REGULATORY ANALYSIS
FOR AMENDMENT TO RULE 8-5 OF THE 
 WORKERS' COMPENSATION RULES OF PROCEDURE
7 CCR 1101-3

1.	Description of classes of persons who will be affected by the rule, including classes that will bear the costs of the rules and classes that will benefit from the rule.

The classes of persons affected by the rule are all persons and entities involved in the Colorado Workers’ Compensation system.  This includes, but is not limited to, injured workers, self-insured employers, insurance carriers, third party administrators and employers.

2.	Description of the probable quantitative and qualitative impact of the adopted rule, economic or otherwise, upon the classes of affected persons.

The main purpose is to clarify procedures and requirements.

By providing additional guidance this rule amendment should assist all persons in complying with a change to the Workers’ Compensation Act in the most efficient manner possible.  Providing the guidance in this rule will reduce disputes that would otherwise arise. 

3.	Probable costs to the agency and other agencies of the implementation and enforcement of the adopted rule and any anticipated effect on state revenues.

No impact on costs or revenues is anticipated as a result of the rule changes.  

4.	Comparison of the probable costs and benefits of the adopted rule to the probable costs and benefits of inaction. 

The rule amendment is for clarification and procedural purposes.  The current rule is scheduled for discontinuation through legislative action.  Taking no action will result in a gap in the process and lead to uncertainty and confusion when an injured worker elects to exercise the right to change physicians.  

5.	Determination of whether there are less costly or less intrusive methods for achieving the purpose of the adopted rule.

There are no known less costly or less intrusive means.   

6.	Description of any alternative methods for achieving the purpose of the adopted rule that were seriously considered by the agency and the reasons they were rejected in favor of the adopted rule.

A different method was considered and adopted, but the current rule is going to be discontinued.  Because of the nature of this rule amendment no alternative methods were seriously considered. 

Copies of the Notice of Public Hearing were provided to the:

Colorado Association of School Boards, 
Colorado Counties, Inc.
Colorado Municipal League
Special District Association of Colorado
Colorado Health and Hospital Association
Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry
Mountain States Employers Council
Colorado Self-Insurers Association