BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY
OF THE STATE OF MONTANA
TO: All Concerned Persons
1. On May 13, 2022, the Department of Labor and Industry (department) published MAR Notice No. 24-29-392 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 650 of the 2022 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 9.
2. The department held a public hearing in Helena on June 8, 2022, over the Zoom videoconference and telephonic platform at which no members of the public commented. Written comments were received during the public comment period.
3. The department has thoroughly considered the comments made. A summary of the comments and the department's responses are as follows:
COMMENT #1: Commenters support the rule for timely filing of medical bills because the rule will assist with proper claim handling and maintaining appropriate claim reserves. The rule will help ensure that claims are submitted and resolved in a timely manner and adds predictability to the claim-handling system. The 365-day timeline to submit medical bills is reasonable and in line with the workers' compensation systems of several other states.
RESPONSE #1: The department acknowledges the comments.
COMMENT #2: Commenters support the update to the drug formulary in ARM 24.29.1616(2) because the update is required by both statute and rule. Commenters support the department's determination to not amend ARM 24.29.1616(3).
RESPONSE #2: The department acknowledges the comments.
4. The department has amended the above-stated rules as proposed.
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/s/ QUINLAN L. O'CONNOR Quinlan L. O'Connor Alternate Rule Reviewer | /s/ LAURIE ESAU Laurie Esau, Commissioner DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY |
Certified to the Secretary of State June 14, 2022.