OAR 436-060-0015: Required Notice and Information

(1) Notice to worker’s attorney. If a worker is represented by an attorney, and the attorney has given written notice of representation, the insurer must provide written notice to the worker’s attorney before, or at the same time, as the insurer: (a) Requests the worker to submit to a medical examination; (b) Contacts the worker regarding any matter that may result in denial, reduction, or termination of the worker’s benefits; or (c) Contacts the worker regarding any matter relating to the disposition of a claim under ORS 656.236. (2) Penalty for failure to provide notice to worker’s attorney. The director may assess a civil penalty against an insurer that intentionally or repeatedly fails to give notice as required under section (1) of this rule. (3) Information provided to worker. The insurer or service company must provide: (a) Form 1138, "What happens if I’m hurt on the job?" to every worker who has a disabling claim with the first disability check or earliest written correspondence. For nondisabling claims, Form 3283, "A Guide for Workers Recently Hurt on the Job," may be provided in place of Form 1138, unless the worker specifically requests Form 1138; (b) Form 3283 to its insured employers. Form 3283 may be printed on the back of Form 801; (c) Form 3058, "Notice to Worker," or an equivalent form, to the worker with the initial notice of acceptance of the claim under OAR 436-060-0140(6). If an equivalent form is provided, it must include all of the information included on Form 3058; (d) The additional notices required under OAR 436-060-0018, 436-060-0030, 436-060-0035, 436-060-0095, 436-060-0105, 436-060-0135, 436-060-0140, and 436-060-0180; and (e) With the first disability check or earliest written correspondence, contact information that will: (A) Reasonably lead the worker to an Oregon certified claims examiner during regular Oregon business hours; and (B) Reasonably ensure that inquiries from the worker are responded to within 48 hours, not including Saturday, Sunday, or legal holidays under ORS 187.010 and 187.020. (4) Notice of change of processing location. When the insurer changes claims processing locations, service companies, or self-administration, the insurer must provide at least 10 days prior notice to workers with open or active claims, their attorneys, and attending physicians. The notice must provide the name of a contact person, telephone number, email address, and mailing address of the new claim processor. (5) Notice of change in rate of compensation and benefit amounts. When the insurer changes the rate of compensation, the wage used to calculate benefit amounts, or the method of calculation used to determine benefits, the insurer must provide a written explanation of any change to the worker and the worker’s attorney, if any. (6) Notice of wage used to calculate benefits at closure. Before closure of a disabling claim the insurer must send a notice to the worker that: (a) Documents the wage upon which benefits were based; (b) Informs the worker that work disability, if applicable, will be determined when the claim is closed; and (c) Explains how the worker can appeal the insurer’s wage calculation if the worker disagrees with the wage. (7) Notice of end of temporary disability benefits. In addition to other requirements in OAR chapter 436, the insurer may not end temporary disability benefits until written notice has been mailed or delivered to the worker and the worker’s attorney, if the worker is represented. The notice must state the reason that temporary disability benefits are no longer due and payable. This notice requirement does not apply to temporary disability benefits paid under ORS 656.210(4). (8) Notice of medically stationary status. An insurer must mail or deliver a written notice to a worker and the worker’s attorney, if the worker is represented, within seven days following receipt of information that the worker is medically stationary.