January/February 2002 - Board Practice

Fee Schedule Proposals

The Board has proposed two changes to the medical fee schedule. The first is to include acupuncturists under the definition of health care provider. The second is to incorporate the 2002 Physician's Current Procedural Terminology and 2002 Medical RBRVS: The Physician's Guide. The comment deadline was late February.

New First Report Form

In November the Board adopted a revised First Report of Occupational Injury or Disease Form, WCB-1, which allows employers to comply with both Board and OSHA requirements on one form. All parties must use the new First Report form as of May 1, 2002. It is available on the Board website at www.state.me.us/wcb.

The Board will impose a $100 fine for every late or incomplete filing of a First Report. A Complaint for Penalties will first be filed against the employer, which has 10 days to respond in writing; if there is no response, the fine will be imposed.