WORKERS COMPENSATION UPDATE
Exciting New Information!
by Pat Mixon & Ron Pace, PA-C

In the FAPA Gram of April 12, 2002, I inadvertently created a storm it seems. We have been talking with the Workers Compensation (WC) authorities in Tallahassee to clarify the situation. A little history first however. FAPA leaders have been working with the regulatory agencies for ten years to convince them that PAs and others were competent to treat WC cases. In the past PAs could only treat in emergency situations. Now PAs and ARNPs can be Workers Compensation "Certified Health Care Providers." At this point they are giving Temporary Certifications as the Division's Attorney has ruled that they have to be temporary until the rules are promulgated.

This issue is confusing because the Workers Compensation Law was changed in 2001, but none of the forms used for Workers Comp Certification have been corrected to reflect that change in law. In speaking to the Division of Workers Compensation we were informed that they are still in the rule making process. This can be very time consuming. As you remember, last year with our Statutory change to a Negative Formulay, the law went into force without a rule in place.

This is where things are with Workers Compensation. They must pass a rule that changes each form and this is a very long and drawn out process. So when you pull up Form DWC-97 the "Health Care Provider Application for Certification" it still shows on line 4 the requirement for the training course. The old law states the "a physician" must take this course. This course is no longer required for any provider!! The other requirements on the DWC-97 are still in force. Line 1 requires the Health Care Provider have access to and be familiar with the applicable Worker's Compensation Manuals and Rules. Also, just for your information, PAs bill through their doctors.

The Workers Compensation Web Page is WC Web Page. Go to "Forms" and then "38F-7" and then to "DWC-97". You can then print the form out. Or to make it even easier for you, the forms have been downloaded and are available here.

Health Care Provider Application for Certification (DWC-97)

Fill out the form and put N/A where the course is required. Then sign and mail a copy to the address on the form. You may not fax or e-mail the form as they require an original signature. The turn around is very quick once they receive the form.

The current rules that affect Workers Compensation and that providers have to be familiar with are available at WC Rules. You would then click on FAC Online in the left navigation bar, then Chapter 38, Department of Labor and Employment Security. To access the rules on Workers Compensation, view the appropriate chapters in chapter 38F2-68.

You can go to "publications" on the WC Home Page click on this to download or order the Workers Compensation "Health Care Fee For Service Manual". Or you can download if from here"

2001 HCP Fee For Service Manual Reimbursement Manual

As rules changes are made and officially promulgated, we will continue to advise you of these. Just remember, the changes in the law have been due to the persistent effort of your FAPA leaders and our legislative consultants to educate the personnel in the regulatory agencies that PAs are competent health care providers and deserving of the the "Certified Health Care Provider" status to which we are now entitled. This is just one more reason that every PA working in Florida should be a member of the Florida Academy!