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NEWSLINE
Release Number: 2022-54
Date: July 7, 2022

DWC Issues Notice to Readopt QME Emergency Regulation for Telehealth

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has issued its notice of intent to re-adopt emergency regulation Section 46.3 to extend the effective date beyond the current expiration date of July 18, 2022.

This regulation addresses the ongoing need for telehealth medical-legal evaluations and office location flexibility resulting from various state and local public health safety measures related to COVID-19. These emergency regulations will help injured workers and employers continue to move their workers' compensation claims towards a resolution and avoid additional and undue delay.

The Notice, Finding of Emergency and text of the regulations to extend the effective date of these emergency regulations will be filed for review with the state Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on July 8, 2022. The documents can be found on the DWC website.

Upon OAL approval and filing with the Secretary of State, the regulations are effective for an additional 90 days. This is the first re-adoption; DWC can issue a second if needed. The Division intends to commence rulemaking to make this regulation permanent within the next 90 days.

For information on the OAL procedure, and to learn how you may comment on the emergency regulations, go to OAL's website.

A notice will be posted at the DWC website when the re-adoption is approved.