AB56: Bill Text

AB56,695,24 102.16 (1m) (a) If an insurer or self-insured employer concedes by compromise under sub. (1) or stipulation under s. 102.18 (1) (a) that the insurer or self-insured employer is liable under this chapter for any health services provided to an injured employee by a health service provider, but disputes the reasonableness of the fee charged by the health service provider, the department or the division may include in its order confirming the compromise or stipulation a determination made by the department under sub. (2) as to the reasonableness of the fee or, if such a determination has not yet been made, the department or the division may notify, or direct the insurer or self-insured employer to notify, the health service provider under sub. (2) (b) that the reasonableness of the fee is in dispute. The department or the division shall deny payment of a health service fee that the department determines under sub. (2) to be unreasonable. A health service provider and an insurer or self-insured employer that are parties to a fee dispute under this paragraph are bound by the department's determination under sub. (2) on the reasonableness of the disputed fee, unless that determination is set aside, reversed, or modified by the department under sub. (2) (f) or is set aside on judicial review as provided in sub. (2) (f).

AB56,1128 Section 1128. 102.16 (1m) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,696,24 102.16 (1m) (b) If an insurer or self-insured employer concedes by compromise under sub. (1) or stipulation under s. 102.18 (1) (a) that the insurer or self-insured employer is liable under this chapter for any treatment provided to an injured employee by a health service provider, but disputes the necessity of the treatment, the department or the division may include in its order confirming the compromise or stipulation a determination made by the department under sub. (2m) as to the necessity of the treatment or, if such a determination has not yet been made, the department or the division may notify, or direct the insurer or self-insured employer to notify, the health service provider under sub. (2m) (b) that the necessity of the treatment is in dispute. Before determining under sub. (2m) the necessity of treatment provided to an injured employee, the department may, but is not required to, obtain the opinion of an expert selected by the department who is qualified as provided in sub. (2m) (c). The standards promulgated under sub. (2m) (g) shall be applied by an expert and by the department in rendering an opinion as to, and in determining, necessity of treatment under this paragraph. In cases in which no standards promulgated under sub. (2m) (g) apply, the department shall find the facts regarding necessity of treatment. The department or the division shall deny payment for any treatment that the department determines under sub. (2m) to be unnecessary. A health service provider and an insurer or self-insured employer that are parties to a dispute under this paragraph over the necessity of treatment are bound by the department's determination under sub. (2m) on the necessity of the disputed treatment, unless that determination is set aside, reversed, or modified by the department under sub. (2m) (e) or is set aside on judicial review as provided in sub. (2m) (e).

AB56,1129 Section 1129. 102.16 (1m) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,697,20 102.16 (1m) (c) If an insurer or self-insured employer concedes by compromise under sub. (1) or stipulation under s. 102.18 (1) (a) that the insurer or self-insured employer is liable under this chapter for the cost of a prescription drug dispensed under s. 102.425 (2) for outpatient use by an injured employee, but disputes the reasonableness of the amount charged for the prescription drug, the department or the division may include in its order confirming the compromise or stipulation a determination made by the department under s. 102.425 (4m) as to the reasonableness of the prescription drug charge or, if such a determination has not yet been made, the department or the division may notify, or direct the insurer or self-insured employer to notify, the pharmacist or practitioner dispensing the prescription drug under s. 102.425 (4m) (b) that the reasonableness of the prescription drug charge is in dispute. The department or the division shall deny payment of a prescription drug charge that the department determines under s. 102.425 (4m) to be unreasonable. A pharmacist or practitioner and an insurer or self-insured employer that are parties to a dispute under this paragraph over the reasonableness of a prescription drug charge are bound by the department's determination under s. 102.425 (4m) on the reasonableness of the disputed prescription drug charge, unless that determination is set aside, reversed, or modified by the department under s. 102.425 (4m) (e) or is set aside on judicial review as provided in s. 102.425 (4m) (e).

AB56,1130 Section 1130. 102.16 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,698,10 102.16 (2) (a) Except as provided in this paragraph, the department has jurisdiction under this subsection, the department and the division have jurisdiction under sub. (1m) (a), and the division has jurisdiction under s. 102.17 to resolve a dispute between a health service provider and an insurer or self-insured employer over the reasonableness of a fee charged by the health service provider for health services provided to an injured employee who claims benefits under this chapter. A health service provider may not submit a fee dispute to the department under this subsection before all treatment by the health service provider of the employee's injury has ended if the amount in controversy, whether based on a single charge or a combination of charges for one or more days of service, is less than $25. After all treatment by a health service provider of an employee's injury has ended, the health service provider may submit any fee dispute to the department, regardless of the amount in controversy. The department shall deny payment of a health service fee that the department determines under this subsection to be unreasonable.

AB56,1131 Section 1131. 102.16 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,698,19 102.16 (2) (b) An insurer or self-insured employer that disputes the reasonableness of a fee charged by a health service provider or the department or the division under sub. (1m) (a) or s. 102.18 (1) (bg) 1. shall provide reasonable written notice to the health service provider that the fee is being disputed. After receiving reasonable written notice under this paragraph or under sub. (1m) (a) or s. 102.18 (1) (bg) 1. that a health service fee is being disputed, a health service provider may not collect the disputed fee from, or bring an action for collection of the disputed fee against, the employee who received the services for which the fee was charged.

AB56,1132 Section 1132. 102.16 (2m) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,699,9 102.16 (2m) (a) Except as provided in this paragraph, the department has jurisdiction under this subsection, the department and the division have jurisdiction under sub. (1m) (b), and the division has jurisdiction under s. 102.17 to resolve a dispute between a health service provider and an insurer or self-insured employer over the necessity of treatment provided for an injured employee who claims benefits under this chapter. A health service provider may not submit a dispute over necessity of treatment to the department under this subsection before all treatment by the health service provider of the employee's injury has ended if the amount in controversy, whether based on a single charge or a combination of charges for one or more days of service, is less than $25. After all treatment by a health service provider of an employee's injury has ended, the health service provider may submit any dispute over necessity of treatment to the department, regardless of the amount in controversy. The department shall deny payment for any treatment that the department determines under this subsection to be unnecessary.

AB56,1133 Section 1133. 102.16 (2m) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,699,19 102.16 (2m) (b) An insurer or self-insured employer that disputes the necessity of treatment provided by a health service provider or the department or the division under sub. (1m) (b) or s. 102.18 (1) (bg) 2. shall provide reasonable written notice to the health service provider that the necessity of that treatment is being disputed. After receiving reasonable written notice under this paragraph or under sub. (1m) (b) or s. 102.18 (1) (bg) 2. that the necessity of treatment is being disputed, a health service provider may not collect a fee for that disputed treatment from, or bring an action for collection of the fee for that disputed treatment against, the employee who received the treatment.

AB56,1134 Section 1134. 102.16 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,700,3 102.16 (4) The department and the division have has jurisdiction to pass on any question arising out of sub. (3) and to order the employer to reimburse an employee or other person for any sum deducted from wages or paid by him or her in violation of that subsection. In addition to the penalty provided in s. 102.85 (1), any employer violating sub. (3) shall be liable to an injured employee for the reasonable value of the necessary services rendered to that employee under any arrangement made in violation of sub. (3) without regard to that employee's actual disbursements for those services.

AB56,1135 Section 1135. 102.17 (1) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,700,10 102.17 (1) (a) 1. Upon the filing with the department by any party in interest of any application in writing stating the general nature of any claim as to which any dispute or controversy may have arisen, the department shall mail a copy of the application to all other parties in interest, and the insurance carrier shall be considered a party in interest. The department or the division may bring in additional parties by service of a copy of the application.

AB56,1136 Section 1136. 102.17 (1) (a) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,700,21 102.17 (1) (a) 2. Subject to subd. 3., the division department shall cause notice of hearing on the application to be given to each interested party by service of that notice on the interested party personally or by mailing a copy of that notice to the interested party's last-known address at least 10 days before the hearing. If a party in interest is located without this state, and has no post-office address within this state, the copy of the application and copies of all notices shall be filed with the department of financial institutions and shall also be sent by registered or certified mail to the last-known post-office address of the party. Such filing and mailing shall constitute sufficient service, with the same effect as if served upon a party located within this state.

AB56,1137 Section 1137. 102.17 (1) (a) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,701,2 102.17 (1) (a) 3. If a party in interest claims that the employer or insurer has acted with malice or bad faith as described in s. 102.18 (1) (b) 3. or (bp), that party shall provide written notice stating with reasonable specificity the basis for the claim to the employer, the insurer, and the department, and the division before the division department schedules a hearing on the claim of malice or bad faith.

AB56,1138 Section 1138. 102.17 (1) (a) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,701,12 102.17 (1) (a) 4. The hearing may be adjourned in the discretion of the division department, and hearings may be held at such places as the division department designates, within or without the state. The division department may also arrange to have hearings held by the commission, officer, or tribunal having authority to hear cases arising under the worker's compensation law of any other state, of the District of Columbia, or of any territory of the United States, with the testimony and proceedings at any such hearing to be reported to the division department and to be made part of the record in the case. Any evidence so taken shall be subject to rebuttal upon final hearing before the division department.

AB56,1139 Section 1139. 102.17 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,702,2 102.17 (1) (b) In any dispute or controversy pending before the division department, the division department may direct the parties to appear before an examiner for a conference to consider the clarification of issues, the joining of additional parties, the necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings, the obtaining of admissions of fact or of documents, records, reports, and bills that may avoid unnecessary proof, and such other matters as may aid in disposition of the dispute or controversy. After that conference the division department may issue an order requiring disclosure or exchange of any information or written material that the division department considers material to the timely and orderly disposition of the dispute or controversy. If a party fails to disclose or exchange that information within the time stated in the order, the division department may issue an order dismissing the claim without prejudice or excluding evidence or testimony relating to the information or written material. The division department shall provide each party with a copy of any order issued under this paragraph.

AB56,1140 Section 1140. 102.17 (1) (c) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,702,17 102.17 (1) (c) 1. Any party shall have the right to be present at any hearing, in person or by attorney or any other agent, and to present such testimony as may be pertinent to the controversy before the division department. No person, firm, or corporation, other than an attorney at law who is licensed to practice law in the state, may appear on behalf of any party in interest before the division department or any member or employee of the division department assigned to conduct any hearing, investigation, or inquiry relative to a claim for compensation or benefits under this chapter, unless the person is 18 years of age or older, does not have an arrest or conviction record, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, is otherwise qualified, and has obtained from the department a license with authorization to appear in matters or proceedings before the division department. Except as provided under pars. (cm), (cr), and (ct), the license shall be issued by the department under rules promulgated by the department. The department shall maintain in its office a current list of persons to whom licenses have been issued.

AB56,1141 Section 1141. 102.17 (1) (d) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,703,13 102.17 (1) (d) 1. The contents of certified medical and surgical reports by physicians, podiatrists, surgeons, dentists, psychologists, physician assistants, advanced practice nurse prescribers, and chiropractors licensed in and practicing in this state, and of certified reports by experts concerning loss of earning capacity under s. 102.44 (2) and (3), presented by a party for compensation constitute prima facie evidence as to the matter contained in those reports, subject to any rules and limitations the division department prescribes. Certified reports of physicians, podiatrists, surgeons, dentists, psychologists, physician assistants, advanced practice nurse prescribers, and chiropractors, wherever licensed and practicing, who have examined or treated the claimant, and of experts, if the practitioner or expert consents to being subjected to cross-examination, also constitute prima facie evidence as to the matter contained in those reports. Certified reports of physicians, podiatrists, surgeons, psychologists, and chiropractors are admissible as evidence of the diagnosis, necessity of the treatment, and cause and extent of the disability. Certified reports by doctors of dentistry, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurse prescribers are admissible as evidence of the diagnosis and necessity of treatment but not of the cause and extent of disability. Any physician, podiatrist, surgeon, dentist, psychologist, chiropractor, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse prescriber, or expert who knowingly makes a false statement of fact or opinion in a certified report may be fined or imprisoned, or both, under s. 943.395.

AB56,1142 Section 1142. 102.17 (1) (d) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,703,22 102.17 (1) (d) 2. The record of a hospital or sanatorium in this state that is satisfactory to the division department, established by certificate, affidavit, or testimony of the supervising officer of the hospital or sanatorium, any other person having charge of the record, or a physician, podiatrist, surgeon, dentist, psychologist, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse prescriber, or chiropractor to be the record of the patient in question, and made in the regular course of examination or treatment of the patient, constitutes prima facie evidence as to the matter contained in the record, to the extent that the record is otherwise competent and relevant.

AB56,1143 Section 1143. 102.17 (1) (d) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,704,6 102.17 (1) (d) 3. The division department may, by rule, establish the qualifications of and the form used for certified reports submitted by experts who provide information concerning loss of earning capacity under s. 102.44 (2) and (3). The division department may not admit into evidence a certified report of a practitioner or other expert or a record of a hospital or sanatorium that was not filed with the division department and all parties in interest at least 15 days before the date of the hearing, unless the division department is satisfied that there is good cause for the failure to file the report.

AB56,1144 Section 1144. 102.17 (1) (d) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,704,10 102.17 (1) (d) 4. A report or record described in subd. 1., 2., or 3. that is admitted or received into evidence by the division department constitutes substantial evidence under s. 102.23 (6) as to the matter contained in the report or record.

AB56,1145 Section 1145. 102.17 (1) (e) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,704,20 102.17 (1) (e) The division department may, with or without notice to any party, cause testimony to be taken, an inspection of the premises where the injury occurred to be made, or the time books and payrolls of the employer to be examined by any examiner, and may direct any employee claiming compensation to be examined by a physician, chiropractor, psychologist, dentist, or podiatrist. The testimony so taken, and the results of any such inspection or examination, shall be reported to the division department for its consideration upon final hearing. All ex parte testimony taken by the division department shall be reduced to writing, and any party shall have opportunity to rebut that testimony on final hearing.

AB56,1146 Section 1146. 102.17 (1) (f) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,704,22 102.17 (1) (f) 1. Beyond reach of the subpoena of the division department.

AB56,1147 Section 1147. 102.17 (1) (g) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,705,11 102.17 (1) (g) Whenever the testimony presented at any hearing indicates a dispute or creates a doubt as to the extent or cause of disability or death, the division department may direct that the injured employee be examined, that an autopsy be performed, or that an opinion be obtained without examination or autopsy, by or from an impartial, competent physician, chiropractor, dentist, psychologist or podiatrist designated by the division department who is not under contract with or regularly employed by a compensation insurance carrier or self-insured employer. The expense of the examination, autopsy, or opinion shall be paid by the employer or, if the employee claims compensation under s. 102.81, from the uninsured employers fund. The report of the examination, autopsy, or opinion shall be transmitted in writing to the division department and a copy of the report shall be furnished by the division department to each party, who shall have an opportunity to rebut the report on further hearing.

AB56,1148 Section 1148. 102.17 (1) (h) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,705,20 102.17 (1) (h) The contents of certified reports of investigation made by industrial safety specialists who are employed, contracted, or otherwise secured by the department or the division and who are available for cross-examination, if served upon the parties 15 days prior to hearing, shall constitute prima facie evidence as to matter contained in those reports. A report described in this paragraph that is admitted or received into evidence by the division department constitutes substantial evidence under s. 102.23 (6) as to the matter contained in the report.

AB56,1149 Section 1149. 102.17 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,706,5 102.17 (2) If the division department has reason to believe that the payment of compensation has not been made, the division department may on its own motion give notice to the parties, in the manner provided for the service of an application, of a time and place when a hearing will be held for the purpose of determining the facts. The notice shall contain a statement of the matter to be considered. All provisions of this chapter governing proceedings on an application shall apply, insofar as applicable, to a proceeding under this subsection. When the division department schedules a hearing on its own motion, the division department does not become a party in interest and is not required to appear at the hearing.

AB56,1150 Section 1150. 102.17 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,706,12 102.17 (2m) The division or any Any party, including the department, may require any person to produce books, papers, and records at the hearing by personal service of a subpoena upon the person along with a tender of witness fees as provided in ss. 814.67 and 885.06. Except as provided in sub. (2s), the subpoena shall be on a form provided by the division department and shall give the name and address of the party requesting the subpoena.

AB56,1151 Section 1151. 102.17 (2s) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,706,19 102.17 (2s) A party's attorney of record may issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of a witness or the production of evidence. A subpoena issued by an attorney must be in substantially the same form as provided in s. 805.07 (4) and must be served in the manner provided in s. 805.07 (5). The attorney shall, at the time of issuance, send a copy of the subpoena to the hearing examiner or other representative of the division department responsible for conducting the proceeding.

AB56,1152 Section 1152. 102.17 (7) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,707,7 102.17 (7) (b) Except as provided in par. (c), the division department shall exclude from evidence testimony or certified reports from expert witnesses under par. (a) offered by the party that raises the issue of loss of earning capacity if that party failed to notify the division department and the other parties of interest, at least 60 days before the date of the hearing, of the party's intent to provide the testimony or reports and of the names of the expert witnesses involved. Except as provided in par. (c), the division department shall exclude from evidence testimony or certified reports from expert witnesses under par. (a) offered by a party of interest in response to the party that raises the issue of loss of earning capacity if the responding party failed to notify the division department and the other parties of interest, at least 45 days before the date of the hearing, of the party's intent to provide the testimony or reports and of the names of the expert witnesses involved.

AB56,1153 Section 1153. 102.17 (7) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,707,13 102.17 (7) (c) Notwithstanding the notice deadlines provided in par. (b), the division department may receive in evidence testimony or certified reports from expert witnesses under par. (a) when the applicable notice deadline under par. (b) is not met if good cause is shown for the delay in providing the notice required under par. (b) and if no party is prejudiced by the delay.

AB56,1154 Section 1154. 102.17 (8) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,708,3 102.17 (8) Unless otherwise agreed to by all parties, an injured employee shall file with the division department and serve on all parties at least 15 days before the date of the hearing an itemized statement of all medical expenses and incidental compensation under s. 102.42 claimed by the injured employee. The itemized statement shall include, if applicable, information relating to any travel expenses incurred by the injured employee in obtaining treatment including the injured employee's destination, number of trips, round trip mileage, and meal and lodging expenses. The division department may not admit into evidence any information relating to medical expenses and incidental compensation under s. 102.42 claimed by an injured employee if the injured employee failed to file with the division department and serve on all parties at least 15 days before the date of the hearing an itemized statement of the medical expenses and incidental compensation under s. 102.42 claimed by the injured employee, unless the division department is satisfied that there is good cause for the failure to file and serve the itemized statement.

AB56,1155 Section 1155. 102.175 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,708,12 102.175 (2) If after a hearing or a prehearing conference the division department determines that an injured employee is entitled to compensation but that there remains in dispute only the issue of which of 2 or more parties is liable for that compensation, the division department may order one or more parties to pay compensation in an amount, time, and manner as determined by the division department. If the division department later determines that another party is liable for compensation, the division department shall order that other party to reimburse any party that was ordered to pay compensation under this subsection.

AB56,1156 Section 1156. 102.175 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,708,18 102.175 (3) (c) Upon request of the department, the division, the employer, or the employer's worker's compensation insurer, an injured employee who claims compensation for an injury causing permanent disability shall disclose all previous findings of permanent disability or other impairments that are relevant to that injury.

AB56,1157 Section 1157. 102.18 (1) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,709,2 102.18 (1) (b) 1. Within 90 days after the final hearing and close of the record, the division department shall make and file its findings upon the ultimate facts involved in the controversy, and its order, which shall state the division's department's determination as to the rights of the parties. Pending the final determination of any controversy before it, the division department, after any hearing, may, in its discretion, make interlocutory findings, orders, and awards, which may be enforced in the same manner as final awards.

AB56,1158 Section 1158. 102.18 (1) (b) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,709,9 102.18 (1) (b) 2. The division department may include in any interlocutory or final award or order an order directing the employer or insurer to pay for any future treatment that may be necessary to cure and relieve the employee from the effects of the injury or to pay for a future course of instruction or other rehabilitation training services provided under a rehabilitation training program developed under s. 102.61 (1) or (1m).

AB56,1159 Section 1159. 102.18 (1) (b) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,709,15 102.18 (1) (b) 3. If the division department finds that the employer or insurer has not paid any amount that the employer or insurer was directed to pay in any interlocutory order or award and that the nonpayment was not in good faith, the division department may include in its final award a penalty not exceeding 25 percent of each amount that was not paid as directed.

AB56,1160 Section 1160. 102.18 (1) (bg) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,709,25 102.18 (1) (bg) 1. If the division department finds under par. (b) that an insurer or self-insured employer is liable under this chapter for any health services provided to an injured employee by a health service provider, but that the reasonableness of the fee charged by the health service provider is in dispute, the division department may include in its order under par. (b) a determination made by the department under s. 102.16 (2) as to the reasonableness of the fee or, if such a determination has not yet been made, the division department may notify, or direct the insurer or self-insured employer to notify, the health service provider under s. 102.16 (2) (b) that the reasonableness of the fee is in dispute.

AB56,1161 Section 1161. 102.18 (1) (bg) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,710,10 102.18 (1) (bg) 2. If the division department finds under par. (b) that an employer or insurance carrier is liable under this chapter for any treatment provided to an injured employee by a health service provider, but that the necessity of the treatment is in dispute, the division department may include in its order under par. (b) a determination made by the department under s. 102.16 (2m) as to the necessity of the treatment or, if such a determination has not yet been made, the division department may notify, or direct the employer or insurance carrier to notify, the health service provider under s. 102.16 (2m) (b) that the necessity of the treatment is in dispute.

AB56,1162 Section 1162. 102.18 (1) (bg) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,710,22 102.18 (1) (bg) 3. If the division department finds under par. (b) that an insurer or self-insured employer is liable under this chapter for the cost of a prescription drug dispensed under s. 102.425 (2) for outpatient use by an injured employee, but that the reasonableness of the amount charged for that prescription drug is in dispute, the division department may include in its order under par. (b) a determination made by the department under s. 102.425 (4m) as to the reasonableness of the prescription drug charge or, if such a determination has not yet been made, the division department may notify, or direct the insurer or self-insured employer to notify, the pharmacist or practitioner dispensing the prescription drug under s. 102.425 (4m) (b) that the reasonableness of the prescription drug charge is in dispute.

AB56,1163 Section 1163. 102.18 (1) (bp) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,711,14 102.18 (1) (bp) If the division department determines that the employer or insurance carrier suspended, terminated, or failed to make payments or failed to report an injury as a result of malice or bad faith, the division department may include a penalty in an award to an employee for each event or occurrence of malice or bad faith. That penalty is the exclusive remedy against an employer or insurance carrier for malice or bad faith. If the penalty is imposed for an event or occurrence of malice or bad faith that causes a payment that is due an injured employee to be delayed in violation of s. 102.22 (1) or overdue in violation of s. 628.46 (1), the division department may not also order an increased payment under s. 102.22 (1) or the payment of interest under s. 628.46 (1). The division department may award an amount that the division department considers just, not to exceed the lesser of 200 percent of total compensation due or $30,000 for each event or occurrence of malice or bad faith. The division department may assess the penalty against the employer, the insurance carrier, or both. Neither the employer nor the insurance carrier is liable to reimburse the other for the penalty amount. The division department may, by rule, define actions that demonstrate malice or bad faith.

AB56,1164 Section 1164. 102.18 (1) (bw) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,711,22 102.18 (1) (bw) If an insurer, a self-insured employer, or, if applicable, the uninsured employers fund pays compensation to an employee in excess of its liability and another insurer or self-insured employer is liable for all or part of the excess payment, the department or the division may order the insurer or self-insured employer that is liable for that excess payment to reimburse the insurer or self-insured employer that made the excess payment or, if applicable, the uninsured employers fund.

AB56,1165 Section 1165. 102.18 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,712,5 102.18 (1) (c) If 2 or more examiners have conducted a formal hearing on a claim and are unable to agree on the order or award to be issued, the decision shall be the decision of the majority. If the examiners are equally divided on the decision, the division department may appoint an additional examiner who shall review the record and consult with the other examiners concerning their impressions of the credibility of the evidence. Findings of fact and an order or award may then be issued by a majority of the examiners.

AB56,1166 Section 1166. 102.18 (1) (e) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,712,13 102.18 (1) (e) Except as provided in s. 102.21, if the department or the division orders a party to pay an award of compensation, the party shall pay the award no later than 21 days after the date on which the order is mailed to the last-known address of the party, unless the party files a petition for review under sub. (3). This paragraph applies to all awards of compensation ordered by the department or the division, whether the award results from a hearing, the default of a party, or a compromise or stipulation confirmed by the department or the division.

AB56,1167 Section 1167. 102.18 (2) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

AB56,712,20 102.18 (2) The department shall have and maintain on its staff such examiners as are necessary to hear and decide claims and to assist in the effective administration of this chapter. Those examiners shall be attorneys and may be designated as administrative law judges. Those examiners may make findings and orders and may approve, review, set aside, modify, or confirm stipulations of settlement or compromises of claims for compensation.

AB56,1168 Section 1168. 102.18 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,713,13 102.18 (3) A party in interest may petition the commission for review of an examiner's decision awarding or denying compensation if the department, the division, or the commission receives the petition within 21 days after the department or the division mailed a copy of the examiner's findings and order to the last-known addresses of the parties in interest. The commission shall dismiss a petition that is not filed within those 21 days unless the petitioner shows that the petition was filed late for a reason that was beyond the petitioner's control. If no petition is filed within those 21 days, the findings or order shall be considered final unless set aside, reversed, or modified by the examiner within that time. If the findings or order are set aside by the examiner, the status shall be the same as prior to the setting aside of the findings or order that were set aside. If the findings or order are reversed or modified by the examiner, the time for filing a petition commences on the date on which notice of the reversal or modification is mailed to the last-known addresses of the parties in interest. The commission shall either affirm, reverse, set aside, or modify the findings or order, in whole or in part, or direct the taking of additional evidence. The commission's action shall be based on a review of the evidence submitted.

AB56,1169 Section 1169. 102.18 (4) (c) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,713,16 102.18 (4) (c) 3. Remand the case to the department or the division for further proceedings.

AB56,1170 Section 1170. 102.18 (4) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,713,24 102.18 (4) (d) While a petition for review by the commission is pending or after entry of an order or award by the commission but before commencement of an action for judicial review or expiration of the period in which to commence an action for judicial review, the commission shall remand any compromise presented to it to the department or the division for consideration and approval or rejection under s. 102.16 (1). Presentation of a compromise does not affect the period in which to commence an action for judicial review.

AB56,1171 Section 1171. 102.18 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB56,714,10 102.18 (5) If it appears to the division department that a mistake may have been made as to cause of injury in the findings, order, or award upon an alleged injury based on accident, when in fact the employee was suffering from an occupational disease, within 3 years after the date of the findings, order, or award the division department may, upon its own motion, with or without hearing, set aside the findings, order or award, or the division department may take that action upon application made within those 3 years. After an opportunity for hearing, the division department may, if in fact the employee is suffering from disease arising out of the employment, make new findings, and a new order or award, or the division department may reinstate the previous findings, order, or award.