General Information

Government Type

State Agency

Entity

Labor Commission

Public Body

Workers' Compensation Advisory Council

Notice Information

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Notice Title

WC Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

Notice Tags

Labor Commission, Workers' Compensation

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

April 9, 2025 12:00 PM

Event End Date & Time

April 9, 2025 12:52 PM

Description/Agenda

THE LABOR COMMISSION WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Wednesday April 9, 2025, 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM Utah Labor Commission, 160 East 300 South Room 319 Salt Lake City, Utah Zoom Call-in Meeting. The following Advisory Council Members were in attendance: Dave Davis, President Utah Retail Merchants Association Brian Kelm, Esq. Ryan Andrus, WCF Mutual Insurance Company Brandon Dew, Operating Engineers Local Union #3 Jeff Rowley, Utah Local Government's Trust Zackery Hatch, West Valley City Firefighter (Retired) Eric Vanderhooft, M.D. Rikki Hrenko-Browning, Utah Petroleum Association Paula Stauffer, Utah Business Insurance (For Ron Nielsen) Dawn Atkin, Esq. The following Advisory Council members were excused: Todd Bingham, President, Utah Manufacturers Association Ron Nielsen, Utah Business Insurance Joey Gilbert, Associated General Contractors of Utah Brandt Goble, Painters and Tapers Local 77 Others Present: Jaceson Maughan, Commissioner, Labor Commission Chris Hill, Deputy Commissioner, Labor Commission Ron Dressler, Industrial Accidents Division Director, Labor Commission Douglas Shepherd, Medical Director, Labor Commission Eric Olsen, Public Information Officer, Labor Commission Felicia New, Industrial Accidents Division, Labor Commission Todd Johnson, NCCI M. Alex Natt, Adjudication Division Director, Labor Commission Rep. Jim Dunnigan Sen. Scott Sandall Michele Halstenrud, WCF Mutual Insurance Company Erin Hansen, Industrial Accidents Deputy Director, Labor Commission WELCOME: Commissioner Maughan called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. Miscellaneous Business: Commissioner Maughan asked if everyone had received the minutes from the January 15, 2025, meeting and ask if there were any changes needed. He called for a motion to approve the previous minutes. Jeff Rowley made a motion to approve the minutes. Brian Kelm seconded the motion. The meeting minutes from January 15, 2025, were approved. 2026 Medical Fee Update: Commissioner Maughan turned the time over to Dr. Shepherd to present a slide presentation to the council members for the Proposed 2026 Medical Fee Schedule that will be effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Shepherd stated each year that NCCI prepares an analysis showing a comparison of where the State of Utah stands when compared to surrounding states and nationally. Dr. Shepherd's slide presentation explained the recommended methodology proposed by the Medical Fee Advisory Committee. Dr. Shepherd stated the Medical Committee proposed three separate recommendations. The first recommendation would be to increase surgical codes by 2.5%. Dr. Shepherd stated the 2.5% increase reflects inflation rates. NCCI anticipated the 2.5% impact to be +0.1% or +0.5M. The second recommendation concerned mid-level codes or Advanced Practice Providers and proposed an increase in reimbursement of the mid-level codes from 75% to 85%. The third recommendation was to clarify the wording for DME reimbursement. The wording changes the current title of the rule to 'Charges for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS), Material or Drugs'. The committee proposed a change to the rule stating special or unusual materials shall be reimbursed at Medicare pricing, if Medicare provides a list. If they do not provide a list, then the reimbursement shall remain the same as the current rule and shall be reimbursed at invoice cost plus 15% restocking fee and any taxes paid. Dave Davis made a motion to increase the surgical codes as recommended by the Medical Committee by 2.5%. Dave's motion on recommendation number two stated rather than a straight 85% increase across the board, the council follow the Medicare methodology and recognize those alternative providers accordingly, some may increase to 85 %, others may decrease or stay the same depending on the Medicare standard. Dave's motion on the third recommendation stated that the council adopt the recommendations proposed for durable medical equipment. Brandon Dew seconded the motion. The voting was unanimous in the affirmative. Legislative and Rule-Making Matters: Deputy Commissioner Hill gave an update on the 2025 Legislative Session. He stated the following bills dealing with workers' compensation HB 65, HB 111, SB 190 did pass. Ron Dressler gave an update on the Hospital Fee Schedule. Ron stated that he and Dr. Shepherd are in the process of putting together a sub-committee. They have been in contact with the Hospital Association and Dave Gessel. Ron stated they will be including a certain number of insurance carriers and self-insured representatives to ensure a fair and well-balanced committee. Other Business: Commissioner Maughan stated the last order of business was a discussion of the proposed 2025 Advisory Council meeting dates. For the foreseeable future, the meetings will be held virtually. 2025 WC Advisory Council meeting dates. - September 17, 2025 (Wednesday) at 12:00 p.m. - November 12, 2025 (Wednesday) at 12:00 p.m. Brian Kelm made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Dawn Atkin seconded the motion. The voting was unanimous in the affirmative. The meeting was adjourned at 12:48 p.m.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION DURING PUBLIC MEETINGS In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Sara Danielson at 801-530-6953.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

NA

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

160 E 300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
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Contact Name

Sara Danielson

Contact Email

sdanielson@utah.gov

Contact Phone

8015306953

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

April 22, 2025 04:06 PM

Notice Last Edited On

April 22, 2025 04:06 PM

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