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There’s a new sheriff in town: 3 things carriers should know about the Florida Statute Changes effective 7/1/2011.

Confusion continues for carriers on the new statute wording that changed the game for re-employment services in Florida.  Some carriers discontinued filing forms when notified the Bureau of Re-employment and Rehabilitation (BRRS) was stripped of its regulatory powers and lost 2/3’s of its funding.

But, non-compliance could be costly.  Willfully ignoring a statutory requirement could cost carriers up to 100k in penalties on audit.

Here are three things carriers should review very carefully:

1. Form Filing Compliance Remains:  The Re-employment Status Reports (DWC-22) are still required but they don’t go to the state.  Now they must be sent to the claimant.
2. New Sheriff with Penalty Power:  Regulatory powers were transferred to Department of Financial Services (DFS) and until new rules are written to enforce the 7/1/2011 changes, carriers are wise to keep all compliance measures in place.  This includes the timely payment rules for DWC-21’s.  The electronic filing of DWC-21 to Department of Education is over but DFS will take over audit and enforcement duties. Best not to take chances. 
3. Retraining Budget Cuts Means New Game Plan For Adjusters:   The BRRS is in turmoil and carriers requesting state retraining services should anticipate denials.  The bureau was inefficient and ineffective before and they won’t improve with less money.  Obtaining a re-employment assessment first that outlines re-employment or training objectives is money well spent.  Seeking state re-training assistance without one is unwise. 

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