(1) Identity of the person or
persons who participate in discussions intended to result in the formation of an
MCO. If the person is a member of a closely held corporation, the notice should
include the identity of the shareholders;
(2) The name, address, and telephone
number of a contact person; and
(3) A summary of the information
that will be shared in discussions preceding the application for MCO certification.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90,
cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 14-1994, f.
12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002,
f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 1-2008, f. 6-13-08, cert. ef. 7-1-08; WCD 1-2012,
f. 2-16-12, cert. ef. 4-1-12
436-015-0020
Qualifying
(1) Any health care provider or group of medical service providers as defined in these rules must qualify as an MCO prior to submission of an application for certification. To qualify, the applicant must:
(a) Submit a proposed plan for the MCO to the administrator of the Workers’ Compensation Division in which the applicant outlines the manner in which the proposed MCO will meet the requirements of ORS 656.260 and OAR 436-015-0030;
(b) Identify in the plan the specific persons to be directors of the proposed MCO, the person to be the president of the proposed MCO, the title and name of the person to be the day-to-day administrator of the MCO, and the title and name of the person to be the administrator of the financial affairs of the proposed MCO; and
(c) Provide affidavits signed by each person identified in subsection (1)(b) above which certifies that the individual has no interest in an insurance company pursuant to OAR 436-015-0009.
(2) If the proposed plan for the MCO is approved by the director, the applicant shall be authorized to proceed to acquire the necessary services to meet the certification requirements.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 4-1991, f. & cert. ef. 6-14-91; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 1-2008, f. 6-13-08, cert. ef. 7-1-08
436-015-0030
Applying for Certification
(1) An applicant for MCO certification
must submit to the director the following:
(a) One copy of the application;
(b) A non-refundable fee
of $1,500 which will be deposited in the Consumer and Business Services Fund;
(c) Affidavits of each person
identified in section (2) of this rule, certifying that the individuals have no
interest in an insurance company in accordance with the provisions of OAR 436-015-0009;
(d) An affidavit of an authorized
officer or agent of the MCO, certifying that the MCO is financially sound and able
to meet all requirements necessary to ensure delivery of services in accordance
with the plan, and in full satisfaction of the MCO’s obligations under ORS
656.260 and OAR 436-015; and
(e) A complete organizational
chart.
(2) The application must
include:
(a) The name of the MCO;
(b) A proposed plan for the
MCO, in which the applicant identifies the manner in which the MCO will meet the
requirements of ORS 656.260 and these rules;
(c) The name(s) of the person(s)
who will be director(s) of the MCO;
(d) The name of the person
who will be the president of the MCO;
(e) The title and name of
the person who will be the day-to-day administrator of the MCO; and
(f) The title and name of
the person who will be the administrator of the financial affairs of the MCO.
(3) The plan must identify
the initial GSA(s) in which the MCO intends to operate. (For details regarding GSAs,
see http://www.wcd.oregon.gov/rdrs/mru//mco/orgsa.html).
(4) The plan must provide
a description of the times, places, and manner of providing services adequate to
ensure that workers governed by the MCO will be able to:
(a) Access an MCO panel with
a minimum of one attending physician within the MCO for every 1,000 workers covered
by the plan;
(b) Receive initial treatment
by the worker’s choice of an attending physician or authorized nurse practitioner
within 24 hours of the MCO’s knowledge of the need or a request for treatment;
(c) Receive initial treatment
by the worker’s choice of an attending physician or authorized nurse practitioner
in the MCO within 5 working days, after treatment by a physician outside the MCO;
(d) Receive information on
a 24-hour basis regarding medical services available within the MCO which must include
the worker’s right to receive emergency or urgent care, and the hours of regular
MCO operation if assistance is needed to select an attending physician or answer
other questions;
(e) Receive necessary treatment
from any category of medical service provider as defined in subsection (7)(a) of
this rule and have a choice of at least three medical service providers within each
category. The worker also must be able to choose from at least three physical therapists
and three psychologists. For categories in which the MCO has fewer than three providers,
the MCO must allow workers to seek treatment outside the MCO from providers in those
categories, consistent with the MCO’s treatment and utilization standards;
(f) Access medical providers,
including attending physicians, within a reasonable distance from the worker’s
place of employment, considering the normal patterns of travel. For purposes of
this rule, 30 miles (one way) in urban areas and 60 miles (one way) in rural areas
will be considered a reasonable distance;
(g) Receive treatment by
a non-MCO medical service provider when the enrolled worker resides outside the
MCO’s geographical service area. Such a worker may only select non-MCO providers
if they practice closer to the worker’s residence than an MCO provider of
the same category, and if they agree to the MCO’s terms and conditions;
(h) Receive services that
meet quality, continuity, and other treatment standards which will provide all medical
and health care services in a manner that is timely, effective, and convenient for
the worker;
(i) Receive specialized medical
services the MCO is not otherwise able to provide; and
(j) Receive treatment that
is consistent with MCO treatment standards and protocols.
(5) The plan must provide
a procedure that allows workers to receive compensable medical treatment from a
primary care physician, chiropractic physician, or authorized nurse practitioner
who is not a member of the MCO and has received authorization under OAR 436-015-0070.
(6) The plan must include:
(a) A copy of the standard
provider agreement that is used by the MCO when a provider is credentialed as a
panel provider. If there are variations from the standard provider agreement, those
must be identified when the plan is submitted for director approval.
(b) A list of the names,
addresses, and specialties of the individuals who will provide services under the
managed care plan. This list must indicate which medical service providers will
act as attending physicians in each GSA.
(7) The plan must provide:
(a) An adequate number of
medical service providers from each provider category. For purposes of these rules,
the categories include acupuncturist, chiropractic physician, dentist, naturopathic
physician, optometric physician, osteopathic physician, medical physician, and podiatric
physician, as listed in ORS 676.110. The plan must meet this section’s requirements
unless the MCO establishes that there is not an adequate number of providers in
a given category able or willing to become members of the MCO.
(b) A process that allows
workers to select a nurse practitioner authorized to provide compensable medical
services under ORS 656.245 and OAR 436-010. If the MCO has fewer than three authorized
nurse practitioners from which workers can choose within a GSA, the MCO must allow
workers to seek treatment outside the MCO from authorized nurse practitioners, consistent
with the MCO’s treatment and utilization standards and ORS 656.245(2)(b)(D).
Such authorized nurse practitioners are not themselves bound by the MCO’s
treatment and utilization standards; however, workers are subject to those standards.
(c) A program that specifies
the criteria for selection and de-selection of physicians and the process for peer
review. The processes for terminating a physician and peer review must provide adequate
notice and hearing rights for any physician.
(8) The plan must provide
adequate methods for monitoring and reviewing contract matters between providers
and the MCO to ensure appropriate treatment and to prevent inappropriate or excessive
treatment including:
(a) A program of peer review
and utilization review to prevent inappropriate or excessive treatment including
the following:
(A) A pre-admission review
program of elective admissions to the hospital and of elective surgeries;
(B) Individual case management
programs, which identify ways to provide appropriate care at a lower cost for cases
that are likely to prove very costly;
(C) Physician profile analysis
which may include such information as each physician’s total charges, number
and costs of related services provided, time loss of claimant, and total number
of visits in relation to care provided by other physicians to patients with the
same diagnosis. A physician’s profile must not be released to anyone outside
the MCO without the physician’s specific written consent, except that the
physician’s profile must be released to the director without the necessity
of obtaining such consent;
(D) Concurrent review programs,
that periodically review the worker’s care after treatment has begun, to determine
if continued care is medically necessary;
(E) Retrospective review
programs, that examine the worker’s care after treatment has ended, to determine
if the treatment rendered was excessive or inappropriate;
(F) Second surgical opinion
programs that allow workers to obtain the opinion of a second physician when elective
surgery is recommended.
(b) A quality assurance program
that includes:
(A) A system for monitoring
and resolving problems and complaints, including problems and complaints of workers
and medical service providers;
(B) Physician peer review,
which must be conducted by a group designated by the MCO or the director, and which
must include members of the same healing art in which the physician practices;
(C) A standardized medical
record keeping system designed to facilitate quality assurance.
(c) A program that meets
the requirements of ORS 656.260(4) for monitoring and reviewing other contract matters
not covered under peer review, service utilization review, dispute resolution, and
quality assurance.
(9) The plan must include:
(a) A procedure for internal
dispute resolution to resolve complaints by enrolled workers, medical providers,
and insurers in accordance with OAR 436-015-0110. The internal dispute resolution
procedure must include a provision allowing the waiver of the time period to appeal
a decision to the MCO upon a showing of good cause; and
(b) A description of how
the MCO will ensure the worker continues to receive appropriate care in a timely,
effective, and convenient manner throughout the dispute resolution process.
(10) The plan must include
a summary of the process the MCO uses to develop and review treatment standards,
protocols, and guidelines. This summary must include:
(a) A description of the
medical expertise or specialties of the clinicians involved;
(b) A description regarding
what the protocols and guidelines are based on;
(c) The criteria the MCO
uses in selecting the conditions for which the MCO implements treatment protocols
and guidelines;
(d) A description of the
criteria the MCO uses to determine when it needs to review or revise its treatment
standards, protocols, and guidelines;
(e) How the MCO makes the
standards, protocols, and guidelines available to its panel providers and how it
notifies them of any changes; and
(f) A description of a process
that provides sufficient flexibility to allow treatment outside the standards, protocols,
and guidelines if such treatment is supported by persuasive professional medical
judgment and reasoning.
(11) The plan must provide
other programs that meet the requirements of ORS 656.260(4), including:
(a) A program involving cooperative
efforts by the workers, the employer, the insurer, and the MCO to promote early
return to work for enrolled workers; and
(b) A program involving cooperative
efforts by the workers, the employer, and the MCO to promote workplace safety and
health consultative and other services. The program must include:
(A) Identification of how
the MCO will promote such services;
(B) A method by which the
MCO will report to the insurer within 30 days of knowledge of occupational injuries
and illnesses involving serious physical harm as defined by OAR 437-001, occupational
injury and illness trends as observed by the MCO, and any observations that indicate
an injury or illness was caused by a lack of diligence of the employer;
(C) A method by which the
MCO’s knowledge of needed loss control services will be communicated to the
insurer for determining the need for services as detailed in OAR 437-001;
(D) A provision that all
notifications to the insurer from the MCO will be considered as a request to the
insurer for services as detailed in OAR 437-001; and
(E) A provision that the
MCO will maintain complete files of all notifications for a period of three years
following the date that notification was given by the MCO.
(12) The MCO must establish
one place of business in Oregon where it administers the plan and keeps membership
records and other records as required by OAR 436-015-0050.
(13) The plan must include
a procedure for timely and accurate reporting to the director of necessary information
regarding medical and health care service costs and utilization in accordance with
OAR 436-015-0040 and OAR 436-009.
(14) The MCO must designate
an in-state communication liaison for the department and the insurers at the MCO’s
established in-state location. The responsibilities of the liaison include:
(a) Coordinating and channeling
all outgoing correspondence and medical bills;
(b) Unless otherwise provided
by the MCO contract, providing centralized receipt and distribution of all reimbursements
back to the MCO members and primary care physicians; and
(c) Serving as a member on
the quality assurance committee.
(15) The plan must describe
the reimbursement procedures for all services provided.
(16) The plan must include
a process for developing financial incentives directed toward reducing service costs
and utilization, without sacrificing quality of service.
(17) The plan must describe
how the MCO will provide insurers with information that will inform workers of all
choices of medical service providers. The plan must also describe how workers can
access those providers. The plan must provide a procedure for regular, periodic
updating of the MCO panel provider listings, with published updates being available
electronically no less frequently than every 30 days.
(18) Within 45 days of receipt
of all information required for certification, the director will notify the applicant
if the certification is approved, the effective date of the certification, and the
initial GSA of the MCO. If the certification is denied, the director will provide
the applicant with the reason for the denial.
(19) The director will not
certify an MCO if the plan does not meet the requirements of these rules.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)
Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260
(OL 2007 Ch. 423)
Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp),
f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD
2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95;
WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99;
WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 14-2003(Temp), f. 12-15-03, cert. ef.
1-1-04 thru 6-28-03; WCD 6-2004, f. 6-14-04, cert. ef. 6-29-04; WCD 8-2005, f. 12-6-05,
cert. ef. 1-1-06; WCD 4-2006(Temp), f. 5-11-06 thru 11-27-06, cert. ef. 6-1-06;
WCD 7-2006, f. 10-19-06, cert. ef. 11-28-06; WCD 10-2007, f. 11-1-07, cert. ef.
1-1-08; WCD 1-2008, f. 6-13-08, cert. ef. 7-1-08; WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12, cert.
ef. 4-1-12; WCD 7-2013, f. 11-12-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14
436-015-0035
Coverage Responsibility of an MCO
(1) An MCO shall provide comprehensive
medical services in accordance with its certification to all enrolled injured workers
covered by the insurer/MCO contract.
(2) The director shall designate
an MCO's initial GSA and approve any expansions to the MCO's service area. Injured
workers shall not be governed by an MCO until the director has approved the geographical
service area. GSAs shall be established by postal zip code. The MCO may only provide
contract services to those GSAs approved by the director.
(3) Any expansion of an MCO's
GSA must be approved by the director. The request for expansion must identify the
postal zip code areas of the proposed expansion and include evidence that the MCO
has an adequate provider panel in the new areas which meet the minimum requirements
as set forth in OAR 436-015-0030. An MCO may be authorized by the director to expand
the GSA without the minimum categories of medical service providers when the MCO
establishes that there are not an adequate number of providers in a given category
able or willing to become members of the MCO. For categories where the MCO has fewer
than three providers, the MCO must allow workers to seek treatment outside the MCO
from providers in those categories, consistent with the MCO's treatment and utilization
standards. Such providers, unlike qualified primary care physicians and chiropractic
physicians, cannot be required to comply with the terms and conditions regarding
services performed by the MCO. However, while such providers are not themselves
bound by the MCO's treatment and utilization standards, workers are subject to those
standards.
(4) An MCO may contract only
with an insurer as defined in OAR 436-010-0005. When an MCO contracts with an insurer
to provide services, the contract shall specify those employers governed by the
contract. The MCO/insurer contract must include the following terms and conditions:
(a) The contract must specify
who is governed by the contract;
(b) The insured's place of
employment must be within the authorized geographical service area;
(c) Insurers may contract
with multiple MCOs to provide coverage for employers. All workers at any specific
employer's location shall be governed by the same MCO(s). When insurers contract
with multiple MCOs each worker shall have initial choice at time of injury to select
which MCO will manage their care except when the employer provides a coordinated
health care insurance program as defined in OAR 436-010-0005.
(d) Workers enrolled in an
MCO shall receive medical services in the manner prescribed by the terms and conditions
of the contract; and
(e) To ensure continuity
of care, the contract shall specify the manner in which injured workers will receive
medical services on open claims including but not be limited to the following:
(A) Upon enrollment, allowing
the worker to continue to treat with a non-qualified medical service provider for
at least seven days after the mailing date of the notice of enrollment; and
(B) Upon termination or expiration
of the MCO/insurer contract, allows the workers to continue treatment in accordance
with ORS 656.245(4)(a).
(5) Notwithstanding the requirements
of this rule, failure of the MCO to provide such medical services does not relieve
the insurers of their responsibility to ensure benefits are provided injured workers
under ORS chapter 656.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)
Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.245
& 656.260
Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp),
f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD
2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 7-1992(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-15-92;
WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96;
WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 13-1999(Temp), f. & cert. ef.
10-25-99 thru 4-21-00; WCD 4-2000, f. 4-4-00, cert. ef. 4-21-00; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02
cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 7-2013, f. 11-12-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14
436-015-0040
Reporting Requirements for an MCO
(1) In order to ensure the MCO complies
with the requirements of these rules, each MCO shall provide the director with a
copy of the entire text of any MCO/insurer contract agreement, signed by the insurer
and the MCO, within 30 days of execution of such contracts. Amendments, addendums,
and cancellations, together with the entire text of the underlying contracts, shall
be submitted to the director within 30 days of execution.
(2) Notwithstanding section
(1), when an MCO/insurer contract agreement contains a specific expiration or termination
date, the MCO must provide the director with a copy of a contract extension, signed
by the insurer and MCO, no later than the contract’s date of expiration or
termination, or workers will no longer be subject to the contract after it expires
or terminates without renewal pursuant to ORS 656.245(4)(a).
(3) Any amendment to the
approved MCO plan must be submitted to the director for approval. The MCO shall
not take any action based on the amendment until the amended plan is approved.
(4) Within 45 days of the
end of each calendar quarter, each MCO shall provide the following information,
current on the last day of the quarter, in a form and format as prescribed by the
director: specify quarter being reported, MCO certification number, membership listings
by category of medical service provider (in coded form), including provider names,
specialty (in coded form), Tax ID number, National Provider Identifier (NPI) number,
business address and phone number. (All fields are required unless specifically
excepted by bulletin.) When a medical provider has multiple offices, only one office
location in each geographical service area needs to be reported. In addition, the
updated membership listing shall include the names and addresses of all health care
providers participating in the MCO.
(5) By April 30 of each year,
each MCO must provide the director with the following information for the previous
calendar year:
(a) A summary of any sanctions
or punitive actions taken by the MCO against its members;
(b) A summary of actions
taken by the MCO’s peer review committee; and
(c) An affidavit that the
approved MCO plan is consistent with the MCO’s business practices, and that
any amendments to the plan have been approved by the director.
(6) By April 30 of each year,
each MCO must report to the director denials and terminations of the authorization
of primary care physicians, chiropractic physicians and nurse practitioners who
are not members of the MCO to provide compensable medical treatment under ORS 656.245(5)
and 656.260(4)(g)(A). The MCO’s report must include the following:
(a) Provider type (primary
care physician, chiropractic physician, or authorized nurse practitioner) reported
by geographical service area (GSA).
(b) The number of workers
affected, reported by provider type.
(c) Date of denial or termination.
(d) One or more of the following
reason(s) for each denial or termination:
(A) Provider failed to meet
the MCO’s credentialing standards within the last two years;
(B) Provider has been previously
terminated from serving as an attending physician within the last two years;
(C) Treatment is not in accordance
with the MCO’s service utilization process;
(D) Provider failed to comply
with the MCO’s terms and conditions after being granted come along privileges;
or
(E) Other reasons authorized
by statute or rule.
(7) An MCO must report any
new board members or shareholders to the director within 14 days of such changes.
These parties must submit affidavits certifying they have no interest in an insurer
or other non-qualifying employer as described under OAR 436-015-0009.
(8) Nothing in this rule
limits the director’s ability to require information from the MCO as necessary
to monitor the MCO’s compliance with the requirements of these rules.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)
Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260,
OL 2007 Ch. 423
Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp),
f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD
2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 13-1992, f. & cert. ef. 9-21-92; WCD
14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96;
WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02;
WCD 6-2004, f. 6-14-04, cert. ef. 6-29-04; WCD 8-2005, f. 12-6-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06;
WCD 4-2006(Temp), f. 5-11-06, cert. ef. 6-1-06 thru 11-27-06; WCD 7-2006, f. 10-19-06,
cert. ef. 11-28-06; WCD 10-2007, f. 11-1-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; WCD 1-2008, f. 6-13-08,
cert. ef. 7-1-08; WCD 7-2013, f. 11-12-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14
436-015-0050
Notice of Place of Business in State; Records MCO Must Keep in Oregon
(1) Every MCO shall give the
division notice of one in-state location and mailing address where the MCO keeps
records of the following:
(a) Updated membership listings
of all MCO members;
(b) Records of any sanctions
or punitive actions taken by the MCO against its members;
(c) Records of actions taken
by the MCO’s peer review committee;
(d) Records of utilization reviews
performed in accordance with the requirements of utilization and treatment standards
pursuant to ORS 656.260 showing cases reviewed, the issues involved, and the action
taken;
(e) A profile analysis of each
provider in the MCO listed by the International Classifications of Disease-9-Clinical
Manifestations (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis;
(f) A record of those enrolled
injured workers receiving treatment by non-panel primary care physicians or authorized
nurse practitioners authorized to treat pursuant to OAR 436-015-0070; and
(g) All other records as necessary
to ensure compliance with the certification requirements in accordance with OAR
436-015-0030.
(2) Records retained as required
by section (1) of this rule must be maintained at the authorized in-state location
for three full calendar years.
(3) If the MCO/insurer contract
is canceled for any reason, all MCO records, as identified in section (1), relating
to treatment provided to workers within the MCO must be forwarded to the insurer
upon request. The records included in subsections (1)(b), (c), (d), and (e) of this
rule are confidential in accordance with ORS 656.260(6) through (10).
(4) Individual MCO providers
must maintain claimant medical records as provided by OAR 436-010-0240.
(5) Nothing in this section
is intended to otherwise limit the number of locations the MCO may maintain to carry
out the provisions of these rules.
[Publications: Publications referenced
are available from the agency.]
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90,
cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 2-1992, f. 1-10-92,
cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98,
cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 14-2003(Temp), f.
12-15-03, cert. ef. 1-1-04 thru 6-28-03; WCD 6-2004, f. 6-14-04, cert. ef. 6-29-04;
WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12, cert. ef. 4-1-12
436-015-0060
Commencement/Termination of Members
(1) Prospective new members of an MCO
shall submit an application to the MCO. The directors, executive director, or administrator
may approve the application for membership pursuant to the membership requirements
of the MCO. The MCO shall verify that each new member meets all licensing, registration,
and certification requirements necessary to practice in Oregon. If the MCO requires
a membership fee, the fee shall be the same for every category of medical service
provider. An MCO may not require membership fees or other MCO administrative fees
to be paid by primary care physicians or authorized nurse practitioners who provide
services under OAR 436-015-0070.
(2) Individual members may
elect to terminate their participation in the MCO or be subject to cancellation
by the MCO pursuant to the membership requirements of the MCO plan. Upon termination
of a member, the MCO shall:
(a) Make alternate arrangements
to provide continuing medical services for any affected injured workers under the
plan.
(b) Replace any terminated
member when necessary to maintain an adequate number of each category of medical
service provider.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)
Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260
Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp),
f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD
2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95;
WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 14-2003(Temp), f. 12-15-03, cert.
ef. 1-1-04 thru 6-28-03; WCD 6-2004, f. 6-14-04, cert. ef. 6-29-04
436-015-0070
Primary Care Physicians and Authorized Nurse Practitioners Who Are Not MCO Members
(1) The MCO must authorize a nurse practitioner
or physician who is not a member of the MCO to provide medical services to an enrolled
worker if:
(a) The nurse practitioner
is an authorized nurse practitioner under ORS 656.245 and OAR 436-010-0005, the
chiropractic physician has certified to the director that he or she has reviewed
required materials under ORS 656.799, or the physician is a primary care physician
under ORS 656.260(4)(g);
(b) The nurse practitioner
or physician agrees to comply with all terms and conditions regarding services governed
by the MCO. For purposes of this section, the phrase “all terms and conditions
regarding services governed by the MCO” means MCO treatment standards, protocols,
utilization review, peer review, dispute resolution, billing and reporting procedures,
and fees for services in accordance with OAR 436-015-0090. However, the MCO’s
terms and conditions may not place limits on the length of services unless such
limits are stated in ORS chapter 656; and
(c) The nurse practitioner
or physician agrees to refer the worker to the MCO for specialized care, including
physical therapy, to be furnished by another provider that the worker may require.
(2) The physician or authorized
nurse practitioner who is not a member of the MCO will be deemed to have maintained
the worker’s medical records and established a documented history of treatment,
if the physician’s or nurse practitioner’s medical records show treatment
has been provided to the worker prior to the date of injury. Additionally, if an
injured worker has selected a physician or authorized nurse practitioner through
a private health plan, prior to the date of injury, that selected provider will
be deemed to have maintained the worker’s medical records and established
a documented history of treatment prior to the date of injury.
(3) Notwithstanding section
(1), for those workers receiving their medical services from a facility which maintains
a single medical record on the worker, but provides treatment by multiple primary
care or chiropractic physicians or authorized nurse practitioners who are not MCO
members, the requirements of sections (1) and (2) will be deemed to be met. In this
situation, the worker must select one primary care or chiropractic physician or
authorized nurse practitioner to treat the compensable injury.
(4) Any questions or disputes
relating to the worker's selection of a physician or authorized nurse practitioner
who is not an MCO member must be resolved pursuant to OAR 436-015-0110.
(5) Any disputes relating
to a worker's non-MCO primary care or chiropractic physician's, non-MCO authorized
nurse practitioner’s, or other non-MCO physician's compliance with MCO standards
and protocols must be resolved pursuant to OAR 436-015-0110.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)
Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260
Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp),
f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD
2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95;
WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02;
WCD 14-2003(Temp), f. 12-15-03, cert. ef. 1-1-04 thru 6-28-03; WCD 6-2004, f. 6-14-04,
cert. ef. 6-29-04; WCD 8-2005, f. 12-6-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; WCD 7-2013, f. 11-12-13,
cert. ef. 1-1-14
436-015-0075
Worker Examinations
When the MCO schedules a worker
examination that includes a psychological evaluation, the appointment letter must:
(1) Inform the worker that a psychological evaluation is part
of the examination, and
(2) State the reason for the psychological
examination.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.260, 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12,
cert. ef. 4-1-12
436-015-0080
Suspension; Revocation
(1) Pursuant to
ORS 656.260, the certification of a managed care organization issued by the director
may be suspended or revoked if:
(a) The director
finds a serious danger to the public health or safety;
(b) The MCO
is providing services not in accordance with the terms of the certified MCO plan;
(c) There
is a change in legal entity of the MCO which does not conform to the requirements
of these rules;
(d) The MCO
fails to comply with ORS chapter 656, OAR 436-009, 436-010, 436-015, or orders of
the director.
(e) The MCO
or any of its members commits any violation for which a civil penalty could be assessed
under ORS 656.254 or 656.745;
(f) Any false
or misleading information is submitted by the MCO or any member of the organization;
(g) The MCO
continues to utilize the services of a health care practitioner whose license has
been suspended or revoked by the licensing board; or
(h) The director
determines that the MCO was or is formed, owned, or operated by an insurer or by
an employer other than a health care provider or medical service provider as defined
in these rules.
(2) The director
shall provide the MCO written notice of an intent to suspend the MCO’s certification.
(a) The notice
shall:
(A) Describe
generally the acts of the MCO and the circumstances that would be grounds for suspension;
(B) Advise
the MCO of their right to participate in a show cause hearing and the date, time,
and place of the hearing.
(b) The notice
shall be served upon the MCO’s designated in-state communication liaison and
to the registered agent or other officer of the corporation upon whom legal process
may be served at least 30 days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.
(3) The show
cause hearing on the suspension shall be conducted as provided in OAR 436-015-0008(6).
(4) An order
of suspension shall suspend the MCO’s authority to enter into new contracts
with insurers for a specified period of time up to a maximum of one year. During
the suspension, the MCO may continue to provide services in accordance with the
contracts in effect at the time of the suspension.
(a) A suspension
may be set aside prior to the end of the suspension period if the director is satisfied
of the MCO’s current compliance, ability, and commitment to comply with ORS
chapter 656, OAR 436-009, 436-010, 436-015, orders of the director, and the certified
MCO plan.
(b) Prior
to the end of the suspension period the division shall determine if the MCO is in
compliance with ORS chapter 656, OAR 436-009, 436-010, 436-015, orders of the director,
and the certified MCO plan. If the MCO is in compliance the suspension will terminate
on its designated date. If the MCO is not in compliance the suspension may be extended
beyond one year without further hearing or revocation proceedings may be initiated.
(5) The process
for revocation of a MCO shall be as follows:
(a) The director
shall provide the MCO with notice of an order of revocation. The order shall:
(A) Describe
generally the acts of the MCO and the circumstances that are grounds for revocation;
and
(B) Advise
the MCO that the revocation shall become effective within 10 days after service
of such notice upon the MCO unless within such period of time the MCO corrects the
grounds for the revocation to the satisfaction of the director or files an appeal
as provided in OAR 436-015-0008(6).
(b) The order
shall be served upon the MCO’s designated in-state communication liaison and
to the registered agent or other officer of the corporation upon whom legal process
may be served.
(c) A show
cause hearing on the revocation shall be conducted as provided in OAR 436-015-0008(6).
(d) If revocation
is affirmed, the revocation is effective 10 days after service of the order upon
the MCO unless the MCO appeals.
(6) After
revocation of an MCO’s authority to provide services under these rules has
been in effect for three years or longer, it may petition the director to restore
its authority by making application as provided in these rules.
(7) Notwithstanding
section (5) of this rule, in any case where the director finds a serious danger
to the public health or safety and sets forth specific reasons for such findings,
the director may immediately revoke the certification of an MCO without providing
the MCO a show-cause hearing. Such order shall be final, unless the MCO requests
a hearing. The process for review shall be as provided in OAR 436-015-0008(6).
(8) Insurer
contractual obligations to allow a managed care organization to provide medical
services for injured workers are null and void upon revocation of the MCO certification
by the director.
Stat. Auth.: ORS
656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented:
ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD
11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef.
12-26-90; WCD 4-1991, f. & cert. ef. 6-14-91; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert.
ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98,
cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 8-2005, f. 12-6-05,
cert. ef. 1-1-06; WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12, cert. ef. 4-1-12; WCD 2-2013, f. 3-11-13,
cert. ef. 4-1-13
436-015-0090
Charges and Fees
(1) Billings for medical services under
an MCO shall be submitted in the form and format as prescribed in OAR 436-009. The
payment of medical services may be less than, but shall not exceed, the maximum
amounts allowed pursuant to OAR 436-009.
(2) Notwithstanding section
(1) of this rule, fees paid for medical services provided by primary care physicians
and chiropractic physicians who qualify under ORS 656.260(4)(g) or authorized nurse
practitioners who qualify under ORS 656.245 (5) shall not be less than fees paid
to MCO providers for similar medical services. Fees paid to medical providers who
are not under contract with the MCO, shall be subject to the provisions of OAR 436-009.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.260, 656.726(4))
Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.245
& 656.260
Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp),
f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD
2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95;
WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99;
WCD 14-2003(Temp), f. 12-15-03, cert. ef. 1-1-04 thru 6-28-03; WCD 6-2004, f. 6-14-04,
cert. ef. 6-29-04; WCD 3-2010, f. 5-28-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10; WCD 7-2013, f. 11-12-13,
cert. ef. 1-1-14
436-015-0095
Insurer's Rights and Duties
Insurers shall also comply with OAR 436-010 and 436-009 when carrying out their duties under these rules.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02
436-015-0100
Monitoring/Auditing
(1) The division shall monitor and conduct periodic audits of an MCO as necessary to ensure the compliance with the MCO certification and performance requirements.
(2) All records of an MCO and their individual members shall be disclosed upon request of the director. These records must be legible and cannot be kept in a coded or semi-coded manner unless a legend is provided for the codes.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99
436-015-0110
Dispute Resolution/Complaints of Rule Violation
(1) Disputes which
arise between any party and an MCO must first be processed through the dispute resolution
process of the MCO.
(2) The MCO
must promptly provide a written summary of the MCO’s dispute resolution process
to anyone who requests it, or to any party or their representative disputing any
action of the MCO or affected by a dispute. The written summary must include at
least the following:
(a) The title,
address, and telephone number of the contact person at the MCO who is responsible
for the dispute resolution process;
(b) The types
of issues the MCO will consider in its dispute resolution process;
(c) A description
of the procedures and time frames for submission, processing, and decision at each
level of the dispute resolution process including the right of an aggrieved party
to request administrative review by the director if the party disagrees with the
final decision of the MCO; and
(d) A statement
that absent a showing of good cause, failure to timely appeal to the MCO shall preclude
appeal to the director.
(3) The MCO
must notify the worker and the worker’s attorney when the MCO:
(a) Receives
any complaint or dispute under this rule; or
(b) Issues
any decision under this rule.
(4) Whenever
an MCO denies a service, or a party otherwise disputes a decision of the MCO, the
MCO must send written notice of its decision to all parties that can appeal the
decision. If the MCO provides a dispute resolution process for the issue, the notice
must include the following paragraph, in bold text:
NOTICE TO THE WORKER
AND ALL OTHER PARTIES: If you want to appeal this decision, you must notify us in
writing within 30 days of the mailing date of this notice. Send a written request
for review to: {MCO name and address}. If you have questions, contact {MCO contact
person and phone number}. If you do not notify us in writing within 30 days, you
will lose all rights to appeal the decision. If you appeal timely, we will review
the disputed decision and notify you of our decision within 60 days of your request.
Thereafter, if you continue to disagree with our decision, you may appeal to the
director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) for further
review. If you fail to seek dispute resolution through us, you will lose your right
to appeal to the director of DCBS.
(5) If an MCO receives
a complaint or dispute that is not included in the MCO dispute resolution process,
the MCO must, within seven days from the date of receiving the complaint, notify
the parties in writing of their right to request review by the director under OAR
436-015-0008. The notice must include the following paragraph, in bold text:
NOTICE TO THE WORKER
AND ALL OTHER PARTIES: The issue you have raised is not a matter that we handle.
To pursue this issue, you must request administrative review of the issue by the
director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). Send written
requests for review to: DCBS, Workers’ Compensation Division, Medical Resolution
Team, 350 Winter Street NE, PO Box 14480, Salem, OR 97309-0405. If you do not notify
DCBS in writing within 60 days of the mailing date of this notice, you will lose
all rights to appeal the decision. For assistance, you may call the Workers Compensation
Division’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-452-0288 and ask to speak with a Benefit
Consultant.
(6) The time frame
for resolution of the dispute by the MCO may not exceed 60 days from the date the
MCO receives the dispute to the date it issues its final decision. After the MCO
resolves a dispute under ORS 656.260(14), the MCO must notify all parties to the
dispute in writing, including the worker’s attorney where written notification
has been provided by the attorney with an explanation of the reasons for the decision.
This notice must inform the parties of the next step in the process, including the
right of an aggrieved party to request administrative review by the director under
OAR 436-015-0008. The notice must include the following paragraph, in bold text:
NOTICE TO THE WORKER
AND ALL OTHER PARTIES: If you want to appeal this decision, you must notify the
director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) in writing within
60 days of the mailing date of this notice. Send written requests for review to:
Department of Consumer and Business Services, Workers’ Compensation Division,
Medical Resolution Team, 350 Winter Street NE, PO Box 14480, Salem, OR 97309-0405.
If you do not notify DCBS in writing within 60 days, you will lose all rights to
appeal the decision. For assistance, you may call the Workers Compensation Division’s
toll-free hotline at 1-800-452-0288 and ask to speak with a Benefit Consultant.
(7) If the MCO fails
to issue a decision within 60 days, the MCO’s initial decision is automatically
deemed affirmed. The parties may immediately proceed as though the MCO had issued
an order affirming the MCO decision. The MCO must notify the parties of the next
step in the process, including the right of an aggrieved party to request administrative
review by the director under OAR 436-015-0008 including the appeal rights provided
in (6) above.
(8) The director
may assist in resolution of a dispute before the MCO. The director may issue an
order to further the dispute resolution process. Any of the parties also may request
in writing that the director assist in resolution if the dispute cannot be resolved
by the MCO.
(9) Complaints
pertaining to violations of these rules must be directed to the division.
(10) The
division may investigate the alleged rule violation. The investigation may include,
but will not be limited to, request for and review of pertinent medical treatment
and payment records, interviews with the parties to the complaint, or consultation
with an appropriate committee of the medical provider’s peers, chosen in the
same manner as provided in OAR 436-010-0330.
(11) If the
division determines upon completion of the investigation that there has been a rule
violation, the division may issue penalties pursuant to ORS 656.745 and OAR 436-015-0120.
Stat. Auth.: ORS
656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented:
ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD
11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef.
12-26-90; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert.
ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert.
ef. 4-1-02; WCD 8-2005, f. 12-6-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; WCD 1-2008, f. 6-13-08, cert.
ef. 7-1-08; WCD 1-2012, f. 2-16-12, cert. ef. 4-1-12; WCD 2-2013, f. 3-11-13, cert.
ef. 4-1-13
436-015-0120
Sanctions and Civil Penalties
(1) If the director finds any violation of OAR 436-015, or if the MCO fails to meet any of the requirements of the certified plan, the director may impose one or more of the following sanctions against any MCO:
(a) Reprimand by the director;
(b) Civil penalty as provided under ORS 656.745(2) and (3). All penalties collected under this section shall be paid into the Department of Consumer and Business Services Fund. In determining the amount of penalty to be assessed, the director shall consider:
(A) The degree of harm inflicted on the worker, insurer, or medical provider;
(B) Whether there have been previous violations; and
(C) Whether there is evidence of willful violation.
(c) Suspension or revocation of the MCO’s certification pursuant to OAR 436-015-0080.
(2) If the director determines that an insurer has entered into a contract with an MCO which violates OAR 436-015 or the MCO’s certified plan, the insurer shall be subject to civil penalties as provided in ORS 656.745.
(3) If an insurer or someone who is not a certified MCO acting on the insurer's behalf engages in managed care activities prohibited under these rules, the director may impose a sanction or civil penalty.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 656.260

Hist.: WCD 11-1990(Temp), f. 6-19-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; WCD 33-1990, f. 12-12-90, cert. ef. 12-26-90; WCD 4-1991, f. & cert. ef. 6-14-91; WCD 2-1992, f. 1-10-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; WCD 14-1994, f. 12-20-94, cert. ef. 2-1-95; WCD 13-1996, f. 5-6-96, cert. ef. 6-1-96; WCD 12-1998, f. 12-16-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; WCD 3-2002, f. 2-25-02 cert. ef. 4-1-02; WCD 10-2007, f. 11-1-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; WCD 5-2008, f. 12-15-08, cert. ef. 1-1-09


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