With this Bulletin, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is releasing an updated Professional Services Guideline and an updated Pre-approved Framework (PAF) Guideline for Grade I and II Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD I and WAD II).
The updated guidelines incorporate a 2.2% increase in fees based on the 2007 Consumer Price Index for expenses related to services rendered on or after July 1, 2008.
Authority
The Professional Services Guideline is issued by FSCO under subsection 268.3 (1) of the Insurance Act for the purposes of subsections 14 (4), 15 (6), 17 (2) and 24 (2) of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule - Accidents on or After November 1, 1996 (SABS). The PAF Guideline is issued by the Superintendent under subsection 268.3 (1.1) of the Insurance Act.
Changes
The updated Professional Services Guideline released with this Bulletin increases the maximum hourly rates by 2.2% for services rendered on or after July 1, 2008. The effective date for the updated Professional Services Guideline is July 1, 2008.
The fees outlined in Appendix B and C of the PAF Guideline for WAD I and WAD II are also being increased by 2.2% for services rendered on or after July 1, 2008.
The new PAF Guideline for WAD I and WAD II is effective July 1, 2008. It will apply to all new Pre-approved Framework Treatment Confirmation Forms (OCF-23) that are submitted by a health practitioner on or after July 1, 2008, or when the insurer has waived the requirement for an OCF-23 on or after July 1, 2008.
Expenses prior to July 1, 2008
The Superintendent’s Professional Services Guideline No. 03/07 continues to apply to expenses related to services rendered between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, whether they are billed before or after July 1, 2008. Similarly, the Superintendent’s PAF Guideline for WAD I and II Injuries No. 06/07 continues to apply to goods and services rendered between October 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.
Copies
The Professional Services Guideline and the PAF Guideline for Grade I and II Whiplash Associated Disorders are attached for your information and can also be downloaded from the FSCO website at www.fsco.gov.on.ca. The guidelines will also be published in a forthcoming edition of The Ontario Gazette.
Bob Christie
Chief Executive Officer and
Superintendent of Financial Services
June 4, 2008
Attachments: