As used in this subchapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Documentation" means written information that is complete, clear, and legible, which describes the service provided and substantiates the charge for the service.

(2) "Functional status" means written information that is complete, clear, and legible, that identifies objective findings indicating the claimant's physical capabilities and provides information about the change in the status as a result of treatment.

(3) "Improvement status" means written information that is complete, clear, and legible, which identifies objective medical findings of the claimant's medical status with respect to the treatment plan.

(4) "Medical equipment and supplies" means durable medical appliances or devices used in the treatment or management of a condition or complaint, along with associated nondurable materials required for use in conjunction with the device or appliance.

(5) "Objective medical findings" means medical evidence that is substantiated by clinical findings. Clinical findings include, but are not limited to, range of motion, atrophy, muscle strength, muscle spasm, and diagnostic evidence. Complaints of pain in the absence of clinical findings are not considered objective medical findings.

(6) "Physician" means those persons identified by 33-22-111 , MCA, practicing within the scope of the providers' license.

(7) "Prior authorization" means that for those matters identified by ARM 24.29.1517 the provider receives (either verbally or in writing) authorization from the insurer to perform a specific procedure or series of related procedures, prior to performing that procedure.

(8) "Provider" means any health care provider, unless the context in another rule clearly indicates otherwise. "Provider" does not include pharmacists nor does it include a supplier of medical equipment who is not a health care provider.

(9) "Treating physician" has the meaning provided by ARM 24.29.1511 for claims arising before July 1, 1993, and the meaning provided by 39-71-116 (29), MCA (1993) for claims arising on or after July 1, 1993.

(10) "Treatment plan" means a written outline of how the provider intends to treat a specific condition or complaint. The treatment plan must include a diagnosis of the condition, the specific type(s) of treatment, procedure, or modalities that will be employed, a timetable for the implementation and duration of the treatment, and the goal(s) or expected outcome of the treatment. Treatment, as used in this definition, may consist of diagnostic procedures that are reasonably necessary to refine or confirm a diagnosis. The treating physician may indicate that treatment is to be performed by a provider in a different field or specialty, and defer to the professional judgment of that provider in the selection of the most appropriate method of treatment; however, the treating physician must identify the scope of the referral in the treatment plan and provide guidance to the provider concerning the nature of the injury or occupational disease.