Author: Evan Novotny
Oregon: Processing Proposed Surgical Authorization Requests Is Not Solely Based on Accepted Conditions
In 2019, the Oregon Supreme Court held that medical services materially related to the work injury are compensable under ORS 656.245 and are not limited…
Oregon Administrative Claim Closure Requires Strict Compliance with the Rule
Administrative closure can be a useful tool for processing an Oregon Workers’ Compensation claim to closure where a worker is inconsistent or non-compliant with treatment…
Oregon Court of Appeals Rejects Claimant Argument to Expand Meaning of “Compensable Injury” for Purposes of Assigning Permanent Impairment
On June 7, 2023, the Oregon Court of Appeals issued its Opinion on Gramada v. SAIF, refusing to expand the meaning of the term “compensable…
Permanent Rule Changes Coming to Oregon Workers’ Compensation!
There are new and significant rule changes to Oregon Workers Compensation. These will affect the way workers’ compensation benefits are paid and calculated. Additionally, notable…
Increased WRMEs in Oregon?
A worker requested medical exam (WRME) is the equivalent of an insurer arranged independent medical exam–but as the title implies, requested specifically by the worker….
Oregon Court of Appeals issues another decision scrutinizing combined condition defenses
We often discuss combined condition acceptances and denials as useful claim processing tools, particularly in closing a claim which may otherwise be difficult to close,…
Combined Conditions in Oregon Workers’ Compensation: Not always a Simple Open and Shut Case
Combined condition acceptances and denials can be a useful claim processing tool in Oregon for several reasons. They can be used as a defense against…
Oregon WCD Issues Revised Temporary Rule on Claims for COVID-19 or Exposure to COVID-19
The Workers’ Compensation Division has issued OAR 436-060-0141, a temporary rule addressing claims for COVID-19 and claims for exposure to COVID-19. The rule will remain…
Claims Examiner Certification Renewal in Oregon and COVID-19
Three months into the pandemic, we have all seen changes in both our daily lives and in our professional lives. One of these changes has…
Oregon’s Distracted Driving Law Goes into Effect October 1
As of October 1, 2017 any use of mobile devices will be prohibited while driving in Oregon. Like the law in Washington, which went into…
