To facilitate the timely resolution of workers' compensation claims and to facilitate the use of the benefit review process established by this chapter, there shall be reasonable access to any employee's medical information only by compliance with the following:
THIS MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FORM ONLY PERMITS THE EMPLOYER OR THE DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION TO OBTAIN MEDICAL INFORMATION THROUGH ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CHARTS, FILES, RECORDS, AND REPORTS IN THE POSSESSION OF A MEDICAL PROVIDER AUTHORIZED BY THE EMPLOYER PURSUANT TO T.C.A. §50-6-204 AND A MEDICAL PROVIDER THAT IS REIMBURSED BY THE EMPLOYER FOR THE EMPLOYEE'S TREATMENT;
- An employee claiming workers' compensation benefits shall provide the employer or the division of workers' compensation with a signed, written medical authorization form as prescribed by the commissioner; provided, the form shall:
- Be addressed to a specific medical provider authorized by the employer pursuant to this section;
- Permit the release of information through communication, either orally or in writing, as authorized under this subdivision (a)(2)(C); and
- Plainly state in capitalized lettering on the face of the document the following language:
- An employee claiming workers' compensation benefits, or the employee's attorney, shall be entitled to obtain medical information, records, opinions, or reports from, or communicate in writing or in person with, any medical provider who has treated or provided medical care to the employee; provided, that the employee executes and provides the medical provider with a properly completed form as described in subdivision (a)(2)(C)(i).
- Any medical provider authorized by the employer pursuant to this section and who has treated or provided medical care to an employee claiming workers' compensation benefits is permitted to communicate, orally or in writing, with the employer, or the employer's attorney, and shall honor any request by the employer for medical information, medical records, professional opinions, or medical reports pertaining to the claimed workers' compensation injury. Oral communication may be utilized, and includes, but is not limited to, a telephone conversation or an in-person meeting.
- If an employee or employer files a request for assistance with the department, requesting the department to make a determination as to whether the claim is compensable or concerning an issue related to medical benefits or temporary disability benefits, the department may request, orally or in writing, medical information, records, opinions, or reports from the medical provider; provided, that:
- Any response by the medical provider to the department's request shall be in writing; and
- If the department receives documents or written responses to any request for information pursuant to this subdivision (a)(2)(C)(iv), then the department shall notify the employee, the employer and any attorney representing the employee or employer within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the document or written response that such persons may review or copy the documents or responses; provided, that the requesting party shall pay the copying fee authorized by subdivision (a)(1)(B) prior to the department providing the requested copies; and
- If the department becomes involved in the appeal of a utilization review issue, then the department is authorized to communicate with the medical provider involved in the dispute either orally or in writing to permit the timely resolution of the issue and shall notify the employee, employer or any attorney representing the employee or employer that they may review or copy the documents or responses; provided, that the requesting party shall pay the copying fee authorized by subdivision (a)(1)(B) prior to the department providing the requested copies.