OAR 436-030-0115: Temporary rule language in effect until 10/04/2026. Reconsideration of Notices of Closure

(1) A worker, insurer, or beneficiary may request reconsideration of a Notice of Closure as provided in ORS 656.268. (2) Under ORS 656.218(4), a worker’s estate may request reconsideration of a Notice of Closure if the worker dies before filing a request and there are no persons entitled to receive death benefits under ORS 656.204. (3) A request for reconsideration may be made by mailing, phoning, or delivering the request to the director within the statutory appeal period as defined in OAR 436-030-0005 and 436-030-0145(1). The reconsideration proceeding begins as described in OAR 436-030-0145(2). (4) For the purpose of these rules, "reconsideration proceeding" means the procedure established to reconsider a Notice of Closure and does not include personal appearances by any of the parties to the claim or their representatives, unless requested by the director. All information to correct or clarify the record and any medical evidence regarding the worker’s condition as of the time of claim closure that should have been but was not submitted by the attending physician at the time of claim closure and all supporting documentation must be presented during the reconsideration proceeding. When the reconsideration proceeding is postponed under OAR 436-030-0165(9) because the worker’s condition is not medically stationary, medical evidence submitted may address the worker’s condition after claim closure as long as the evidence satisfies the conditions of OAR 436-030-0145(3). (5) All parties have an opportunity to submit documents to the record regarding the worker’s status at the time of claim closure. Other factual information and written argument may be submitted for incorporation into the record under ORS 656.268(6) within the time frames outlined in OAR 436-030-0145. Such information may include, but is not limited to, responses to the documentation and written arguments, written statements, and sworn affidavits from the parties. (6) The worker may submit a deposition to the reconsideration record subject to ORS 656.268(6) and the following: (a) The deposition must be limited to the testimony and cross-examination of a worker about the worker’s condition at the time of claim closure. (b) The deposition must be arranged by the worker and held during the reconsideration proceeding time frame unless a good cause reason is established. If a good cause reason is established, the time frame for holding the deposition may be extended but may not extend beyond 30 days from the date of the Order on Reconsideration. The deposition must be held at a time and place that permits the insurer or self-insured employer the opportunity to cross-examine the worker. (c) The insurer or self-insured employer must, within 30 days of receiving a bill for the deposition, pay the fee of the court reporter, the costs for the original transcript and one copy for each party, and the cost of necessary interpreter services. An original transcript of the deposition must be sent to the department and each party must be sent a copy of the transcript. (d) If the transcript is not completed and presented to the department prior to the deadline for issuing an Order on Reconsideration, the Order on Reconsideration may not be postponed to receive a deposition under this rule and the order will be issued based on the evidence in the record. However, the transcript may be received as evidence at a hearing for an appeal of the Order on Reconsideration. (7) Only one reconsideration proceeding may be completed on each Notice of Closure and the director will review those issues raised by the parties and the requirements under ORS 656.268(1). Once the reconsideration proceeding is initiated, issues must be raised and further evidence submitted within the time frames allowed for processing the reconsideration request. When the director requires additional information to complete the record, the reconsideration proceeding may be postponed under ORS 656.268(6).