Florida Posts New Workers’ Comp Rules on Physician Dispensing, Immigration Forms

The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation has posted finalized rule changes in keeping with a recent court decision on physician dispensing of medication, along with new rules requiring the latest federal immigration status forms for workers.

Six months after a Florida appeals court pulled the plug on state rules that had allowed physician dispensing, the DWC has revised its regulations to be in line with the court ruling. The new rules, which took effect Sept. 2, strike language that had stated flatly that physicians and nurse practitioners may dispense medication to injured workers and that insurers cannot disallow it.

Dispensing has been a recurring issue in Florida workers’ compensation for years, with employers and insurance carriers arguing that meds sold by doctors’ offices often are more expensive and overutilized than prescribed drugs purchased at a pharmacy—which adds to medical costs in injury claims.

Another set of rules that became effective last week also require injured workers who seek reemployment to be screened for immigration status using the latest, federal I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form.