R612-300-12. Commission Approval of Health Care Treatment Protocols

  A. Authority. Pursuant to authority granted by Subsection 34A-2-111(2)(c)(i)(B)(VII) of the Utah Workers' Compensation Act, the Utah Labor Commission establishes the following standards and procedures for Commission approval of medical treatment and quality care guidelines.

  B. Standards

  1. Scientifically based: Subsection 34A-2-111(2)(c)(i)(B)(VII)(Aa) of the Act requires that guidelines be scientifically based. The Commission will consider a guideline to be "scientifically based" when it is supported by medical studies and/or research.

  2. Peer reviewed: Subsection 34A-2-111(2)(c)(i)(B)(VII)(Bb) of the Act requires that guidelines be peer reviewed. The Commission will consider a guideline to be "peer reviewed" when the medical study's content, methodology, and results have been reviewed and approved prior to publication by an editorial board of qualified experts.

  3. Other standards: Pursuant to its rulemaking authority under Subsection 34A-2-111(2)(c)(i)(B)(VII), the Utah Labor Commission establishes the following additional standards for medical treatment and quality care guidelines.

  a. The guidelines must be periodically updated and, subject to Commission discretion, may not be approved for use unless updated in whole or in part at least biannually;

  b. Guideline sources must be identified;

  c. The guidelines must be reasonably priced;

  d. The guidelines must be easily accessible in print and electronic versions.

  C. Procedure: Pursuant to Subsection 34A-2-111(2)(c)(i)(B)(VII) of the Utah Workers' Compensation Act, a party seeking Commission action to approve or disapprove a guideline shall file a petition for such action with the Labor Commission.