OAR 436-015-0070: Temporary rule language in effect until 10/04/2026. Come-along Providers

(1) The MCO must authorize a physician, physician associate, or nurse practitioner who is not an MCO panel provider to provide medical services to an enrolled worker if: (a) The nurse practitioner has been assigned an authorized nurse practitioner number by the division, the chiropractic physician or physician associate has certified to the director that the chiropractic physician or physician associate has reviewed required materials under ORS 656.799, or the physician is a primary care physician under ORS 656.260(4)(g); (b) The physician, physician associate, or nurse practitioner agrees to comply with MCO treatment standards, protocols, utilization review, peer review, dispute resolution, billing and reporting procedures, and fees for services under OAR 436-015-0090; and (c) The physician, physician associate, or nurse practitioner agrees to refer the worker to the MCO for specialized care that the worker may require, including physical therapy. (2) The physician, physician associate, or nurse practitioner who is not an MCO panel provider will be deemed to have maintained the worker’s medical records and established a documented history of treatment, if the physician’s, physician associate's, or nurse practitioner’s medical records show treatment has been provided to the worker prior to the date of injury. Additionally, if a worker has selected a physician, physician associate, or 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) The MCO may not limit the length of treatment authority of a come-along provider unless such limits are stated in ORS chapter 656. (4) Notwithstanding section (1), for those workers receiving their medical services from a facility that maintains a single medical record on the worker, but provides treatment by multiple primary care or chiropractic physicians, physician associates, or nurse practitioners who are not MCO panel providers, 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, physician associate, or nurse practitioner to treat the compensable injury. (5) Any questions or disputes relating to the worker's selection of a physician, physician associate, or nurse practitioner who is not an MCO panel provider must be resolved under OAR 436-015-0110. (6) Any disputes relating to a come-along provider’s or other non-MCO provider’s compliance with MCO standards and protocols must be resolved under OAR 436-015-0110.