Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am going to be presenting the section on the appeals process. During its review, the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions considered several aspects of the appeals process presently in place under the act. Generally, the standing committee was of the opinion that the appeals process is sound and performing the purpose for which it was intended. Currently appeals are considered by a review committee appointed by the Workers' Compensation Board and then, if further appealed, by a ministerially-appointed appeals tribunal. Generally the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions was of the opinion that the structural framework for the appeal of Workers' Compensation Board decisions is sound.
The standing committee was interested, however, in noting a potential area for enhancing the process through which claims adjudicators' decisions can be reconsidered. If a claim is denied, the former practice was that it would be referred to the manager of the section for re-examination of the decision. On November 30, 1990, this process was eliminated. This meant that the option available to the injured worker was then to initiate the first level of appeal and apply for the decision to be considered by the review committee.
The standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions felt that the process of managerial review would avoid channelling some disputed claims into the appeal process, which some may perceive as cumbersome, intimidating and adversarial. It was noted that the submission received from the workers' advisor included a recommendation that the procedure revert to its earlier format.
Motion To Accept Recommendation 14, Carried
Therefore, Mr. Chairman, the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions recommends, and I move that this committee recommends, that the Workers' Compensation Board reinstate policy through which claimant files are reviewed by the manager of claim services prior to the appeal process.