CO SB191

Medical treatment guidelines may be considered by the director or administrative law judge in determining whether medical treatment is reasonable and necessary, but are not the sole basis for such determinations.

Represented claimants may submit settlement documents electronically and with notarized signatures; the division must electronically mail approval orders to counsel of record or insurers.

Hearing timeline requirements changed from 100 days to 120 days, with one allowable extension of up to 60 days upon party agreement.

Lump sum compensation limits increased from $60,000 to $80,868.10 for injured workers or sole dependents, and to $161,734.15 for multiple dependents of deceased workers, with annual adjustments starting July 1, 2014.

Employers or insurers must reimburse claimants at $75 per day for uncompensated wage losses when attending examinations and must designate a new authorized physician within 15 calendar days if the current physician refuses treatment for nonmedical reasons.