No. A-03/07
Property & Casualty
– Auto
Adjustment to the Professional Services Guideline, Pre-Approved Framework Guidelines, and Additional Health Professional Issues
To the attention of all insurance companies licensed
to transact automobile insurance in Ontario
With this Bulletin, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is releasing an adjustment to the Professional Services Guideline, the Pre-Approved Framework Guideline for Whiplash Associated Disorder Grade I Injuries With or Without Complaint of Back Symptoms (PAF Guideline WAD I), and, the Pre-Approved Framework Guideline for Whiplash Associated Disorder Grade II Injuries With or Without Complaint of Back Symptoms (PAF Guideline WAD II).
Revised Professional Services Guideline and PAF Guidelines
The revised Professional Services Guideline released with this Bulletin increases the maximum hourly rates by 2.0% for services rendered on or after July 1, 2007. Maximums payable for the completion of forms remain unchanged (fees for the completion of forms were revised with the implementation of the Health Claims for Auto Insurance initiative effective April 2, 2007).
The fees outlined in Appendix A of the current PAF Guideline WAD I and PAF Guideline WAD II are also being increased by 2.0% for services rendered on or after July 1, 2007.
The 2.0% increase reflects the change in the Consumer Price Index for consumer prices in Canada (All-items) during 2006.
The Superintendent’s Professional Services Guideline No. 02/07 continues to apply to expenses related to services rendered between April 2, 2007 and June 30, 2007.
The Superintendent’s PAF Guideline for WAD I Injuries No. 04/06 and PAF Guideline for WAD II Injuries No. 05/06 continue to apply to goods and services rendered between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007.
Application to services rendered or forms completed before July 1, 2007 but invoiced after July 1, 2007
The previous Professional Services Guideline No. 02/07 and PAF Guideline for WAD I Injuries No. 04/06 and PAF Guideline for WAD II Injuries No. 05/06 will continue to apply to services rendered or forms completed prior to July 1, 2007 whether they are billed before or after July 1, 2007.
Application to services approved before July 1, 2007
The Professional Services Guideline, PAF Guideline for WAD I Injuries and PAF Guideline for WAD II Injuries released with this Bulletin apply to services rendered on or after July 1, 2007 even if approved prior to July 1, 2007.
PAF Guidelines Project
Over the past year, the PAF Guidelines Project has been consulting with stakeholders on updating the current PAF Guidelines. A revised set of PAF Guidelines for WAD I and WAD II injuries is expected to be released later this summer and become effective in the Fall.
Copies of guidelines and forms
Copies of the revised Professional Services Guideline and the PAF Guidelines: WAD I and WAD II referred to in this Bulletin are attached and will be published in the June 23, 2007 edition of The Ontario Gazette. The Guidelines can also be downloaded from FSCO’s website at www.fsco.gov.on.ca.
Bob Christie
Chief Executive Officer and
Superintendent of Financial Services
June 11, 2007
Financial Services Commission of Ontario