Regulatory Compliance

CorVel helps reduce workers’ compensation costs through immediate intervention, claims management, medical treatment plans and return to work programs. Our cost containment solutions are based on a simple formula that combines industry leading bill review, case management expertise and a national PPO network built for the casualty market. Each innovation offers Arkansas employers improved return to work outcomes and industry leading savings.

CorVel specializes in applying advanced communication and information technology to improve disability management for Arkansas employers. Our proprietary solutions can be tailored to your specific state risk management program.

Arkansas Regulatory Updates 12/29/2024

Arkansas SB 423 – Relating to Conducting Certain Contested Case Hearings Under the Texas Workers’ Compensation System By Remote Communication.

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure allows a contested case hearing to be conducted by telephone or videoconference, upon the agreement of all parties.

• The Commissioner will adopt rules to implement this measure and create requirements for telephone or videoconference hearings.

This measure takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each chamber. If this measure does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, it effect September 1, 2025

Most Recent Update:

• 11/21/2024 – Prefiled
• This measure has been prefiled for the 2025 legislative session, which is expected to convene on January 14, 2025.This measure is eligible for committee referral when the legislature convenes.

Arkansas Regulatory Updates 4/20/2023

Arkansas HB 1612 – To Amend Portions of the Law Regarding Certain Workers’ Compensation Payments Under the Workers’ Compensation Law That Resulted from Initiated Measure 1948, No. 4.

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure removes the 66% of weekly wages maximum caps on workers’ compensation payable for disability. It also removes obsolete and outdated sections. It does not list an effective date.

Most Recent Update:

3/28/2023 This measure has been scheduled for a hearing on April 4 in the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, chaired by Representative Lee Johnson (R.) The Arkansas legislature is meeting in-person for the 2023 legislative session, however committee hearings will have a limited capacity for in-person participation. Anyone wishing to testify of a measure must do so in-person either by signing up online www.arkleg.state.ar.us by selecting the agenda for the hearing or by signing up in-person at the hearing. A vote may occur at the discretion of the chair.

HB 1611 – To Amend Portions of the Workers’ Compensation Law That Resulted from Initiated Measure 1948, No. 4.; and to Allow Attorney’s Fees to Be Awarded on Medical Benefits or Services Awarded Under the Workers’ Compensation Law.

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure removes the restriction on awarding attorney’s fees on workers’ compensation medical benefits. It does not list an effective date.

Most Recent Update:

4/04/2023 This measure has been scheduled for a hearing on April 4 in the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, chaired by Representative Lee Johnson (R.) The Arkansas legislature is meeting in-person for the 2023 legislative session, however committee hearings will have a limited capacity for in-person participation. Anyone wishing to testify of a measure must do so in-person either by signing up online www.arkleg.state.ar.us by selecting the agenda for the hearing or by signing up in-person at the hearing. A vote may occur at the discretion of the chair.

SB 390 – To Amend the Civil Penalties and Establish Criminal Penalties Related to Child Labor Violations; and to Clarify the Workers’ Compensation Law Related to Child Labor Resulting from Initiated Act 4 of 1948. 

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure includes child labor as allowed by industrial education as qualifying for doubled workers’ compensation injury or death benefits afforded to injury or death of a minor. It also modifies other child labor penalties.

Most Recent Update:

3/27/2023 Following passage in the Senate, this measure has been scheduled for a hearing on April 4 in the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, chaired by Representative Lee Johnson (R.)

Certified Managed Care Organization

Arkansas Rule 33 provides voluntary participation for employers to direct patient care. Participation in a MCO gives employers control over care of the injured worker for the duration of the claim. The legislation mandates the employee continue treatment within the employer’s approved network unless the treating physician regularly treats the employee and with whom the employee has an established doctor-patient relationship. The treating physician must still agree to recommend additional care within the network. Visit www.awcc.state.ar.us/ for additional information about the Arkansas state requirements.

We are here to help.
This is an optional program and all Arkansas employers must register with the state. CorVel has been a state certified Managed Care Organization (MCO) since September 1995 and offers assistance for Arkansas employers. Learn more our workers’ compensation solutions or contact a local representative for additional information.

 

Arkansas Services

• Workers’ compensation claims administration and medical bill review
• State-approved utilization management
• Local provider network development
• Annual reporting and commissioner audits