Schenectady, NY – In October 2012, the WCB proposed a series of improvements to the Medical Treatment Guidelines, including the adoption of new Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Medical Treatment Guidelines, new maintenance care program recommendations, and revisions to existing processes. WCB has received public comments to the regulations and will be adopting the regulatory changes. WCB is delaying the effective date to March 1, 2013 to allow stakeholders additional time to become familiar with the changes and modify their own systems and processes accordingly.
Training
To facilitate compliance with the new standards and processes, the Board will provide free, online training. These programs are available on the Board’s website.
The following courses are available in support of the 2013 update:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Guidelines
- 2013 Medical Treatment Guidelines Update Overview
In addition, several courses that were initially offered in 2010 have been revised to reflect the proposed changes. These include:
- Mid and Low Back Guidelines,
- Neck Guidelines,
- Shoulder Guidelines,
- Knee Guidelines,
- Legal Processes for Attorneys and Licensed Representatives, and
- Pre-Treatment Forms and Processes.
Updated courses, associated with CME credits, have been recertified and may be taken again for full credit.
NOTE: If you took the training prior to January 16, 2013 WCB recommends that you take the following courses, in the appropriate program, to familiarize yourself with the MTG program changes:
- 2013 Medical Treatment Guidelines Update Overview,
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Guidelines, and
- (if applicable) Pre- Treatment Forms and Processes.
Questions and Additional Information
Please contact the Board’s Medical Director’s Office at (800) 781-2362 if you have any questions. Additional information on the additions and improvements, as well as final versions of the revised Guidelines and the new Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Guideline, may also be found on the Board’s website under Medical Treatment Guideline Program.
WCB strongly encourages review of the information on the Board’s website regarding the Guidelines and taking advantage of the available training.
Source: NY WCB