Senate Bill 13-249 Summary

• The Division has 5 business days upon receipt of an independent medical examiner (IME) report to either issue a notice to all parties or notify the IME of any deficiencies.

• If deficiencies are identified, the IME has 20 days to remedy them and resubmit the report; if the IME fails to respond timely, the Division issues a receipt notice and proceedings continue.

• Insurers or self-insured employers must file an admission of liability or request a hearing within 20 days after the Division's notice of receipt of the IME's report (reduced from 30 days).

• Claimants must include language in final admissions of liability stating the case will be automatically closed if the claimant does not contest the admission within 30 days and must reference the option to request an independent medical examination.

• The act takes effect August 7, 2013, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case it takes effect only if approved by voters at the November 2014 general election.