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

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

The classes of persons affected by the rules 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 proposed rules, economic or otherwise, upon the classes of affected persons.

The main purpose is to implement a statutory change and clarify procedures and requirements.

By providing guidance and clarification this rule 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 proposed rules 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 proposed rules to the probable costs and benefits of inaction. 

The proposed rule changes are required due to legislative changes.  These rules will conform to and provide guidance to effectuate a change in the statute.  The rules and amendments are for clarification and procedural purposes and will have no cost impact on the system as a whole.  The rules clarify issues related to apportionment based on pre-existing medical impairment whether work-related or non-work related. These rule amendments clarify responsibilities and procedures and should therefore decrease uncertainty and increase efficiency in determining when it is appropriate to apportion benefits and how to properly do so.  

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

There are no known less costly or less intrusive means.   

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

Because of the nature of this proposed 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