Free 2006 Annual Report Section 1 - Kansas


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Preview 2006 Annual Report Section 1
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Division of Workers Compensation 32ndAnnual Statistical Report Fiscal Year 2006
January 2007

Kathleen Sebelius, Governor Jim Garner, Secretary of Labor Paula S. Greathouse, Director of Workers Compensation

For More Information Contact: KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Division of Workers Compensation Technology and Statistics Unit

Robert Soria 800 SW Jackson Street, Suite 600 Topeka, KS 66612-1227 (785) 296-4120 ext. 242 [email protected]

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Important Changes to the FY 2006 32nd Annual Statistical Report
Please note the following changes: 1) The Fraud and Abuse statistics and narrative formerly located in Section 4 are now located in Section 1 on pages 25-27. 2) The Judicial unit has been renamed the Administrative Law Judges unit and contains greatly expanded statistics and narrative which can be found on pages 18-22. -The Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
Since beginning my service with the Kansas Department of Labor, I have been pleased to be responsible for many different projects and activities ensuring the Department of Labor fulfills its mission to enhance the economic well-being of all Kansans through responsive workforce services. This report contains information on the Workers Compensation Division's operations by section for the past fiscal year. It contains tables of data on the incidence of workplace injuries and illnesses, insurance industry premiums and losses for Kansas, fraud and abuse activity, and revenue and operating expenditures for the Kansas Workers Compensation Fund. The annual report also contains the results of a major statistical study on Kansas workers compensation claims that included cost data for calendar year 2005. In Fiscal Year 2006, the division processed 16,185 applications for hearings and more than 6,500 employer elections. The business section issued 213 self-insurance permits to employers, including nine to new applicants. The compliance section established more than 4,400 employer contacts. This year, the fraud and abuse unit collected $231,433.83 in restitution and civil penalties. In addition, the ombudsman section answered information requests from 28,332 parties during the fiscal year. The research section responded to more than 47,000 requests for workers compensation histories. The technology and statistics section, along with the KDOL information technology division, continued to maintain and modify the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), a system allowing electronic reporting of initial injuries and follow-up reports by insurers. EDI has been well received by Kansas employers and insurers, exceeding our own expectations, with more than 40 trading partners submitting data on behalf of more than 200 insurance carriers and self-insured employers. In FY 2006, about one-third of all original reports of accidents were filed electronically. The division's coverage and compliance unit, the technology and statistics unit and Department of Labor's information technology division worked with the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) to implement three new innovations in proof of coverage reporting and information access. First, at the end of FY2005 the division launched a new web-based coverage verification service which allows external users access to coverage information through the Kansas Department of Labor web site. This site averaged 1,246 searches per month for FY 2006. Second, in April 2005, the division implemented a new digital data exchange or proof of coverage regulatory reports between the division and insurers. Finally, the division and KDOL information technology worked with all internal stakeholders to create a proof of coverage data warehouse that makes digitally submitted reports available to other units. The division hosted two successful seminars on workers compensation topics during 2006. I thank all of the employees of the Division of Workers Compensation for the hard work and dedication to public service they exhibit on a daily basis. The Kansas Department of Labor remains committed to enhancing the efficient delivery of services to the people and businesses of Kansas. Sincerely,

Jim Garner, Secretary of Labor

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

INTRODUCTION
The Kansas Legislature enacted the State's first law governing workers compensation, as a nofault system, more than nine decades ago in 1911. Although many significant changes to its provisions have been made since then, the basic premise and purpose of that law have remained much the same. The premise is that those injured in industrial accidents should be compensated regardless of who is at fault. The purpose is to provide protection to the injured employee through employer safety efforts, medical treatment and partial compensation for lost income. 1 Until 1939, the responsibility for administering the workers compensation law resided with a "workmen's compensation commissioner" whose authority extended from a series of public commissions to whom the position reported, including the Public Safety Commission in the 1920s and the Commission of Labor and Industry in the 1930s. In 1939, the Kansas Legislature created and transferred jurisdiction over workers compensation to a stand-alone agency named the Office of the Workmen's Compensation Commissioner. In 1961, the legislature reorganized the office again, into the Office of the Director of Workers Compensation. This office subsequently became a division under the Department of Labor. Today's Division of Workers Compensation, while having grown and undergone considerable organizational changes, is essentially the same agency created in 1939. The current workers compensation law covers all employers in Kansas, regardless of the number of employees or the kind of work they do, with two exceptions: employers engaged in agricultural pursuits and any employer who during a given calendar year has an estimated payroll less than $20,000 for that year, unless the employer is a subcontractor. The State of Kansas pays no workers compensation benefits to injured workers unless they are state employees. Private employers pay all benefits owed to their injured workers, either directly from the employer's own resources or indirectly through another party. While most covered employers obtain insurance from private carriers or group pools, provisions in the law establish criteria for certain employers to become self-insured. Potentially eligible employers must apply for approval from the Director of Workers Compensation. Criteria include continuous operation for at least five years, a minimum level of after-tax earnings and a minimum debt/equity ratio. The Kansas Insurance Department approves the formation of group-funded self-insurance pools and determines whether employers qualify for membership in a pool.

1

Madison v. Key Work Clothes, 182 Kan. 186, 192, 318 P. 2d 991 (1957).

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

BENEFITS INFORMATION
COMPENSATION Kansas' workers compensation law requires that an employer or its insurance carrier pay an injured employee two-thirds of the employee's gross average weekly wage, up to the amount of the applicable maximum benefits listed below. To find the appropriate maximum, look for the range of dates that contain the date of injury and then go to the right to find the maximum dollar amount of the benefit. For example, if the date of injury was August 21, 2006, the maximum weekly benefit one could receive would be $483. The actual amount a worker receives is the lesser of two amounts: either two-thirds of one's gross average weekly wage or the maximum in effect at the date of the injury. This effective maximum does not change over the life of one's claim, even though the maximum benefit level for each new 12-month interval usually increases by a small amount.
Maximum Compensation Schedule Date of Injury July 1, 1996-June 30, 1997 July 1, 1997-June 30, 1998 July 1, 1998-June 30, 1999 July 1, 1999-June 30, 2000 July 1, 2000-June 30, 2001 July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002 July 1, 2002-June 30, 2003 July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004 July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005 July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006 July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007 Current Weekly Minimum: Maximum Benefit $338 $351 $366 $383 $401 $417 $432 $440 $449 $467 $483 $25

MEDICAL A person injured on the job is entitled to all medical treatment that may be needed to cure or relieve the effects of the injury. Under the law, the employer has the right to choose the treating physician. If the worker seeks treatment from a doctor not authorized or agreed upon by the employer, the insurance company is only liable for a maximum of $500 toward such medical bills. The employee does have the right to apply to the Director of Workers Compensation for a change of doctor. An injured worker is generally entitled to mileage reimbursement for trips to see a physician for distances in excess of five miles for the round trip. The injured worker generally also can obtain reimbursement if transportation must be hired. Weekly compensation is payable at the above applicable rate for the duration of the disability. In no case can such payments exceed a total of $125,000 for permanent total or $100,000 for permanent partial or temporary disability.

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

BENEFITS INFORMATION
CATEGORIES OF DISABILITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS Temporary Total Disability is paid when the employee, due to an injury, is unable to engage in any type of substantial and gainful employment. Benefits are paid for the duration of the disability. Permanent Total Disability is paid when the employee, due to an injury, has been rendered completely and permanently incapable of engaging in any type of substantial and gainful employment. The loss of both eyes, both hands, both arms, both feet or both legs, and any combination thereof, in the absence of proof to the contrary, shall also constitute a permanent total disability. Substantially total paralysis, or incurable imbecility or insanity, resulting from injury independent of all other causes, shall also constitute permanent total disability. Permanent Partial Scheduled Disability is paid when the employee sustains complete or partial loss of use of a body part, such as an arm, due to a job-related injury. Compensation is limited to a percentage of the scheduled number of weeks. Permanent Partial General Disability is paid when the employee sustains permanent partial disability not specifically covered by the schedule. Compensation is based on the percentage of disability remaining after recovery and is limited to 415 weeks. Survivors' Benefits of $250,000 are paid to an employee's surviving spouse and dependent children if death occurs as a result of injury. If there is no surviving spouse or dependents, the legal heirs are entitled to $25,000. Burial expenses up to $5,000 also are covered.

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This 32nd Annual Statistical Report would not have been possible without the dedication and resourcefulness of the following people and organizations:

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Jim Garner, Secretary John Polzar, Assistant Secretary Division of Workers Compensation Paula S. Greathouse, Director Rick Bassett, Comptroller and Administrator, Operations Section John Yeary, Administrator, Legal Section Richard Thomas, Administrator, Public Resources Section Technology and Statistics Unit David Sprick, Research Analyst and contributing author Robert Soria, Research Analyst Robert O'Loughlin, Research Analyst and contributing author Andrew Bell, Research Analyst and data administrator of the Closed Claims Study Ronnie Ching, Research Analyst Alan Stanton, Research Analyst and contributing author Georgia Rogers, Program Consultant Fraud and Abuse Unit Kelly McPherron, Assistant Attorney General Cover designed by: Connie Hammond, KDOL Division of Marketing and Communications Editing and Marketing: Sue Henke, KDOL Division of Marketing and Communications Beth Martino, Director, KDOL Division of Marketing and Communications

KANSAS INSURANCE DEPARTMENT Insurance Experience and Workers Compensation Fund Tables furnished by: Sabrina Wells, Comptroller Dick Cook

WASHBURN UNIVERSITY Statistical Consultation: Dr. Ron Wasserstein, Professor of Statistics

Special thanks are due to the carriers, group pools and self-insured entities that were asked to participate in the call for data that allowed the division to include an analysis of closed claims in Kansas in Section 3. 7

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION ONE: Administrative Profile of the Division of Workers Compensation ......................... 11 Organizational Chart FY 2006....................................................................................................... 12 Business, Accounting and Self-Insured ......................................................................................... 13 Coverage and Compliance and Data Entry .................................................................................... 14 Verification .................................................................................................................................... 15 Technology and Statistics .............................................................................................................. 16 Workers Compensation Appeals Board......................................................................................... 17 Administrative Law Judges............................................................................................................ 18 Mediation ....................................................................................................................................... 23 Medical Services............................................................................................................................ 24 Fraud and Abuse ............................................................................................................................ 25 Ombudsman ................................................................................................................................... 28 Seminars Planning ......................................................................................................................... 30 Applications ................................................................................................................................... 31 Research......................................................................................................................................... 32 Rehabilitation................................................................................................................................. 34 SECTION TWO: Workplace Injury and Illnesses in Kansas FY2006 ................................................ 35 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in Kansas ............................................................................... 36 Kansas Occupational Injury and Illness Incidence Rates .............................................................. 37 Kansas Industrial Super Sector Incidence Rates: Calendar Years 2003-2005............................... 44 SECTION THREE: Workers Compensation Claims Statistics.......................................................... 112 The Kansas Workers Compensation Fund................................................................................... 113 Workers Compensation Insurance Experience ............................................................................ 115 The Kansas Closed Claims Study (CCS)..................................................................................... 116 The 2006 Closed Claims Study (CCS) ........................................................................................ 116 Comparative Analysis of 1999-2005 CCS Claims Costs and Temporal Characteristics............. 173 Total Claim Costs for CCS 1999-2006 ........................................................................................ 178 Inflation-Adjusted Comparative Analysis of Claims Costs for Calendar Years 1998-2004 ....... 178 Kansas Employer Workers Compensation Costs 1998-2004 ...................................................... 186 APPENDIX A: Technical Notes............................................................................................................. 191 Occupational Injury and Illness Incidence Rates ......................................................................... 192 BLS Survey of Occupational Injury and Illnesses ....................................................................... 192 Incidence Rate Formula ............................................................................................................... 192 Kansas Occupational Injury and Illness Incidence Rates ............................................................ 192 Kansas Closed Claims Study (CCS) Methodology...................................................................... 193 CCS Sample Design..................................................................................................................... 193 CCS Data Collection.................................................................................................................... 193 CCS Response Rate ..................................................................................................................... 194 CCS Adjusting for Inflation......................................................................................................... 194

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

LISTS OF TABLES and FIGURES
TABLES
SECTION ONE 1-1 Assessments Collected To Finance FY 2007 .................................................................................. 13 1-2 Self-Insurance Summary ................................................................................................................. 13 1-3 Hearings Held FY 2006 ................................................................................................................... 18 1-4 Administrative Law Judges Monthly Case Report by Hearing Type FY 2006 ............................... 19 1-5 Administrative Law Judges Monthly Case Report by Hearing Location FY 2006 ......................... 20 1-6 Administrative Law Judges Case Report FY 2006.......................................................................... 21 1-7 Administrative Law Judge Preliminary Order Activity FY 2006.................................................... 22 1-8 Mediation FY 2006.......................................................................................................................... 23 1-9 Number of Fraud, Abuse and Compliance Cases Reported ............................................................ 26 1-10 Number of Cases ............................................................................................................................. 27 1-11 Fraud, Abuse and Compliance Collections...................................................................................... 27 1-12 FY 2003 ­ FY 2006 Ombudsman Contacts..................................................................................... 28 1-13 FY 2006 Presentations..................................................................................................................... 29 1-14 Application Unit Activity FY 2004 ­ FY 2006 ............................................................................... 31 1-15 FY 2006 Requests for Information from the Research Unit............................................................ 33 SECTION TWO 2-1 Kansas Total Occupational Injuries and Illnesses by Severity FY 1995 - FY 2006........................ 37 2-2 Kansas Occupational Injury & Illness Incidence Rate FY 1995 - FY 2006 .................................... 40 2-3 Kansas Occupational Injury & Illness Incidence Rate 1994 - 2005 ................................................ 41 2-4 BLS Survey of Kansas Private Sector Occupational Injury & Illness Incidence Rate 1995 - 2005 ....... 44 2-5 Kansas Non-Fatal Occupational Injury & Illness Rate by NAICS Super Sector 2003-2005 .......... 46 2-6 National Non-Fatal Occupational Injury & Illness Rate by NAICS Super Sector 2003-2005........ 47 2-7 Counties Reporting Greatest Number of Total Injuries & Illnesses FY 2006 ................................. 48 2-8 Most Frequent Source of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006......................... 49 2-9 Most Frequent Causes of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006 .............................. 50 2-10 Most Frequent Nature of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006 ......................... 51 2-11 Most Frequent Body Member Reported in Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006 ........................................................................................................................ 52 2-12 Most Frequent SIC Code Reported in Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006 ..... 53 2-13 Most Frequent NAICS Code Reported in Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006 ........................................................................................................................ 53 2-14 Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Age FY 2006 ........................................................................ 54 2-15 Location (County) of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006............................... 55 2-16 Reported Source of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006.................................. 58 2-17 Reported Cause of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006 ................................... 61 2-18 Reported Nature of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006.................................. 64 2-19 Body Member Reported in Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006...................... 67 2-20 SIC Code Reported in Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006 ............................. 69 2-21 NAICS Code Reported in Occupational Injuries & Illnesses by Severity FY 2006........................ 88 SECTION THREE 3-1 Workers Compensation Fund Case Load Scheduled..................................................................... 113 3-2 Workers Compensation Fund Expenditures Analysis ................................................................... 114 3-3 Workers Compensation Fund Receipts Analysis........................................................................... 114 3-4 Workers Compensation Insurance Experience .............................................................................. 115

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

LISTS OF TABLES and FIGURES
TABLES Continued
SECTION THREE 3-5 2006 Closed Claims Study Workers Compensation Claims in Kansas......................................... 117 3-6 2006 Closed Claims Study Time Intervals .................................................................................... 118 3-7 2006 Closed Claims Study Involvement of Claimant Attorney .................................................... 118 3-8 2006 Closed Claims Study Legal Expense Associated with Claim............................................... 119 3-9 2006 Closed Claims Study Claim Costs by Part of Body Injured and Nature and Cause of Injury .................................................................................................... 120 3-10 2006 Closed Claims Study Claim Costs by Part of Body Injured ................................................ 121 3-11 2006 Closed Claims Study Claim Costs by Cause of Injury ......................................................... 137 3-12 2006 Closed Claims Study Claim Costs by Nature of Injury ........................................................ 158 3-13 2006 Closed Claims Study Indemnity Costs by Benefit Type ...................................................... 169 3-14 2006 Closed Claims Study Workers Compensation Claims in Kansas......................................... 170 3-15 2006 Closed Claims Study Claim Costs for Repetitive MotionCarpal Tunnel Syndrome Injuries .................................................................................................. 173 3-16 2006 Closed Claims Study: Workers Compensation Claims in Kansas....................................... 175 3-17 2006 Closed Claims Study Total Claims Costs for Calendar Years 1998-2005 ........................... 178 3-18 2006 Closed Claims Study: Costs for Claims 1998-2004 ............................................................ 180 3-19 2006 Closed Claims Study Medical Costs for Claims 1998-2004 ................................................ 182 3-20 2006 Closed Claims Study Legal Costs for Claims 1998-2004 .................................................... 183 3-21 2006 Closed Claims Study Total Costs for Claims 1998-2004 ..................................................... 184 3-22 2006 Closed Claims Study Temporal Characteristics of Claims 1998-2004 ................................ 185 3-23 Kansas Workers Total Wages 1984-2004 ..................................................................................... 187 3-24 Kansas Employer Workers Compensation Premiums 1984-2004................................................. 188 3-25 Employer Workers Compensation Costs Kansas 1984-2004 ........................................................ 189 3-26 Employer Workers Compensation Costs United States 1991-2004 .............................................. 190

FIGURES
SECTION ONE 1-1 Organizational Chart Kansas Department of Labor Division of Workers Compensation FY2006 ............................................................................................................................................ 12 SECTION TWO 2-1 Kansas Rate of Occupational Injury and Illness FY1995-FY2006 ................................................. 31 2-1 Kansas Rate of Occupational Injury and Illness 1994-2005............................................................ 42 SECTION THREE 3-1 Average (Median) Total Indemnity & Total Medical Claim Costs in Kansas 1998-2004 (Non Inflation-Adjusted)................................................................................................................ 177 3-2 Average (Median) Temporal Characteristics of Closed Claims in Kansas 1998-2004 ................. 177 3-3 Average (Median) Total Indemnity & Total Medical Claim Costs in Kansas 1998-2004 (Inflation-Adjusted) ....................................................................................................................... 181

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Section 1
Administrative Profile of the Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Figure 1-1 Organizational Chart Kansas Department of Labor Division of Workers Compensation FY 2006

Secretary of Labor

Director of Workers Compensation

Legal Section

Public Resource Section

Operations Section

Medical Services Unit

Ombudsman & Rehabilitation Unit

Technology & Statistics Unit

Mediation Unit

Applications Unit

Data Entry Unit

Fraud & Abuse Unit

Seminars Planning Unit

Verification Unit

Judicial Unit

Research/Data Collection Unit

Business, Accounting & Self-Insured Unit

Workers Compensation Board

Coverage & Compliance Unit

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

OPERATIONS SECTION Business, Accounting and Self-Insured
The workers compensation business and accounting/self-insured unit is responsible for administering the State Self-Insurance program and for granting the privilege to insure to employers that meet the standard under an extensive company and financial review. Selfinsurance is one of the three methods that an employer may use to insure his or her workers' compensation liability. Only those companies that demonstrate adequate financial stability are approved to independently assume the responsibilities of workers compensation law. The staffing in the self-insured unit was increased in order to provide a more extensive review of each self-insured employer and, in the future, will include on-site visits as well as a more extensive review of open accidents. There are currently 213 employers in Kansas that are approved for self-insurance, pursuant to K.S.A. 44-532 and K.A.R. 51-14-4. The unit's responsibility also entails the assessment of fees used to pay for the expenses necessary to administer the workers compensation law. The business and accounting/self-insured unit also manages all assessment accounting, mathematical calculations, data accumulation and storage, voucher preparation, fee fund deposits and registration for the division's Workers Compensation Seminar. Other important unit functions include ordering and accounting for equipment and supplies for the Division of Workers Compensation. The unit also sells the Workers Compensation Law Book and the Medical Fee Schedule. In addition, the unit prepares the annual division fiscal year budget.

Table 1-1 Assessments Collected To Finance FY 2007
Description Reported losses paid in calendar year 2005 Current assessment factor Assessments collected during fiscal year 2006 Number of carriers and self-insurers reporting
Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Amount Collected $400,288,152 0.0288 $10,499,642 927

Table 1-2 Self-Insurance Summary
Activity Employers' New Applications Approved Canceled Permits Qualified Employers Group-Funded Pools in Force FY 06 9 28 213 15 FY05 8 10 232 15 FY 04 37 47 234 15 FY 03 17 30 244 15 FY 02 31 24 257 15 FY 01 27 17 250 15 FY 00 21 14 240 15

Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

OPERATIONS SECTION Coverage and Compliance
The coverage and compliance unit, with a staff of seven employees, ensures that all businesses in Kansas are in compliance with and are aware of their responsibilities regarding the Workers Compensation Act. The unit administers and enforces mandated proof of coverage and compliance. Coverage and compliance works closely with the data entry and verification units to ensure that all of the accident reports are accurately received in regard to the reporting requirements of the first report of injury. A floater, who is well-versed in all aspects of coverage and compliance, works for the unit and is assigned to various units as needed. In FY 2006, the compliance unit made 4,485 contacts with businesses. Of those businesses, 1,993 might have been noncompliant. Approximately 140 of those businesses were referred to the fraud unit for further investigation and possible prosecution. Two hundred and fifteen businesses had to obtain coverage and 1,224 businesses had to provide a certificate of insurance. This year, the coverage and compliance unit worked closely with the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), participating in the Proof of Coverage (POC) program to collect information from the data providers licensed to write workers' compensation insurance in Kansas. The unit has access to Alternative IAIABC Proof of Coverage (AIPOC), POC On-Line and Coverage Verification with NCCI. The new AIPOC program database allows the unit to cross match the AIPOC database with unemployment insurance records for a check on the employers not in compliance. The coverage verification program has given the public a new avenue for obtaining employer coverage information via the internet from the Kansas Department of Labor Web site. This service allows the public to check on an employer's workers compensation insurance coverage status on certain dates.

Data Entry
The data entry unit ensures that all received accident reports are properly processed. Accident reports are checked for complete information. If any reports are not complete and legible then the report may be returned to the employer for correction. The codes provide information such as body part, cause, nature and source of the injury. Once coded, the reports are keyed into the Web-based database system in a timely fashion. Carrier and employer information is gathered from filed accident reports. Any discrepancies between employer and insurance carrier's information on the accident reports and the database are resolved at this point. Both election forms and EDI reports are researched for correct information on new and existing forms and reports. The reports in the database generate labels for letters to the injured workers which answer questions about benefits and procedures. Statistics used in this annual statistical report are developed from the information in the accident reports.

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Verification
The verification unit verifies reported Social Security numbers, as submitted on first reports of injury on new and existing claimants, with the Social Security Administration. In addition, the unit updates names and addresses for existing claimants in the database. EDI reports are reviewed and edited via the EDI control panel.

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

OPERATIONS SECTION Technology and Statistics
The technology and statistics unit is responsible for delivering workers compensation information to the Kansas Department of Labor, the legislature and the general public through: · an annual statistical report, · a web site and · reports from research studies and evaluations. Specifically, this unit is responsible for research studies mandated by statute, including studies of closed claims and the effectiveness of the Workers Compensation Act. The staff collects data as needed or requested, as well as conducts survey instrument research design, data collection, statistical analysis and reporting. The staff responds to individual research requests from both internal and external customers. The Information Services Division of the Kansas Department of Labor maintains and manages the workers compensation information technology systems. The unit also maintains several data marts of workers compensation claims information on workrelated accidents in the state of Kansas. Unit staff work extensively with the information services division of the Kansas Department of Labor to resolve the division's operational database implementation issues, and continue to maintain and enhance the database to insure data integrity and accuracy for both the division's administrative and statistical needs. In addition, the unit manages all content for the division's Web pages located on the KDOL Web site. The technology and statistics unit also administers the division's statutory Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) program, an electronic method for insurance carriers and self-insured employers to report occupational injury and workers compensation claims cost data by utilizing the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions' (IAIABC) national data standard. The program went into production in November 2003. By the close of fiscal year 2005, more than 40 trading partners, sending on behalf of some 200 insurance carriers and self-insured employers, were sending EDI first and second reports of injuries to the division. The average weekly volume of EDI first reports of injury constituted 34 percent of the total number of accident reports filed with the division (the total includes paper and EDI reports).

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

LEGAL SECTION Workers Compensation Appeals Board
The workers compensation Appeals Board was established in 1993 to provide de novo review of administrative law judges' decisions from final orders or awards and certain issues in preliminary hearing orders. Hoping to obtain more uniform decisions for injured workers throughout the State, the legislature created the Appeals Board to replace the role of the State's district court judges in the appeals process. The objective of the Appeals Board is to provide a fair and efficient appeals process within the framework of the Kansas Workers Compensation Act, applicable case law and administrative regulations. During fiscal year 2006, the Appeals Board issued 512 decisions. The board received 594 applications for review during that period and had a total of 604 dispositions (which include dismissals and settlements). The board's Web site is: www.dol.ks.gov/wcboard/wcappeal_RES.html. The database is continually refined to meet the needs of the Appeals Board, the support staff and the workers compensation division. It also is refined for public dissemination of information regarding the status of appeals cases.

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

LEGAL SECTION Administrative Law Judges
The division employs 10 full-time administrative law judges to hold hearings and issue decisions in contested workers compensation claims. The division also utilizes special administrative law judges to hold settlement hearings and approve settlements between the parties. The administrative law judges are located in five offices throughout the state: Garden City, Wichita, Overland Park, Topeka and Salina. Hearings also are conducted in satellite locations including Pittsburg, Independence, Hutchinson, Great Bend, Ellsworth, Hays, Cimarron, Liberal, Lawrence and Emporia. In fiscal year 2006, 7,194 hearings were held by the judicial section. Of these, 1,960 hearings were preliminary hearings, 231 were motion hearings, 792 were regular hearings, 40 were settlement hearings, 41 were review and modifications hearings and 129 were post-award medical hearings.

Table 1-3 Hearings Held FY 2006
No. of Hearings Held 1,960 231 792 40 4,001 41 129 7,194 % of Total Hearings Held 27.2% 3.2% 11.0% 0.6% 55.6% 0.6% 1.8%

Hearing Preliminary Motion Regular Settlement Pre-Hearing Settlement Conferences Review & Modify Post Award Medical Total
Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

The tables that follow provide a more detailed representation of the data found in Table 1-3. Table 1-4 displays the number of hearings held by Administrative Law Judges organized by type of hearing and the number of hearings held each month of the 2006 fiscal year. The highest number of hearings (795) was held in August. Of those, approximately 58 percent were prehearing settlement conferences, 26.4 percent were preliminary hearings, and nine percent were regular hearings. January had the second most hearings held (663). Of the hearings held in January, 57 percent were pre-hearing settlement conferences, 25.8 percent were preliminary hearings, and 10 percent were regular hearings.

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-4 Administrative Law Judges Monthly Case Report by Hearing Type FY 2006
Hearing Type Pre-Hearing Settlement Settlement Conferences Review and Modify PostAward Medical Grand Total

Month

Preliminary

Motion

Regular

July August September October November December January February March April May June Grand Total

168 210 140 169 172 124 171 131 144 178 201 152 1,960

20 23 24 17 17 15 31 22 14 11 18 19 231

50 70 46 79 75 71 68 61 60 66 85 61 792

2 4 1 5 2 7 2 2 3 2 9 1 40

303 463 292 364 322 302 378 326 274 345 335 297 4,001

2 8 1 5 4 6 2 1 4 3 4 1 41

10 17 5 9 7 7 11 6 15 20 9 13 129

555 795 509 648 599 532 663 549 514 625 661 544 7,194

Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-5 displays the number of hearings held by location for each month of FY2006. Wichita had the most hearings in FY2006 (2,622), followed closely by Overland Park (2,235). August was the busiest month for hearings in all four locations.

Table 1-5 Administrative Law Judges Monthly Case Report by Hearing Location FY 2006
Hearing Location Month Overland Park Topeka Western Kansas1 Wichita Grand Total

July August September October November December January February March April May June Grand Total
1

168 239 121 186 206 176 205 172 181 212 182 187 2,235

66 133 114 113 117 96 126 105 100 85 115 88 1,258

109 111 73 91 98 87 82 97 65 99 102 65 1,079

212 312 201 258 178 173 250 175 168 229 262 204 2,622

555 795 509 648 599 532 663 549 514 625 661 544 7,194

Garden City and Salina locations combined Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

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Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-6 combines the data found in Tables 1-4 and 1-5 into one table.

Table 1-6 Administrative Law Judges Case Report FY 2006
Month Location Hearing Type Jul 57 6 17 1 Aug 51 11 20 1 Sep 37 5 9 Oct 54 6 20 Nov 57 6 23 Dec 44 4 24 Jan 55 13 22 Feb 31 8 12 Mar 41 6 22 Apr 65 5 20 May 47 3 20 1 Jun 47 4 20 1 Grand Total 586 77 229 4

Overland Park

Preliminary Motion Regular Settlement Pre-Hearing Settlement Conferences Review and Modify Post Award Medical Preliminary Motion Regular Settlement Pre-Hearing Settlement Conferences Review and Modify Post Award Medical Preliminary Motion Regular Settlement Pre-Hearing Settlement Conferences Review and Modify Post Award Medical Preliminary Motion Regular Settlement Pre-Hearing Settlement Conferences Review and Modify Post Award Medical

86 1 168 17 4 3 1

Total

147 3 6 239 29 1 12 3

70

105 1 186 32 2 14 2

116 4 206 37 2 13 1

104

121 30 1 17

176 28 7 11 5

112 1 2 205 31 5 16 1

119 1 1 172 31 2 13 2

107 3 2 181 35 5 8 3

114 8 212 28 15 2

109 1 1 182 38 2 13 6

109 1 5 187 25 4 4

1,298 10 31 2,235 361 35 139 26

Topeka

36 5 66 26 3 7

Total

86 1 1 133 35 3 7

64 2 114 18 3

62 1 113 20 1 9 1

64

117 31 6 12

Western Kansas1

38 2 5 96 14 3 5 1

73

54 3 105 29 4 11

45 4 100 21 2 5

39 1 85 26 3 8

56

52 3 88 26 1 7

126 24 5 5 1

115 44 3 10 1

669 3 25 1,258 314 37 86 4

Total

71 1 1 109 68 7 23

66

52

58 2 91 63 8 36 2

47 2 98 47 3 27 1

62 2 87 38 1 31 1

46 1 82 61 8 25

52 1 97 40 8 25

36 1 65 47 1 25

111 95 8 31

73 55 15 20 1

55 2 5 99 59 3 23

43 1 102 72 10 42 1

31

65 54 10 30

619 8 11 1,079 699 82 338 6

Wichita

Total Grand Total
1

110 1 3 212 555

164 4 10 312 795

106 1 3 201 509

139 5 5 258 648

95 2 3 178 599

98 2 2 173 532

147 1 8 250 663

101 1 175 549

86 9 168 514

137 1 6 229 625

127 3 7 262 661

105 5 204 544

1,415 20 62 2,622 7,194

Garden City and Salina locations combined Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

21

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-7 displays the Administrative Law Judge preliminary order activity. requests by order type and whether each was denied or granted.

It represents

Table 1-7 Administrative Law Judge Preliminary Order Activity FY 2006
Granted No. of orders granted No. of orders denied Denied % Total Orders

Total
% of Total Orders

Preliminary Order

% Granted

% Total Orders

% Denied

No. of orders

Penalty Change Physician Additional Medical Preliminary Temporary Total & Medical Temporary Total Medical Temporary Total & Medical Temporary Total, not Medical Medical, not Temporary Total Total Preliminary Orders*
*Does not include terminating orders.

41 9 25 1,407 195 703 474 5 30 1,482

80.4% 39.1% 32.1% 83.9% 70.4% 85.7% 87.1% n/a n/a 81.1%

2.2% 0.5% 1.4% 77.0% 10.7% 38.5% 25.9% 0.3% 1.6% 81.1%

10 14 53 269 82 117 70 n/a n/a 346

19.6% 60.9% 67.9% 16.1% 29.6% 14.3% 12.9% n/a n/a 18.9%

0.5% 0.8% 2.9% 14.7% 4.5% 6.4% 3.8% n/a n/a 18.9%

51 23 78 1,676 277 820 544 5 30 1,828

2.8% 1.3% 4.3% 91.7% 15.2% 44.9% 29.8% 0.3% 1.6% 100.0%

Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

22

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

LEGAL SECTION Mediation
Upon the request of any party to a workers compensation claim and the acceptance of the other party (or parties), the parties may opt to participate in a mediation conference. Mediation is a means of resolving disputes in an informal, non-adversarial setting where the parties make use of a neutral third party to facilitate their discussion. The purpose of mediation is to assist the parties in reaching agreement on any disputed issues in a workers compensation claim. Mediation conferences are conducted by mediators appointed by the director. Mediators utilized by the director are required to be qualified pursuant to the Dispute Resolution Act, K.S.A. 5-501 et seq., and relevant rules of the Kansas Supreme Court as authorized by K.S.A. 5-510. Mediation conferences are conducted in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Act. Individuals with final settlement authority for each party must be present, in person or by video, at the mediation conference. The Division currently has three approved mediators on staff that is available for travel statewide to mediate any disputed issue arising from a workers compensation claim. In fiscal year 2006 the division initiated approximately 45 mediation contacts per week on average. This involves calling parties and inquiring whether they are interested in mediating particular cases. More than 100 mediation conferences were scheduled during fiscal year 2006 and 74 mediation conferences were conducted. As displayed in Table 1-8, in those conferences, 19 resulted in full agreement, seven resulted in a partial agreement and 48 reached no agreement. It should be noted that many cases that do not result in agreement at the mediation conference settle at some future point. While the parties may reach agreement in principle during the mediation conference, they often need additional time to consider and reflect on proposed terms or verify information exchanged during the mediation conference before finalizing an agreement. These conferences are reported as non-agreed even though they may lay the groundwork for later resolution of issues at hand.

Table 1-8 Mediation FY 2006
Held Claims Resolved - Agreement Reached Claims Partly Resolved - Agreement Reached Claims Unresolved - Agreement Not Reached
Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

74 19 7 48

23

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

LEGAL SECTION Medical Services
The medical services unit has the responsibility of providing both administrative and developmental services for the medical fee schedule. Additionally, medical services administer utilization and peer review programs, acting as a liaison for all parties involved in health carerelated workers compensation issues. The medical services unit works closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to assure that payments to health care providers remain current, reasonable and fair. The current revision of the Kansas Workers Compensation Schedule of Medical Fees was implemented December 1, 2005. This revision has been refined to incorporate modifications of a Resource Based Relative Value System (RBRVS) to enhance reimbursement validity. Research is in progress to determine if both improved patient care and cost containment would result from the adoption of medical treatment guidelines (MTGs) in addition to the medical fee schedule. Options are being evaluated to better define "usual and customary charges," so as to assure payments to both hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers maintain cost containment, yet remain reasonable and fair.

24

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

LEGAL SECTION Fraud and Abuse
The workers compensation fraud and abuse investigation unit was established in 1994. The unit is staffed with three special investigators, an administrative specialist and an assistant attorney general, who supervises the unit. The unit's responsibilities include identifying and investigating potential violations of the workers compensation laws, as set forth in K.S.A. 44-532; K.S.A. 44557; K.S.A. 44-5,120; and K.S.A. 44-5,125. Provable violations may be taken before an administrative hearing officer or may be presented to local county or district attorneys for criminal prosecution. In Fiscal Year 2006, fraud and abuse received 798 referrals. Of these, 789 cases were opened, 94 were referred for administrative charges and one was referred for criminal charges. Collection of fines and assessments totaled $231,433.83 for the fiscal year. The objectives of the unit are to protect the employer, carrier and medical provider from fraudulent acts; ensure businesses within the state are compliant by maintaining workers compensation insurance coverage; and ensure the division receives reports of injury within the time period set forth by statute.

Referrals
Information Received by the Unit Fraud and abuse receives information regarding alleged fraud, and other violations of the workers compensation laws, by phone, fax, e-mail, regular mail or a submission by another section in the Division of Workers Compensation. An allegation of fraud or abuse is designated as a referral. Each referral is reviewed by the assistant attorney general to determine if there is sufficient information to warrant an investigation. If sufficient information exists, a case is opened and assigned to a special investigator for investigation. If there is not enough information, the matter is returned to the complaining party for additional information or, if that is not possible, the referral is recorded but no formal investigation commences. Types of Fraud The unit classifies the type of fraud reported as it relates to the fraud and abuse statutes, as well as the compliance statutes. Table 1-9 lists the types of fraud, abuse and compliance cases reported to the unit over the past year.

25

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-9 Number of Fraud, Abuse and Compliance Cases Reported
Type of Fraud, Abuse and Compliance Referrals Obtaining or denying benefits by making false statements either orally or written: K.S.A. 44-5,120 (d)(4) Failing to confirm benefits to anyone providing treatment to a claimant: K.S.A. 44-5 120(d)(15) Refusing to pay compensation as and when due: K.S.A. 44-5,120 (d)(18) Refusing to pay any order awarding compensation: K.S.A. 44-5,120 (d)(19) Failing to maintain workers compensation insurance when required: K.S.A. 44-532 (d) Employers duty to report accidents: K.S.A. 44-557 Obtaining or denying benefits by misrepresenting or concealing a material fact: K.S.A. 44-5, 125(a)(1)(B) All other fraudulent and abusive practices
Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Total 30 4 17 1 187 540 1 18

Investigations
The fraud unit has three full time investigators. While not law enforcement officers, they perform almost identical investigative duties as sworn law enforcement. The investigative process includes interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, forming liaisons with law enforcement groups as well as special fraud investigation units within the insurance industry and testifying in administrative and criminal actions. Once an investigation is complete, the investigator will prepare an investigative summary for the assistant attorney general to review. Criminal or administrative action begins if the assistant attorney general determines there is sufficient information to sustain the burden of proof in either a criminal or administrative action. If the information indicates misconduct on the part of an insurance agent or carrier, that information is referred to the Kansas Insurance Department, which has an anti-fraud unit that investigates and prosecutes insurance fraud.

Prosecution
The unit is authorized to initiate criminal or administrative action against individuals and entities that appear to have committed fraudulent or abusive acts. The unit has been extremely aggressive in this area. Civil actions are separated into compliance and fraud actions.

26

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-10 Number of Cases
Compliance Fraud/Abuse Criminal Total
Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

727 70 1 798

Collections
During either a criminal or administrative action, a fine or restitution is requested but not necessarily ordered by the judge or hearing officer. The total amount collected for FY 2006 was $231,433.83. The unit makes every attempt to collect the civil monetary penalty owed to the unit without any assistance. However, it may be necessary for the Legal Services Division of the Kansas Department of Labor to file a collection action. Once received, by law the money must be deposited in the appropriate fund.

Table 1-11 Fraud, Abuse and Compliance Collections
Fraud and Abuse Fines: K.S.A. 44-5,120 & 44-557 Compliance Fines: K.S.A. 44-532 Restitution Total
Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

$48,044.44 $181,631.98 $1,757.41 $231,433.83

Money received as a result of compliance violations is deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the workers compensation fund. Money received as a result of fraud and failure to timely-file accident reports is deposited in the state treasury and credited to the workers compensation fee fund.

FRAUD HOTLINE 1-800-332-0353 24 hrs/day 1-785-296-6392 (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

FRAUD E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]

27

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

PUBLIC RESOURCE SECTION Ombudsman
The primary function of the ombudsman unit is to assist injured workers, employers and other parties in protecting their rights under the Workers Compensation Act. The unit provides technical assistance to all parties on workers compensation issues. The unit also assists unrepresented claimants in obtaining a hearing, mediation or appeal. The ombudsman unit also provides presentations and training opportunities to interested parties. The ombudsman unit established a set of protocols and guidelines for services to employers. Specifically during fiscal year 2006, the unit provided a point of contact for all parties to clarify issues and obtain information. The unit received and/or initiated 28,332 contacts, which included general information, specific issues regarding reported and unreported accidents and on-site visits to employers. The ombudsman unit also provided educational presentations to 802 individuals during fiscal year 2006, as well as increasing public awareness of resources for parties needing presentations on workers compensation issues. Additionally, staff provided technical assistance to employers through on-site visits and trainings during fiscal year 2006. The objectives of the ombudsman unit involve increasing employer contacts by providing more training to employer groups and making more on-site visits to employers who need assistance. It also intends to increase the unit's ability to initiate contact with injured workers to see if appropriate information is being received as required by statute, as well as to increase public awareness of the availability of ombudsman assistance for alternative dispute resolution. The unit also seeks to increase public awareness and use of the unit's Web site for information, downloadable forms and the new on-line proof of coverage access.

Table 1-12 FY 2003 - FY 2006 Ombudsman Contacts
Category Employees Employers Insurance Carriers Insurance Agents Attorneys Health Care Miscellaneous Total Contacts FY 03 13,444 4,501 1,703 1,127 1,245 1,249 3,930 27,199 FY 04 12,723 4,232 1,807 1,131 1,647 1,471 4,491 27,502 FY 05 13,072 4,493 1,955 1,586 1,904 1,613 4,635 29,258 FY 06 12,224 4,329 1,886 1,495 2,081 1,687 4,630 28,332 Total 51,463 17,555 7,351 5,339 6,877 6,020 17,686 112,291

Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

28

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-13 FY 2006 Presentations*
Category Employer Insurance Carriers Health Care Providers Attorneys Miscellaneous** Total Number Attended 514 73 59 24 132 802

*18 Total Presentations **Includes presentations to Legislative members, firefighters and various organizations. Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

29

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

PUBLIC RESOURCE SECTION Seminars Planning
The seminars planning unit's primary functions include the organization, development and delivery of two Workers Compensation Seminars which offer pre-authorized continuing education credits in related legal and medical fields. The annual seminars are two-day events offered in Wichita and Overland Park. The purpose is to provide an environment where professionals and others who work in the area of workers compensation can exchange information during formal and informal sessions. Members of the seminar planning committee along with division staff work to produce a superior program by choosing timely topics and notable speakers. The committee is comprised of external professionals who work in the field of workers compensation in government agencies and in the private sector. At the 32nd Annual Workers Compensation Seminar held in Overland Park the division hosted 407 attendees and highlighted 50 exhibitors. Continuing education credits were awarded to 137 attorneys, 79 nurses, 45 Certified Case Managers and two Emergency Medical Services professionals. An additional 29 attendees asked for proof of attendance in order to self-submit continuing education credits to maintain licensing and certification in professions not preauthorized for credits. At the 32nd Annual Workers Compensation Seminar held in Wichita the division hosted 329 attendees and highlighted 38 exhibitors. Continuing education credits were awarded to 98 attorneys, 52 nurses, 20 Certified Case Managers and six Emergency Medical Services professionals. An additional 30 attendees asked for proof of attendance in order to self-submit continuing education credits to maintain licensing and certification in professions not preauthorized for credits. The objective for the unit for the upcoming fiscal year is to continue to provide quality events at affordable prices that offer topics of importance to those who work in the field of workers compensation. Finally, the unit will provide the opportunity to view the latest products and services, deliver the maximum possible continuing education credits, and maintain or increase current attendance.

30

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

PUBLIC RESOURCE SECTION Applications
The applications unit processes all applications and motions for hearing to assure proper filing of necessary and required documentation and to assure that the appropriate counsel, insurance carrier, employer and claimant are reflected on the notices of hearing. Claims are assigned to an administrative law judge based on the county of venue and other established criteria. The unit creates a physical docket file that reflects required documentation pertaining to the claim for workers compensation. This file becomes the official division documentation upon which present and future proceedings will rely for information. The unit records and enters information into the division's Web-based database and appropriate notices of hearing are printed and prepared for mailing to all parties involved in each case. One goal of the applications unit is to research and process all preliminary hearing applications within three days of receipt. In Fiscal Year 2006, the applications unit researched and processed a total of 16,185 applications and motions. Of that total, 7,855 were preliminary hearing applications (both new and docketed), 5,167 were regular hearing applications, 45 were applications for surviving spouse or dependent hearings, 743 post award medical applications and 2,375 were "miscellaneous" applications (amended applications, impleadings of the Workers Compensation Fund for insolvent employers, corrections and returned notices). It is the intention of the applications unit to continue to provide outstanding service to customers, both internal and external. Future plans include the possibility of implementing an imaging system for processing and storing documents received by the division.

Table 1-14 Application Unit Activity FY 2004 ­ FY 2006
Type of Application New Preliminary Docketed Preliminary Regular Fatal PA Medical Review & Modification* Penalties* Miscellaneous** Total Applications FY 06 1,116 6,739 5,167 45 743 209 605 1,561 16,185 FY 05 1,937 6,336 5,717 57 731 235 621 1,846 17,480 FY 04 1,170 6,063 5,403 47 601 Did not count separately Did not count separately 2,282 15,566

*In FY 2004, review and modification and penalties applications were included in the count for miscellaneous applications. **Beginning in FY 2005, miscellaneous applications include amendments, insolvent impleadings, corrections and returned notices. Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

31

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

PUBLIC RESOURCE SECTION Research
The research unit performs research on all requests for prior claim information. Customers requesting research include attorneys, judges, claimants, insurance companies and the general public. Each request must be verified to assure that legal requirements concerning the confidentiality of workers compensation records are met. The unit responded to more than 47,000 research requests during fiscal year 2006. Turnaround time for research requests is generally kept to within four days. The research is conducted through computerized and hard copy files containing the histories of injured workers. Responses are provided as appropriate and according to legal requirements. In July 2006, the research unit began scanning all accident reports, election forms and undocketed settlements, joint petitions and stipulations, and Final Receipt and Release of Liability forms (better known as Form D Releases) filed with the division. Previously, those documents were microfilmed. Scanning should increase the efficiency of the unit and reduce the turnaround time for both internal and external customers as these documents now can be accessed from personal computers within the division. One section within the research unit reviews, researches and computes awards, settlements and final receipts and release of liability. Information researched and computed is entered into the division's database to produce annual statistical reports mandated by Kansas law. The information collected includes dollar amounts paid, types of payments, body parts being compensated, percentages of disability rating, attorneys fees and court reporter fees. This unit also is responsible for preparing and certifying all documentation for litigated cases appealed to the Court of Appeals.

32

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

Table 1-15 FY 2006 Requests for Information from the Research Unit
Month 2005 July August September October November December 2006 January February March April May June Total Requests For Year Attorneys 727 809 783 719 728 568 698 683 812 714 789 718 Insurance Company 351 353 328 335 279 291 290 334 313 294 377 314 Walkins 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Social Security 1 4 1 3 1 0 4 2 1 0 2 5 Employers 2,721 3,157 2,547 2,575 2,384 1,881 2,823 2,566 3,184 2,530 3,345 3,777 Kansas Insurance Dept 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 3 0 Misc. 71 64 61 71 72 71 72 76 95 75 90 84 Total 3,871 4,387 3,720 3,703 3,464 2,811 3,887 3,661 4,407 3,615 4,606 4,898

8,748

3,859

0

24

33,490

7

902

47,030

Average Requests 34.71 15.31 Per Day Total Working Days In The Year: 252
Source: Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

0.00

0.10

132.90

0.03

3.58

186.63

33

Kansas Division of Workers Compensation

Annual Statistical Report

2006

PUBLIC RESOURCE SECTION Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation unit has the responsibility of coordinating the vocational rehabilitation services for injured workers when the insurance company/employer elects to provide services. This unit also reviews medical management closures to determine the need for referral to other vocational programs and services when the insurance company/employer elects not to provide services. Monitoring and providing technical assistance for both public and private vocational rehabilitation providers is also part of the responsibilities of this unit. In FY 2006, the rehabilitation unit provided oversight for 33 injured workers served by qualified private sector vocational rehabilitation vendors. Vocational assessments were completed for 15 individuals. An additional 17 injured workers developed vocational rehabilitation plans with 14 receiving job placement services. Eight injured workers were employed at plan completion. The Unit received 589 medical management referrals. Qualified rehabilitation vendors returned 244 injured workers to their employer (at time of injury) through individualized services. The unit reviewed 581 medical management closure reports to determine those in need of vocational rehabilitation or community services. In addition, 185 injured workers were informed of vocational options available through the private and/or public sector vocational services. At the end of FY 2006, 15 referred workers were involved with Kansas Rehabilitation Services and outof-state vocational rehabilitation agencies with five currently in a vocational rehabilitation plan.

34