December 10, 2008

The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee to the NCIC met on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 10 am at Key Risk in Greensboro. The first Rehabilitation Educational Presentation (Pilot) was completed in Raleigh, NC on 11/14/08. Evaluations obtained from this Pilot Group were taken into consideration along with feedback and minor changes in the delivery of the program will be made. The Peer Review Process was discussed and is ready for implementation. Once the Peer Review forms are ready these will be placed on the RPC website along with instructions for access.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for 02/18/09 at Key Risk in Greensboro.

 

 

September 17, 2008

September 17, 2008

 

The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee to the NCIC met on Wednesday September 17, 2008 at 10 am at Key Risk in Greensboro. The educational program was discussed and plans were made to have the first program present through sponsorship by IARP-Carolinas on 11/14/08 in Raleigh, NC.

 

The next Rehabilitation Advisory Committee meeting is planned for December 2008. The exact date will be determined.

August 27. 2008

August 27. 2008

 

A meeting between the vocational rehabilitation group (who spoke with the Full Commission in Feb) and the Deputy Commissioners and Executive Secretary's office was held on Wednesday August 27 at 2:00PM in the 6th floor conference room in at the NCIC in Raleigh. The vocational rehabilitation professionals presented the concerns they face in providing services to the injured workers.

July 09, 2008

July 09, 2008

The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee to the NCIC met on Wednesday, July 09, 2008

at 10 am at Key Risk in Greensboro. Three members met for several hours to put the final presentation together and this was reviewed. The committee recommends this presentation be previewed by various leaders and owners of private rehabilitation companies and to plan further the protocols needed to get this project out for delivery to the entire rehabilitation community. A date to do this is set for 08/13/08 in Greensboro NC at GoodWill.

May 14, 2008

May 14, 2008

 

The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee to the NCIC met on Wednesday, May 14, 2008

at 10 am at Key Risk in Greensboro. A complete review of the Rehab Educational Presentation was done with some suggestions for corrections and updated information.

 

 

February 28, 2008

February 28, 2008

 

“Task" Assignments:

The NCIC has provided a definition of task assignment. Please read information about the definition by going to the following link: http://www.comp.state.nc.us/ncic/pages/022208mn.pdf

February 20, 2008

February 20, 2008

The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee to the NCIC met on Wednesday, 02/20/08, from 10-12:30 at Key Risk in Raleigh located at 3109 Poplarwood Court Suite 110, Raleigh 27604

 

The committee performed its first peer review and offered recommendations. The committee also met with the full commissions at the NCIC from 1:00-3:00 pm to hear presentations given by various owners of private rehab companies concerning vocational issues that are affecting the ability of IW's to receive vocational rehabilitation services. Below is the agenda that was discussed:

 

Agenda

 

 

1.         Opening remarks

The Vocational Rehabilitation Profession                       Nancy Wells, MS, CDMS, QRP

President/Owner, Carolina Case Management

 

 

2.         Methodologies and Successes of Voc Rehab                Jane Rouse, RN, MS,

                                                                                                CCM, CRC, CDMS,

                                                                                                LPC, QRP

            President/Owner, Southern Rehab

 

 

3.         The Process of Voc Rehab                                           Denise Robertson, MPA,         

                                                                                                CDMS, QRP

            Owner, Robertson Vocational Case Mgmt.

 

 

4.         The Economic Impact                                                   Jo Lee Macleod, CEO

                                                                                                American Rehab

 

 

5.         The Rehab Rules/Questions for the NCIC                     George Page, MS, CRC,

                                                                                                QRP

                                                                                                President/Owner, Page Rehab 

 

The presenters were asked to provide a summary of their concerns following the meeting by Chair Young.

September 26, 2007

September 26, 2007

 

Gov. Mike Easley today named Pamela Thorpe Young of Cary chairwoman of the North Carolina Industrial Commission to succeed current Chairman Buck Lattimore who asked to be relieved of his chairman duties.  Young was appointed as commissioner in May 2003 and has served as its vice chair since April 2004.  Young will assume leadership of the commission on October 1.

September 21, 2007

Friday, September 21, 2007

 

Letter from Chairman Lattimore

 

Today, I was asked by the Governor to continue as a Commissioner of the Industrial Commission.  However I asked Governor Easley to relieve me of my duties as Chairman of the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

 

The Governor will announce the appointment of a new chairman next week.

 

The past seven years have been filled with challenges but I believe the Industrial Commission is today stronger and better equipped to serve our citizens.

 

Thanks to each of you for your loyal support over the years.

 

I look forward to continuing to work with you as a Commissioner at the Industrial Commission.

 

Sincerely,

Buck Lattimore

 

Buck Lattimore

Chairman

NC Industrial Commission

lattimob@ind.commerce.state.nc.us

(919) 807-2525

 

01/17/07

The NC Rehabilitation Advisory Board to the NCIC met on 01/17/07 and discussed the following areas:

 

1. Status of the Rehabilitation Educational Program/Presentation: Kathy Wickizer is in the process of finalizing input from various professionals and sources

 

2.Status of the Per Review Process: The positive and legal concerns about the peer review process was discussed and it was discussed that we should consider having a trial or pilot project to see if the process would be of value and a help vs. a hindrance.

 

3. Vocational Consent Form: The NCIC is willing to review this matter but would like to have samples to view. Members on the committee also shared ways to obtain vital information about the injured workers vocational accomplishments by using the current 25C.

 

4. Task Assignments: The committee explored different definitions for a task assignment with input from within and outside the committee. Various issues were raised about the Task assignment and how the RP communicates to all parties.

 

5. Vocational Counselor position with the NCIC: The Commission is considering a vocational counselor position and input from the RP's has been requested regarding the need for this position and the role of a Vocational Counselor.  

 

6. The Charlotte area NCIC nusre consultant  position has been filled by Gloria Bullock, RN, CCM who began early January 2007.

 

7. Communications with physicians: It was brought to the attention of the group that an attorney informed an RP to use the "Workers’ Compensation Medical Status Questionnaire." The use of this form is specific to employer/insurer paying compensation for an admitted workers' compensation claim to medical providers who have treated an employee for a work-related injury or condition.

 

This form is NOT to be initiated by the RP, however responses to this questionnaire by the physician shall be provided to the employer or its insurer (or their designated agents or representatives, including the assigned rehabilitation professional), and to the employee or his/her representative simultaneously.

 

Medical providers may continue the practice of providing Work or Job Status Forms to the employee and the employer/insurer or assigned rehabilitation professional after each visit or when appropriate. This may be done without the express authorization of the employee. For more information on the questionnaire please refer to the following http://www.comp.state.nc.us/ncic/pages/wcmsques.pdf

 

Remember when communicating with the MD the RP is obligated to follow the North Carolina Industrial Commission Rules for Utilization of Rehabilitation Professionals in Workers' Compensation Claims and should pay close attention to the communication sections VI, VII, VIII.

The next meeting is scheduled for 04/11/07 at 10:00 a.m. at Key Risk in Greensboro, NC.

 

If you have issues or concerns and want to attend the meeting the board asks that you inform them in advance of the meeting the amount of time you need and your issues so plans can be made accordingly. Please send an e-mail to Karen Smith at Smithk@ind.commerce.state.nc.us with your information.

 

October 11, 2006

October 11, 2006

 

 

The Rehabilitation Advisory Committee to the NCIC met on Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at 10 o’clock at Key Risk in Greensboro.

 

1. The Rehab Educational Presentation was reviewed. Kathy Wickizer has not had a response about revisions from the plaintiff or defense bar yet.

           

2. Karen Smith shared limited aspects of the Peer Review process with Chairman Lattimore and Executive Secretary Weaver, who indicated that while it was a valuable process, it could not be used by the NCIC in deciding any cases with regard to removal of rehab professionals. It was decided that the Peer Review could be offered to the rehab and attorney community as a voluntary process to help resolve rehab practice issues.

 

3. Case Management-Case Managers do not need to be involved in asking for ratings, including obtaining the 25R, as this is considered claims activity. Case Managers can ask about “permanent impairment” according to the Rules for Rehab.

Case Managers need to inform IW, MD if covering an appointment for another case manager and have consent to cover the appointment as the 25C is for the individual case manager, not for a “covering” RP or a rehab company.

Case manager should not go back in to ask further questions of the physician without the IW present.

 

4. A discussion on task assignments was held:

 

In some cases, an IME should not be attended as the presence of a case manager might be viewed as trying to influence the results of the IME. Case managers however feel responsibility for someone to be there if problems/questions arise.

Communication with all parties is the key.

CAT cases – “paying without prejudice” – are appropriate tasks.

Limited assignments can be to meet with the IW or attend an appointment for a telephonic case manager.

A definition will be formulated and presented to the Full Commission for its consideration in response to its question to this Board for clarification.

 

5. Physician Update – Medical Society is recommending increases in the NC fee schedule. A Hearing is scheduled in mid-December.

 

NEXT MEETING:  

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 from 10:00-2:00 at Key Risk in Greensboro

 

08/29/06

The committee met and Kathy Wickizer presented the educational state-wide program currently being formulated and discussed various changes as suggested by attorneys and the NCIC. The meeting focused on making sure the changes suggested were in line with all of our credentialing boards.

The other agenda item discussed was to define "task assignment." This topic will require more time to develop, as this is an area that is not uniform across the state and will need to be looked at full detail. If you have any suggestions or input please e-mail Karen Smith at Smithk@ind.commerce.state.nc.us .

Our next meeting is set for 10/11/06 at 10:00 a.m. at Key Risk in Greensboro.

07/12/06

The committee met and learned that the Registry is currently being updated however there may be some delays due to an increase of out of state professionals who are performing telephonic case management. This is also due to the compact laws that allow other states to practice without having to obtain a license but are required to register with other states involved in the compact law.

Commissioner Laura Kranifeld Mavretic and Vice Chair Pamela Thorpe Young are the contacts at the NCIC for RP's in the event there are issues to discuss with rehabilitation. It is strongly suggested that you contact a representative on this committee prior to contacting any of the Commissioners so they are not overwhelmed with issues.

Also discussed was :
1. Peer Review
2. Vocational Consent to obtain records
3. 25N as initial Vocational notice to cooperate
4. IARP Conference 6/2/06-suitable employment - the program was excellent in explaining suitable employment and other "hot topics."
5. Task assignments - this needs to be defined and a sub committee will be working on this.
6. Initial assessments - Type and amount of information needed was discussed
7. CRP status and how to manage the RP who has not gotten a credentail
8. Update on the Educational Program -The program was assessed by two commissioners who recommended that the defense and plaintiff bar also see the program. This was done and Kathy Wickizer and Karen Smith met to review recommendations made.
9.  Attorney letters with communication restrictions ways of dealing with communications were discussed

The next meeting is set for 08/29/06

 

04/12/06

Karen Smith presided over the meeting and informed the committee she will be the liasion with the Chairman in areas of concern for rehabilitation. Karen also stated that anyone interested in applying for the head of the nurses section and the Charlotte position needs to submit an application to the Chairman.

Other topics discussed were peer review, consent forms, educational training program, removal from cases without notification and a summary of the role of the new committee members.

George Page and Dale Warwick presented the work done on the peer review program thus far and asked if the concept can be presented to the NCIC for support before it is looked at further.

The next meeting is set for July 12, 2006.

01/25/06

Margaret Dunn has announced that she will be retiring as of 03/01/06. Also Betty Lou with the nurse's section of the NCIC who works the Charlotte area will be retiring. Margaret had requested prospective rehabilitation professionals who would be willing to serve on the committee to replace Maggie Kelly who has resigned her position from the committee to persue other counseling options,  Linda Koch who is retiring and Kathy Wickizer who is rotating off the committee.

The following people have been asked to serve on the committee and were present at the 01/25/06 meeting:

Karen Smith, RN, COHN-S 
NCIC Nurses Section

Vickie Dixon, MS, CRC
Southern Rehab

Rebecca Earley, BSN, RN, CDMS, CCM
Complete Case Management

Beverly Jeter, M.Ed., CRC
Vice Pres, Voc. Operations
American Rehabilitation Inc.

The educational program that was written by the committee members was discussed and Kathy Wickizer will present this to the Commission for input and further direction before the program goes into it's next phase of the planning process.

The entire committee wished Margaret Dunn well in her retirement and thanked her for the 30 years of dedication and devotion to the injured workers, medical professionals and the NCIC.

The next meeting is scheduled for 04/12/06.

 

09/21/05

The September 21, 2005 meeting was postponed. The committee met briefly on 10/19/05, prior to the NCIC educational conference.

Members: A discussion was held on the current members and rotating off and bring on new members.

Registration: All RP's need to register if they are providing Case Management Services to NC injured Workers. Currently the Web site that has the listing of the Registrants is being updated and fixed.

Motion to Remove a RP: If a motion is filed on a RP to be removed, the RP will be notified by the NCIC and there will be 15 days to respond to the motion.

Next Meeting: The next meeting is set for 11/15/05.

06/10/05

The NC Rehabilitation Advisory Board to the NCIC

Highlights of the Rehab Advisory Board meeting held at Key Risk in Greensboro, NC on 06/10/05:

 

Statewide Training: The Advisory Board spent most of the meeting reviewing and making changes to the educational program that is currently being developed. Each board member contributed to portions of the training material. This was then put into PowerPoint and presented by Kathy Wickizer. The purpose of the training is to have it available to provide rehabilitation professionals who are new to the state or industry. The training information will include the Rules, topics on ethics and rehabilitation concepts and standards of practice. As the training is further developed, and fine tuned, each RP in the state will have an opportunity to attend a training session.

 

NCIC File Numbers:  Please be advised that when sending forms or any information to the NCIC as it relates to an injured worker, it should have an IC number. Currently the NCIC has a turn-around time of two weeks when assigning an IC number. NCIC numbers should be put on 25N’s if at all possible.

 

Peer Review:  There are an overwhelming number of professionals who have voiced a need to have a peer review committee. A peer review committee would serve in an advisory and educational capacity and would not be based on a punitive model. 

 

QRP vs. CRP: The committee discussed the credentialing process as outlined in the Rules for Rehabilitation to clarify QRP vs. CRP status. If you employ/hire RP's who practice in NC, including out of state RP’s, please be sure to review section IV Qualifications Required of the Rehab Rules, prior to hiring new employees to insure compliance, consistency and to maintain the standard.

 

Senate Bill 984: Current legislation (SB 984) remains active and may be voted upon in the near future.

 

Next Meeting: The NC Rehabilitation Advisory Board to the NCIC is scheduled to meet at Key Risk in Greensboro, NC, September 21, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. If you have issues or concerns and want to attend the meeting the board asks that you inform them in advance of the meeting the amount of time you need and your issues so plans can be made accordingly. Please send an e-mail to Margaret Dunn at Dunnm@ind.commerce.state.nc.us with your information.

Previous Meeting Highlights

04/06/05

Highlights of the Rehab Advisory Board meeting held at Key Risk in Greensboro, NC on 04/06/05:

• Electronic Mail: Rehab Rule VI Section F states that RP's must copy the parties simultaneously with all correspondence.  This includes emails to and from carriers/adjuster, attorneys, employers, etc.
• List Serves and Message Boards: There exists many list serves and message boards on the internet. These are great tools for communication. They can serve as a positive or a negative way to communicate. Be aware that professional groups including attorney’s can use these to discuss things that can be derogatory, hurtful and untrue.  The rehab advisory board is looking into designing a message board that could function as an educational tool to assist the Case Manager with problem solving, case resolution, or the sharing of successes.
• Contracts: To avoid confusion and prevent problems down the road, RP’s are required to abide by the NC Rehab Rules and contracts are therefore not indicated. Refer the attorney to the NCIC web site to view the Rules for Rehab or send a copy of the rules with a cover letter.
• Utilization of Tape Recorders: As professionals who have been taught that rapport building is paramount to the success of a case, the utilization of tape recorders defeats this purpose. It also conflicts with the spirit and the purpose of the NC Rehab Rules.
• Practice Standards and Consistency: The Committee has undertaken a huge task of formulating an educational program, to insure that all case managers working in NC are informed of Rules for Rehab. The goal is to provide a way for all professionals to be given accurate information in a consistent manner to ensure the quality of care for all injured workers. As this program unfolds one of the target group will be anyone who is new to NC or new to NC workers' compensation doing case management. New case managers can have an opportunity to learn about the rules early on in their practice.
• Continuing Issues of Concern: As a reminder, all RP's working in NC (including out of state RP’s) must abide by the NC Rehab Rules.  The areas that continue to surface include:

1. Having exparte communication
2. The forwarding correspondence simultaneously to all parties
3. Developing a rehab plan that is consistent with the injured workers vocational assessment
4. Vocational goals being within the injured workers physical restrictions

The NC Rehabilitation Advisory Board to the NCIC is scheduled to meet at Key Risk in Greensboro, NC, June 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.

If you have issues or concerns and want to attend the meeting the board asks that you inform them in advance of the meeting the amount of time you need and your issues so plans can be made accordingly. Please send an e-mail to Margaret Dunn at Dunnm@ind.commerce.state.nc.us with your information.