The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry requests comments on its possible amendment to rules governing worker’s compensation medical services and fees, penalties, and certified managed care. Although all the rules in Minnesota Rules, chapters 5218, 5220 and 5221 are being considered for amendment, the department is specifically considering amendments to: Minn. R. 5221.0500, subp. 2 governing prevailing charges for medical services; Minn. R. 5221.0600 and Minn. R. 5221.0700 governing payer and provider responsibilities for submission and payment of medical charges; Minn. R. chapter 5220 with respect to penalties for failure to pay or deny medical charges as required by applicable law; and Minn. R. chapter 5221 to establish a fee for surgical implants. The department is also considering the amendment or repeal of Minn. R. 5218.0600, governing billing and payment of medical services provided by health care providers who participate in certified workers’ compensation managed care plans.

A draft of the proposed amendments is available here.

The Medical Services Review Board will discuss the possible rules at a meeting on Tues., June 8, 2010, at 5 p.m. in the Minnesota Room at the Department of Labor and Industry

Written comments, questions, requests to receive a draft of the rules when available, and requests for more information on these possible rules should be directed to: Laura Alsides, Department of Labor and Industry, 443 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN 55155; telephone: (651) 284- 5006; e-mail: dli.rules@state.mn.us. TTY users may call the Department of Labor and Industry at (651) 297-4198.

Interested persons or groups may submit comments or information on these possible rules in writing until 4:30 p.m. on July 16, 2010.