CHAPTER 121. GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
121.1. Definitions.
121.2. [Reserved].
121.3. Filing of forms.
121.3a. Computation of time.
121.3b. Providing workers’ compensation information.
121.4. [Reserved].
121.5. Reporting injuries to the Bureau.
121.6. [Reserved].
121.7. Notice of compensation payable.
121.7a. Notice of temporary compensation payable.
121.8. Agreements for compensation for disability or permanent injury.
121.9. Agreements for compensation for death.
121.10. [Reserved].
121.11. Supplemental agreements for compensation for death.
121.12. Bureau review of agreements and notices of compensation payable.
121.13. Denial of compensation.
121.14. Weekly wage for occupational disease cases.
121.15. Compensation payable.
121.16. Updating claims status.
121.17. Change in compensation.
121.18. Subrogation.
121.19. [Reserved].
121.20. Commutation of compensation under section 412 of the act (77 P. S. § 791).
121.21. Reimbursements for silicosis, anthraco-silicosis or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.
121.22. Subsequent injury fund.
121.23. Supersedeas fund.
121.24. [Reserved].
121.25. Issuance of compensation payments.
121.26. [Reserved].
121.27. Orders to show cause.
121.27a. Bureau intervention and penalties.
121.28. [Reserved].
121.29. [Reserved].
121.30. Section 306(h) payments (77 P.S. § 583).
121.31. Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund.
121.32. Office of Small Business Advocate.
121.33. Collection of special funds assessments.
121.34. Objections to assessments.
121.35. Annual reports of compensation paid.Authority The provisions of this Chapter 121 amended under sections 401.1 and 435(a) of the Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P.S. § § 710 and 991(a)); and section 2205 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 565), unless otherwise noted.
Cross References This chapter cited in 34 Pa. Code § 125.19 (relating to additional powers of Bureau and orders to show cause); and 34 Pa. Code § 131.22 (relating to other penalty proceedings).
§ 121.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Act—The Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P.S. § § 1—1041.4 and 2501—2506).
Agreement—For purposes of this chapter, an agreement is limited to any of the following:(i) Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336.
(ii) Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337.
(iii) Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338.
(iv) Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-339.
Approved rating organization—One or more organizations situated within this Commonwealth, subject to supervision and to examination by the Insurance Commissioner and approved by the Insurance Commissioner as adequately equipped to perform the functions specified in Article VII of the act (77 P.S. § § 1035.1—1035.22) on an equitable and impartial basis.
Board—The Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board.
Bureau—The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation of the Department.
Claimant—An individual who files a petition for, or otherwise receives, benefits under the act or the Disease Law.
Department—The Department of Labor and Industry of the Commonwealth.
Disease Law—The Occupational Disease Act (77 P.S. § § 1201—1603).
Earned premium—A direct premium earned as required to be reported to the Insurance Department on Special Schedule ‘‘W,’’ under section 655 of The Insurance Company Law of 1921 (40 P.S. § 815). For the purposes of this chapter, direct premium earned may not include:(i) The effects of premium credits granted under deductible elections by insured employer.
(ii) Premiums not attributable to coverage under the act or the Disease Law.
(iii) Premiums attributable to excess policies written for specified retentions on self-insured employers.
Employer—As defined in section 401 of the act (77 P.S. § 701), including the insurer and a self-insured employer.
First report of injury—A filing made with the Bureau under section 438 of the act (77 P.S. § 994).
Insurance carrier—An entity or group of affiliated entities subject to The Insurance Company Law of 1921 (40 P.S. § § 341—477d), including the State Workers’ Insurance Fund, but not including self-insured employers or runoff self-insurers, with which an employer has insured its liability under section 305 of the act (77 P.S. § 501).
Insured employer—An employer which has chosen to insure its workers’ compensation liabilities through a workers’ compensation insurance carrier licensed to do so in this Commonwealth, including the State Workers’ Insurance Fund.
Insurer—(i) A workers’ compensation insurance carrier which is licensed to insure workers’ compensation liabilities in this Commonwealth and acts in this capacity on behalf of insured employers.
(ii) The term includes a self-insured employer and a runoff self-insurer.
Runoff self-insurer—An employer that had been a self-insurer but no longer maintains a current permit to self-insure under section 305 of the act (77 P.S. § 501).
Self-insured employer—(i) An employer which has been granted the privilege to self-insure its liability under the act.
(ii) The term includes a parent company or affiliate which has assumed a subsidiary’s or an affiliate’s liability upon the termination of the parent-subsidiary or affiliate relationship, and a runoff self-insurer.
Special funds—Funds maintained under sections 306.2, 443 and 446 of the act (77 P.S. § § 517, 999 and 1000.2).
Authority The provisions of this § 121.1 amended under section 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 578).
Source The provisions of this § 121.1 amended May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (294658) and (324967).
Notes of Decisions Insured Employer
Employer met its obligation to provide payment for claimant’s medical treatment by contracting with insurance company to assume direct responsibility for payment of claimant’s medical bills. Insurer was placed into liquidation and responsibility for paying workers’ compensation passed to the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund. Therefore, employer could not be assessed a penalty for Security Fund’s failure to pay medical bills in a timely manner because there was nothing to suggest that the delayed payment was attributable to employer. Constructo Temps v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Tennant), 907 A.2d 52, 59, 60 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006).
Medical Benefits
Neither the private insurer defendants nor the school district defendants are State actors primarily because the decision to cease paying medical benefits is entirely up to the insurer acting independent of any State involvement whatsoever. The States takes no substantive step to promote, support or encourage the decision of the insurer, and after the decision is made, the State takes no action which influences the ultimate substantive determination as to whether benefits are payable or not. The State does not significantly assist private actors when it merely provides a remedy, albeit complete with authorized forms and regulations. The State’s acceptance and routing of forms completed in accordance with its instructions, in essence, involves acquiescence and not compulsion on the part of the State. Sullivan v. Barnett, 913 F. Supp. 895 (1996); reversed 139 F.2d 158 (3rd Cir. 1998); reversed 526 U. S. 40 (1999).
§ 121.2. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.2 reserved August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (324967).
§ 121.3. Filing of forms.
(a) Forms must be in the format prescribed by the Bureau. All references to forms mean paper forms or an electronic format prescribed by the Bureau.
(b) The Bureau may return forms that are not properly completed or filed. If a form is returned, the Bureau will notify the submitting party as to the reason the form was returned. For a form returned for the first time, the Bureau will preserve the filing date if the submitting party files a corrected version of the form within 14 days of the written notice of the return of the form.
(c) The filing date is the date indicated on the United States Postal Service postmark or postal receipt. If the postmark or postal receipt is absent or unreadable, the filing date is the date of receipt by the Bureau. In all other instances, including electronic filing or hand-delivery, the filing date is the Bureau’s date of receipt.
Source The provisions of this § 121.3 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (324967) to (324968).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 123.901 (relating to Workers’ Compensation Automation and Integration System).
§ 121.3a. Computation of time.
Except as otherwise provided by law, in computing a period of time prescribed or allowed by this chapter, the day of the act, event or default after which the designated period of time begins to run may not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in this Commonwealth, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor a holiday. A part-day holiday shall be considered as other days and not as a holiday. Intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and holidays shall be included in the computation.
Source The provisions of this § 121.3a adopted August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181.
§ 121.3b. Providing workers’ compensation information.
(a) The workers’ compensation information specified in subsection (b) shall be provided to every employee at the time of hire and immediately after the injury, or as soon thereafter as possible under the circumstances of the injury. If the employee’s injuries are so severe that emergency care is required, the information shall be given as soon after the occurrence of the injury as is practicable.
(b) The information shall be entitled ‘‘Workers’ Compensation Information’’ and include the following:
(1) The workers’ compensation law provides wage loss and medical benefits to employees who cannot work, or who need medical care, because of a work-related injury.
(2) Benefits are required to be paid by your employer when self-insured, or through insurance provided by your employer. Your employer is required to post the name of the company responsible for paying workers’ compensation benefits at its primary place of business and at its sites of employment in a prominent and easily accessible place, including, without limitation, areas used for the treatment of injured employees or for the administration of first aid.
(3) You should report immediately any injury or work-related illness to your employer.
(4) Your benefits could be delayed or denied if you do not notify your employer immediately.
(5) If your claim is denied by your employer, you have the right to request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge.
(6) The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation cannot provide legal advice. However, you may contact the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for additional general information at: Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, 1171 South Cameron Street, Room 103, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104-2501; telephone number within Pennsylvania (800) 482-2383; telephone number outside of this Commonwealth (717) 772-4447; TTY (800) 362-4228 (for hearing and speech impaired only); www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: workers comp.
(c) The information specified in subsection (b) must be printed on paper no smaller than 8 1/2 x 11 inches and in font no smaller than 11 point.
Source The provisions of this § 121.3b adopted August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181.
§ 121.4. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.4 reserved August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (324968).
§ 121.5. Reporting injuries to the Bureau.
(a) The employer shall file a first report of injury as follows:
(1) Within 48 hours for every injury resulting in death.
(2) Within 7 days after the date disability begins for all other injuries covered by section 438 of the act (77 P. S. § 994).
(3) If there is no disability, a copy of the report should not be sent to the Department.
(b) The employer shall send a copy of the first report of injury to the employee simultaneously with filing it with the Bureau.
(c) A disability that requires a first report of injury is defined as an injury only resulting in death or disability continuing the entire day, shift or turn, or longer, in which the injury was received.
Source The provisions of this § 121.5 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (324968).
§ 121.6. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.6 reserved August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (324968) and (255593).
§ 121.7. Notice of compensation payable.
(a) If an employer files a Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, the employer shall do all of the following simultaneously and no later than 21 days from the date the employer had notice or knowledge of the disability:
(1) Send the Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, to the employee or the employee’s dependent.
(2) Pay compensation to the employee or to the employee’s dependent.
(3) File the Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, with the Bureau.
(b) A Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A, or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, shall be filed with every Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, except a Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A, or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, may not be filed with either of the following:
(1) An estimated Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, filed under subsection (c).
(2) A Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, filed under subsection (e).
(c) The employer may file a Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, based upon the employee’s estimated wages if the employer has not obtained the wages necessary to properly calculate the employee’s compensation payable. The estimated Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Estimated.’’
(d) If the estimated wages or compensation is not correct, the employer shall amend the estimated Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, upon receipt of the employee’s actual wages in one of the following ways:
(1) Amendments resulting in an increase in the employee’s wage or compensation shall be filed with the Bureau under § 121.12 (relating to Bureau review of agreements and notices of compensation payable), and shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Amended’’ and may have only the insurer’s signature.
(2) The employer shall file a Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, under § 121.17 (relating to change in compensation) when there are changes resulting in a decrease in the employee’s wage or compensation.
(e) In medical only cases, when an employee’s injury has not resulted in lost time from work, an employer may file a Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495.
Source The provisions of this § 121.7 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately prececding text appears at serial page (255593).
§ 121.7a. Notice of temporary compensation payable.
(a) If an employer files a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, the employer shall do all of the following simultaneously and no later than 21 days from the date the employer had notice or knowledge of the disability:
(1) Send the Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, to the employee or the employee’s dependent.
(2) Pay compensation to the employee or to the employee’s dependent.
(3) File the Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, with the Bureau.
(b) A Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, shall be filed with every Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, except a Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, may not be filed with a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, filed under subsection (d).
(c) To modify a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, an employer shall file an amended Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, with the Bureau during the 90-day temporary compensation payable period. The amended Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Amended’’ and may have only the insurer’s signature.
(1) A Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A, or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, shall be filed with every amended Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501.
(2) This section does not apply upon conversion of the Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501, to a Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495.
(d) In medical only cases, when an employee’s injury has not resulted in lost time from work, an employer may file a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-501.
Source The provisions of this § 121.7a adopted August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181.
Cross References This section cited in § 121.17 (relating to change in compensation).
§ 121.8. Agreements for compensation for disability or permanent injury.
(a) An Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336, shall be completed before being signed by the employer and the employee. If the employer and the employee enter into an agreement, the employer shall do all of the following simultaneously and not later than 21 days from the date the employer had notice or knowledge of the disability:
(1) Send the fully-executed agreement to the employee.
(2) Pay compensation to the employee.
(3) File the agreement with the Bureau.
(b) A Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A, or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, shall be filed with every Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336.
(c) If the employer has not obtained the wages necessary to properly calculate the employee’s compensation payable, an Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336, based upon the employee’s estimated wages may be filed. The estimated Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336, shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Estimated.’’
(d) If the estimated wages or compensation is not correct, the employer shall amend the estimated Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336, upon receipt of the employee’s actual wages.
(1) Amendments resulting in an increase in the employee’s wage or compensation shall be filed with the Bureau under § 121.12 (relating to Bureau review of agreements and notices of compensation payable), and shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Amended.’’
(2) The employer shall file a Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, under § 121.17 (relating to change in compensation) when there are changes resulting in a decrease in the employee’s wage or compensation.
Source The provisions of this § 121.8 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255593).
§ 121.9. Agreements for compensation for death.
(a) If a compensable injury results in death, an Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, shall be executed between an employer and the deceased’s dependents or personal representative and filed with the Bureau. An Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, shall be completed before being signed by an employer and a deceased’s dependents or personal representative.
(b) A Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A, or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, shall be filed with every Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338.
(c) If death results from the injury, compensation payments to the dependents for the death benefit shall begin from the date of the employee’s death.
(d) If the employer has not obtained the wages necessary to properly calculate the employee’s compensation payable, an Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, based on the employee’s estimated wages may be filed. The estimated Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Estimated.’’
(e) If the estimated wages or compensation is not correct, the employer shall amend the estimated Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, upon receipt of the employee’s actual wages.
(1) Amendments resulting in an increase in the employee’s wage or dependent’s compensation shall be filed with the Bureau under § 121.12 (relating to Bureau review of agreements and notices of compensation payable), and shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Amended.’’
(2) The employer shall file a Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, under § 121.17 (relating to change in compensation) when there are changes resulting in a decrease in the employee’s wage or compensation.
Source The provisions of this § 121.9 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255593).
§ 121.10. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.10 reserved August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255594).
§ 121.11. Supplemental agreements for compensation for death.
(a) A Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-339, may be used to change an Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, or an award. A Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-339, shall be completed before being signed by an employer and a deceased’s dependents or personal representative.
(b) An Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, shall be changed for any of the following reasons:
(1) Birth of a posthumous child.
(2) A change in dependent’s status, including death.
(3) A surviving spouse dies, remarries or becomes capable of self-support and any dependent children remain eligible for benefits.
(c) The Bureau will presume that the surviving parent is guardian for purposes of receiving compensation under the act.
(d) The completed Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-339, shall be sent to all of the deceased’s dependents or their personal representative and filed with the Bureau.
Source The provisions of this § 121.11 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255594).
§ 121.12. Bureau review of agreements and notices of compensation payable.
(a) Errors in computing wages shall be corrected by filing an amended version of the agreement or Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, with the Bureau if correction of errors would increase the employee’s wage or compensation.
(1) The amended agreement or Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, shall be clearly identified as ‘‘Amended.’’
(2) A Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494A, or Statement of Wages, Form LIBC-494C, shall be filed with every amended agreement or Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495.
(b) The employer shall file a Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, under § 121.17 (relating to change in compensation) when there are changes resulting in a decrease in the employee’s wage or compensation.
Source The provisions of this § 121.12 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255594).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 121.8 (relating to agreements for compensation for disability or permanent injury; and 34 Pa. Code § 121.9 (relating to agreements for compensation for death).
§ 121.13. Denial of compensation.
If compensation is controverted, a Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial, Form LIBC-496, shall be sent to the employee or dependent and filed with the Bureau, fully stating the grounds upon which the right to compensation is controverted, within 21 days after notice or knowledge to the employer of the employee’s disability or death.
Source The provisions of this § 121.13 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255594) and (305087).
Notes of Decisions Accrual
The employer’s notice of compensation denial was not merely 6 days late, but rather 21 days late, since the operative date is not the date written on the LIBC-496 form, but rather the date on which the employer sent the form to the claimant; a plain reading of this regulation indicates that an employer has not ‘‘submitted’’ a notice of compensation denial until it is mailed, or the employer has otherwise dispatched the LIBC-496 form to the claimant. Lemon v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Mercy Nursing Connections), 742 A.2d 223 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1999); appeal denied 753 A.2d 822 (Pa. 2000).
Estoppel
Where employer failed to file a Notice of Workmen’s Compensation Denial within 21 days after notice of the employe’s disability (as required by this section) and began making compensation payments, it was estopped to disavow its acceptance of liability. Mosgo v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Tri-Area Beverage, Inc.), 480 A.2d 1285 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1984).
Reasonable Contest
Where the only evidence supporting employer’s claim of reasonable contest was testimony of doctor who examined claimant after hearings had begun and several months after the employer had denied compensation benefits, there was no basis to reverse Board’s determination that employer’s contest was not reasonable. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (White), 500 A.2d 494 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1985).
§ 121.14. Weekly wage for occupational disease cases.
For cases involving occupational diseases under the act, the weekly wage will be determined in accordance with section 309 of the act (77 P. S. § 582), and a claimant’s compensation rate shall be subject to the maximum compensation payable rate in effect at the date of last exposure.
Source The provisions of this § 121.14 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (305087).
Notes of Decisions Date of Exposure
For purposes of calculating benefits in occupational disease cases, the date of injury is the date of last exposure. Fisk v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (General Electric), 633 A.2d 1305 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1993).
§ 121.15. Compensation payable.
(a) In computing the time when the disability becomes compensable, the day the injured employee is unable to continue at work by reason of the injury shall be counted as the first day of disability in the 7 day waiting period. If the injured employee is paid full wages for the day, shift or turn on which the injury occurred, the following day shall be counted as the first day of disability. In determining the waiting period or time during which compensation is payable, each calendar day, including Sundays and holidays, shall be counted. In determining the period of disability, seven should be used as a divisor to determine the number, and any part, of the weeks.
(b) If death results from the injury, compensation payments to the dependents for death benefits shall begin from the date of the employee’s death.
(c) If death results more than 7 days after the injury, compensation payments covering the disability period should be paid as set forth in this chapter, and compensation payments because of death due to the injury shall start from the date of death.
(d) Compensation due to the date of death shall be paid to the nearest of kin, or in the absence of same, to the estate.
Source The provisions of this § 121.15 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (305087) to (305088).
Notes of Decisions Date of Fatal Injury
In modifying an award to the decedent’s dependent mother and sister, the court noted that 34 Pa. Code § 121.15 requires compensation to be paid from the date of the fatal injury. Broadwood Chuckwagon v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Stovall), 459 A.2d 1355 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983); appeal after remand 535 A.2d 272 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1987).
Injury
Occupational disease is included within the term injury. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (West), 437 A.2d 771 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1981).
Modification of Benefits
For employer to prevail in seeking a modification of workers’ compensation benefits, employer must establish that (1) an offer was made to claimant that a specific job is available which the claimant is capable of performing, or (2) establish ‘‘earning power’’ through expert opinion evidence, including job listings with employment agencies and advertisements in claimant’s usual area of employment. Allied Products v. W.C.A.B. (Click), 823 A.2d 284, 287 (Pa.Cmwlth. 2003).
§ 121.16. Updating claims status.
(a) The following paragraphs apply to the Annual Claims Status Report, Form LIBC-774:
(1) The Bureau will provide the Annual Claims Status Report, Form LIBC-774, to an insurer each year before March 1.
(2) The insurer shall file a completed Annual Claims Status Report, Form LIBC-774, including any attachment required to support the data reported, to the Bureau each year before June 1.
(3) If an insurance carrier fails to file the completed report, the Bureau may recommend that the Insurance Commissioner revoke or suspend the insurance carrier’s license under section 441(a) of the act (77 P. S. § 997(a)).
(4) If a self-insured employer fails to timely file the completed report, the Secretary of the Department may revoke or suspend the self-insured employer’s privilege to carry its own risk under section 441(b) of the act.
(5) The Annual Claims Status Report must contain a list of all open claims which were initiated by the filing of a Bureau document other than a first report of injury, more than 3 calendar years before the calendar year in which the report is filed and on which no activity was reported to the Bureau during the calendar year immediately before the report year.
(6) Only open claims which were initiated with the Bureau during calendar year 2004 and thereafter may be listed in the Annual Claims Status Report.
(b) A Final Statement of Account of Compensation Paid, Form LIBC-392A, shall be filed with the Bureau immediately after the final payment of compensation.
Source The provisions of this § 121.16 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (305088) to (305089).
§ 121.17. Change in compensation.
(a) If an injured employee has recovered from an injury, or a deceased employee’s dependent or personal representative is no longer eligible to receive death benefits, an Agreement to Stop Weekly Workers’ Compensation Payments (Final Receipt), Form LIBC-340, may be executed by the parties. The executed agreement shall be filed with the Bureau.
(b) Termination, suspension, modification or other change in compensation may be accomplished by filing with the Bureau a Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337. A Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, may be used to change an Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336, a Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, an Agreement for Compensation for Death, Form LIBC-338, a Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495, or an award. A Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, shall be completed before being signed by the employer and the employee. The completed Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, shall be sent to the employee or his dependents and filed with the Bureau.
(c) A suspension or modification of compensation may be accomplished by the employer mailing a Notification of Suspension or Modification Pursuant to § § 413 (c) and (d), Form LIBC-751, to the Bureau and the employee. The wage calculation on the Notification of Suspension or Modification Pursuant to § § 413 (c) and (d), Form LIBC-751, shall be completed for a modification.
(d) If temporary payments made under § 121.7a (relating to notice of temporary compensation payable) are stopped, the employer shall file one of the following:
(1) A Notice Stopping Temporary Compensation, Form LIBC-502, and a Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial, Form LIBC-496, within 5 days of the last payment and within the 90-day temporary compensation payable period.
(2) A Notice of Compensation Payable, Form LIBC-495.
(3) An Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-336.
(e) The employer may not file a Notification of Suspension or Modification Pursuant to § § 413 (c) and (d), Form LIBC-751, to stop temporary payments made under § 121.7a.
(f) If termination, suspension or modification of compensation cannot be achieved through subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d), the employer may file a Petition To: Terminate (stop payment of worker’s compensation), Terminate (based upon physician’s affidavit, a special supersedeas hearing to be scheduled), Modify or Suspend Compensation Benefits, Form LIBC-378.
Source The provisions of this § 121.17 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (305089) to (305090).
Notes of Decisions Criminal Conduct
Claimant’s criminal conduct which resulted in her termination from a modified-duty position shifted the burden to claimant to show a worsening of her medical condition to the point she no longer could have performed the modified-duty. Saint Luke’s Hospital v. W.C.A.B. (Ingle), 823 A.2d 277 (Pa.Cmwlth. 2003). Since claimant made no such showing, her petitiion for reinstatement of total disability benefits should have been denied. Id. at 283.
Discharge Unrelated to Work Injuries
Claimant not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits since he was discharged from his employment due to his involvement in a fatal vehicle accident, and not for reasons related to his work injuries. Hurst v. Workers’ Compensation Appeall Board (Preston Trucking Co.), 823 A.2d 1052, 1061 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2003).
Insurer’s Duty
An insurer has an affirmative duty to know that the requirements for a final receipt have been met in order for the receipt to be lawfully prepared and presented to the claimant. Where the insurer has no basis to conclude that a claimant is fully recovered—only that the claimant can return to work without restrictions—presentation to the claimant of a final receipt constitutes fraud sufficient to set aside the final receipt. Cooney v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (St. Joseph’s Center), 776 A.2d 1046 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2001).
Meretricious Relationship
To establish basis for termination of workers’ compensation benefits on ground that widow or widower entered into meretricious relationship, employer must establish more than just cohabitation with another person; employer has burden of establishing, through direct evidence, existence of carnal relationship. Anthony v. W.C.A.B. (Anderson Box Co., Inc.), 823 A.2d 1046, 1050-51 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2003); appeal dismissed 854 A.2d 424 (Pa. 2004).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 121.8 (relating to agreements for compensation for disability or permanent injury); 34 Pa. Code § 121.9 (relating to agreements for compensation for death); and 34 Pa. Code § 121.12 (relating to bureau review of agreements and notices of compensation payable).
§ 121.18. Subrogation.
(a) If an employee obtains a third-party recovery under section 319 of the act (77 P. S. § 671), a Third Party Settlement Agreement, Form LIBC-380, shall be executed by the parties.
(b) If credit is requested against future compensation payable, a Supplemental Agreement for Compensation for Disability or Permanent Injury, Form LIBC-337, may also be filed with the Bureau, including the amount and periodic method of pro rata reimbursement of attorney fees and expenses.
Source The provisions of this § 121.18 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (305090) to (305091).
Notes of Decisions Determination
Where there is no opportunity for the Fund to participate or be heard, an agreement of parties other than the Fund will not be a determination, but only an agreement on which to base a claim, under § 121.18. Bureau of Worker’s Compensation v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Insurance Company of North America), 516 A.2d 1318 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1986).
Gross Method
It is well settled that the ‘‘gross method’’ and not the ‘‘net method’’ is the accepted means of calculating payments under employer’s subrogation interest. Mrkich v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Allegheny Youth and Children’s Services), 801 A.2d 668 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2002).
It is well settled that the ‘‘gross method’’ and not the ‘‘net method’’ is the accepted means of calculating payments under employer’s subrogation interest. Budd Co. v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Settembrini), 798 A.2d 866 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2002).
Party
The Department of Labor and Industry cannot be deemed to be a party to an agreement to terminate proceedings before a referee or on notice of the agreement merely by complying with its regulations and therefore the Commonwealth is not bound by the determination or by the appeal time limit. Bureau of Worker’s Compensation v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Insurance Company of North America), 516 A.2d 1318 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1986).
§ 121.19. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.19 amended through July 3, 1980, effective August 4, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 2876; reserved October 13, 1995, effective October 14, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 4449. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (200476) to (200479).
§ 121.20. Commutation of compensation under section 412 of the act (77 P. S. § 791).
Commutation under section 412 of the act (77 P. S. § 791) shall only be allowed for the final 52-week period or less. The commutation amount may not be paid in installments. A Commutation of Compensation, Form LIBC-498, shall be filed with the Bureau.
Source The provisions of this § 121.20 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (305091).
Notes of Decisions Commutation Payments
It is a violation of Section 412 of the Pennsylvania Workmen’s Compensation Act and 34 Pa. Code § 121.20 to make commutation payments of more than 25 weeks without Department approval and the case would be remanded to the Board for determination of the question of the penalty since the Board could have imposed a penalty if it had been proceeding on the basis that there was a violation as a matter of law. Department of Labor and Industry v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Taylor Lock Co.), 410 A.2d 1325 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1980).
§ 121.21. Reimbursement for silicosis, anthraco-silicosis or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.
(a) Claims for compensation for silicosis, anthraco-silicosis or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis as defined in section 108(q) of the act (77 P. S. § 27.1(q)), for disability or death, when the date of disability commences or death occurs between July 1, 1973, and June 30, 1976, inclusive, and when the liable employer is seeking to offset part of its liability under section 305.1 of the act (77 P. S. § 411.1), shall be instituted by filing a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation, Form LIBC-362, with the Bureau.
(b) Unless stayed by a supersedeas on appeal, following the issuance of an award by the workers’ compensation judge, the Board or the appellate court, compensation payments for silicosis, anthracosilicosis or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis shall be made in full by the insurer. If the insurer seeks reimbursement from the Bureau under section 305.1 of the act, it shall submit the following to the Bureau:
(1) A notarized statement, signed by an officer of the company, containing an itemized list of payments made to all claimants for quarterly reimbursement. Each itemized entry must contain the claimant’s name, address, Social Security number and the total amount paid to the claimant. Each itemized list shall be made for a full and exact calendar quarter: that is, January 1 through March 31; April 1 through June 30; July 1 through September 30; or October 1 through December 31. Each list must have two categories: recurring quarterly reimbursement and initial payment made to each claimant, which payment should include the current reimbursable quarter. Each list submitted must be in roster form and in numerical order according to the claimant’s Social Security number, contain the claimant’s name and Social Security number, cover the amount to be reimbursed and the total amount paid to the claimant, and be reported to the Bureau.
(2) Each bill containing the itemized entries shall be submitted to the Bureau no later than the 15th day of the month following the end of the calendar quarter for which reimbursement is sought. A bill received after that date will not be considered for payment until the end of the following quarter.
(c) For auditing purposes, an insurer shall keep records for 3 years from the date of each payment made under this section. The records shall be made available for inspection by the Bureau during normal business hours.
(d) If the Bureau believes that the insurer primarily liable for compensation under the act has failed to make a payment under the act and this section, the Bureau may pay compensation directly to the claimant, for the portion of the compensation which is payable by the Commonwealth under section 305.1 of the act until the insurer resumes payment of compensation. The Bureau is not required to initiate direct payments to a claimant when the insurer is making full payment of the compensation but is not seeking reimbursement under this section.
Source The provisions of this § 121.21 amended through November 4, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 3262; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (305091) to (305092) and (255599).
§ 121.22. Subsequent injury fund.
(a) Compensation for a subsequent injury, as defined in section 306.1 of the act (77 P. S. § 516) shall be paid as follows:
(1) The employer is responsible for payments due for specific loss under section 306(c) of the act (77 P. S. § 513).
(2) Upon expiration of the specific loss period, the Bureau will be responsible for additional compensation due for the duration of total disability. The fund established under section 306.2 of the act (77 P. S. § 517), from which these payments are to be made, shall be maintained as follows:
(i) Self-insured employers shall pay assessments in amounts determined by the following:
Amount of Compensation Paid by a Self-insured Employer During the The Amount Expended Preceding Calendar Year from the Subsequent x Injury Fund during the Total Amount of Preceding Calendar Year Compensation Paid by All Insurers During the Preceding Calendar Year (ii) The amount expended from the Subsequent Injury Fund during the preceding calendar year, minus the total amount owed by all self-insured employers, as calculated under subparagraph (i), shall equal the aggregate amount to be collected by insurance carriers.
(b) Insurance carriers shall remit to the Bureau assessment amounts as follows:
Amount of Earned Premium as Reported to the Insurance Department, by an Insurance Carrier for the Preceding Calendar Year Aggregate Amount to be x Collected by Insurance Total Amount of Earned Carriers Premium Reported to the Insurance Department by all Insurance Carriers for the Preceding Calendar Year (c) If the amount of earned premium as reported to the Insurance Department, by an insurance carrier, for the preceding calendar year is less than zero, the Bureau will calculate the assessment amount as though an earned premium amount of zero were reported to the Insurance Department.
(d) Insured employers shall remit assessment amounts through their insurance carriers, according to procedures defined by the approved rating organization and approved by the Insurance Commissioner.
(e) Self-insured employers and runoff self-insurers shall pay assessments directly to the Bureau.
(f) The claimant shall file a Claim Petition for Additional Compensation from the Subsequent Injury Fund Pursuant to Section 306.1 of the Workers’ Compensation Act, Form LIBC-375, as provided in section 315 of the act (77 P. S. § 602) or the claim will be forever barred.
Authority The provisions of this § 121.22 amended under sections 2205 and 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § § 565 and 578); and sections 401.1 and 435(a) of the Pennsylvania Worker’s Compensation Act (71 P. S. § § 710 and 991(a)).
Source The provisions of this § 121.22 amended May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255599) to (255600).
§ 121.23. Supersedeas fund.
(a) Annual assessments under section 443 of the act (77 P. S. § 999) shall be in amounts determined by the following:
(1) Self-insured employers shall pay assessments in amounts determined by the following:
Amount of Compensation Paid by a Self-insured Employer During the The Amount of Supersedeas Preceding Calendar Year Payments Made or Accrued x as Payable during the Total Amount of Preceding Calendar Year Compensation Paid by All Insurers During the Preceding Calendar Year (2) The amount of supersedeas payments made or accrued as payable during the preceding year, minus the total amount owed by all self-insured employers, as calculated under paragraph (1), shall equal the aggregate amount to be collected by insurance carriers.
(3) Insurance carriers shall remit to the Bureau assessment amounts as follows:
Amount of Earned Premium as Reported to the Insurance Department, by an Insurance Carrier for the Preceding Calendar Year Aggregate Amount to be x Collected by Insurance Total Amount of Earned Carriers Premium Reported to the Insurance Department by all Insurance Carriers for the Preceding Calendar Year (b) If the amount of earned premium as reported to the Insurance Department, by an insurance carrier, for the preceding calendar year is less than zero, the Bureau will calculate the assessment amount as though an earned premium amount of zero were reported to the Insurance Department.
(c) Insured employers shall remit assessment amounts through their insurance carriers, according to procedures defined by the approved rating organization and approved by the Insurance Commissioner.
(d) Self-insured employers and runoff self-insurers shall pay assessments directly to the Bureau.
(e) Applications for reimbursement shall be filed directly with the Bureau on an Application for Supersedeas Fund Reimbursement, Form LIBC-662. Applications will be processed administratively to determine whether the parties can agree on the payment or amount of reimbursement. If the payment or amount of reimbursement cannot be agreed upon, the matter will be assigned to a workers’ compensation judge for a formal hearing and adjudication.
Authority The provisions of this § 121.23 amended under section 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 578).
Source The provisions of this § 121.23 amended October 31, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2889; amended May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (325895) to (325896).
§ 121.24. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.24 adopted October 25, 1974, effective October 26, 1974, 4 Pa.B. 2285; reserved August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (325896) to (325897).
Notes of Decisions Attorney’s Fee
The Workers’ Compensation Act and regulations empower and require the Workers’ Compensation Judge to examine the nature of the workers’ compensation legal work performed and, in particular, the level of difficulty and time requirements, to determine a reasonable attorney fee. Hendricks v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Phoenix Pipe and Tube), 909 A.2d 445, 457—458 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006).
While the regulations impose a duty upon a Worker’s Compensation Judge and the Worker’s Compensation Appeal Board to obtain from a claimant’s attorney necessary documentation prior to determining the amount of attorney’s fees to be awarded, there is no procedure provided to ensure that the facts underlying the claim for attorney’s fees are included in the record. Ramich v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Schatz Electric, Inc.), 770 A.2d 318 (Pa. 2001).
When an employer appeals an award of counsel fees under section 440 of the act it may be proper to award additional counsel fees to the claimant’s attorney, since the cost of defending that appeal will come out of the claimant’s pocket. Allums v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Westinghouse Elec. Corp.), 532 A.2d 549 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1987).
Constitutionality; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies
Appeal by law firm which challenged the constitutionality of the statutes and regulations governing fees in workers’ compensation cases was dismissed for failure to exhaust administrative remedies. Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. v. Butler, 785 A.2d 1092 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2001); order affirmed 811 A.2d 974 (Pa. 2002).
§ 121.25. Issuance of compensation payments.
Compensation payments shall be issued according to the following:
(1) Unless the claimant and the employer have executed an Authorization for Alternative Delivery of Compensation Payments, Form LIBC-10, or unless payment is otherwise ordered by a workers’ compensation judge, the Board or any court, a claimant’s payment for workers’ compensation or occupational disease compensation shall be mailed by first-class mail to the claimant’s last known address, and may not be made payable to, or delivered to, an attorney unless the attorney is the administrator or executor of the claimant’s estate, a court-appointed trustee, a court-appointed guardian or acting in some other fiduciary capacity.
(2) Notice of the first payment to a claimant shall be sent to counsel of record by the insurer or self-insured employer.
(3) If a workers’ compensation judge or the Board approves attorneys’ fees and costs, a payment for fees and costs, separate from a compensation payment, shall be made payable, and issued, to the claimant’s attorney.
(4) An employer may not require a claimant to appear at a specific place to receive compensation payments.
Source The provisions of this § 121.25 adopted October 25, 1974, effective October 26, 1974, 4 Pa.B. 2285; amended June 1, 1979, effective June 2, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1757; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (325897) to (325898) and (255603).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 121.31 (relating to timely delivery of workmen’s compensation checks).
§ 121.26. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.26 adopted February 14, 1975, effective February 15, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 284; reserved August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255603) to (255604).
§ 121.27. Orders to show cause.
(a) The Department may serve an order to show cause on a respondent for an alleged violation of the act or regulations contained in this part. The order to show cause will contain the particulars of the alleged violation and the procedures for filing an answer under subsection (b).
(b) A written answer to the order to show cause may be filed no later than 20 days after the date that the order to show cause is served on the respondent. The answer must admit or deny the allegations in the order to show cause and state respondent’s defense. General denials that are unsupported by specific facts will not comply with this section and may be deemed a basis for entry of a final order because the respondent has raised no issues requiring further proceedings. The facts in the order to show cause may be deemed admitted if a respondent fails to file a timely answer under this subsection.
(c) The Director of Adjudication will assign the order to show cause to a presiding officer who will schedule a hearing. The presiding officer will provide notice to the parties of the hearing date, time and place.
(d) The hearing will be conducted under this section and 1 Pa. Code Part II (relating to General Rules of Administrative Practice and Procedure) to the extent not specifically superseded in subsection (h). The presiding officer will not be bound by strict rules of evidence.
(e) Hearings will be stenographically recorded and the transcript of the proceedings will be part of the record.
(f) If the respondent fails to appear in person or by counsel at the scheduled hearing without adequate excuse, the presiding officer will decide the matter on the basis of the order to show cause and evidence presented.
(g) The Department has the burden to demonstrate, upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the respondent failed to comply with the act or regulations in this part.
(h) This section supersedes 1 Pa. Code § § 35.14, 35.37, 35.131, 35.201 and 35.221.
Source The provisions of this § 121.27 adopted April 25, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 979; amended July 3, 1980, effective July 5, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 2878; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255604) to (255606) and (259559).
Notes of Decisions Exclusiveness
The procedures provided for in this 34 Pa. Code § 121.27(c) and (d) (relating to pre-petition terminations; violations of section 413(b) of the Workers’ Compensation Act) are the exclusive procedures to be followed in dealing with an alleged violation of Section 413(b) of the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Commonwealth v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Moskal), 392 A.2d 906 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1978).
Timeliness
The Department of Labor and Industry is bound by the time requirements of 34 Pa. Code § 121.27 (relating to pre-petition terminations; violations of section 413(b) of the Workers’ Compensation Act) when it undertakes proceedings against an employer for alleged noncompliance with section 413 of the Workers’ Compensation Act. Commonwealth v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Moskal), 392 A.2d 906 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1978).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 125.19 (relating to additional powers of Bureau and orders to show cause).
§ 121.27a. Bureau intervention and penalties.
(a) If the workers’ compensation judge determines that penalties resulting from an alleged violation of the act or regulations in this part may be imposed on a party under section 435 of the act (77 P. S. § 991), the workers’ compensation judge may notify the Bureau in writing within 20 days of the notice of the alleged violation.
(b) The workers’ compensation judge will include a description of the nature of the alleged violation in the notice and will provide the Bureau with an opportunity to participate in the proceeding as an intervening party. The workers’ compensation judge simultaneously will provide a copy of the notification to all parties.
(c) Within 20 days after receipt of the notice, the Bureau will notify the workers’ compensation judge and the parties of its decision to participate in the proceeding or to allow the proceeding to continue without intervention. If the Bureau fails to respond to the notification within 20 days, the Bureau will not have intervened. By not intervening before the workers’ compensation judge, the Bureau has not waived its right to intervene in a different forum or following additional notice from the workers’ compensation judge in the same proceeding.
(d) Nothing in this section may be construed to require the Bureau to intervene in any matter or to restrain a workers’ compensation judge from notifying the Bureau of a further alleged violation of the act or regulations in a case.
(e) This section supplements § § 131.121 and 131.122 (relating to penalty proceedings initiated by a party; and other penalty proceedings).
Source The provisions of this § 121.27a adopted August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181.
§ 121.28. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.28 adopted August 1, 1975, effective August 2, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 1975; reserved August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (259559).
Notes of Decisions Oral Supersedeas
The referee’s oral supersedeas to an employer’s request for termination of benefits, which was obtained ex parte as a result of the employer listing the wrong address of the claimant thus precluding the claimant of any knowledge of the hearing, clearly violated due process. Penn Window and Office Cleaning Company v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Pearsall), 550 A.2d 610 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1988).
Timeliness
A two month delay in scheduling a hearing after a request for supersedeas is a violation of 34 Pa. Code § 121.28 and 77 P. S. § § 774 and 802. Westmoreland Casualty Company v. Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board, 379 A.2d 1080 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1977).
§ 121.29. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 121.29 amended through May 4, 1979, effective May 5, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1669; reserved November 10, 1995, effective November 11, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 4873. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (201133) to (201134).
§ 121.30. Section 306(h) payments (77 P. S. § 583).
(a) Under section 306(h) of the act (77 P. S. § 583), insurers shall submit a listing of all pre-August 31, 1993 cases on which compensation is still payable under sections 306(a), 306(23) or 307 of the act (77 P. S. § § 511, 513(23), 561, 562 and 542), in an amount less than $100 per week on January 1, 2007. This listing must contain the following particulars:
(1) Bureau code.
(2) Name of claimant.
(3) Social Security number.
(4) Claimant’s date of birth.
(5) Date of injury.
(6) Name of employer.
(7) Insurer claim number.
(8) Current weekly compensation rate.
(b) If the insurer seeks reimbursement from the Bureau under section 306(h) of the act, it shall submit the following to the Bureau on a quarterly basis: a notarized statement, signed by an officer of the company, containing an itemized list of payments made to all claimants, submitted no later than the 10th day of the month following the quarter for which advance reimbursement payments have been made. Each itemized entry must contain the following information: the claimant’s name, Social Security number and the total amount paid each claimant per quarter.
(c) Changes in a payment schedule to an individual shall be reported to the Bureau within 10 days of the change. The Bureau will take credit in the following reimbursable quarter for an overpayment caused by change in a payment schedule.
(d) For auditing purposes, every insurer shall keep records for 3 years from the date of each payment made under this section. The records will be made available for inspection by the Bureau during normal business hours.
(e) If the Bureau believes that the insurer primarily liable for compensation under the act has failed to make a payment under the act and this section, the Bureau may pay compensation directly to the claimant, for the portion of the compensation which is payable by the Commonwealth under section 306(h) of the act until the insurer resumes payment of compensation. The Bureau is not required to initiate direct payments to a claimant when the insurer is making full payment of the compensation but is not seeking reimbursement under this section.
Source The provisions of this § 121.30 amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (259560).
§ 121.31. Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund.
(a) Annual assessments on self-insured employers, under section 446(b) of the act (77 P. S. § 1000.2(b)), shall be in amounts determined by the following:
Amount of Compensation Paid by a Self-insured Employer during the The Approved Budget Preceding Calendar Year of the Workmen’s x Compensation Total Amount of Administration Fund Compensation Paid by All for the Current Insurers During the Fiscal Year Preceding Calendar Year (b) The approved budget of the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund for the current fiscal year, minus the total amount owed by all self-insured employers, as calculated under subsection (a), shall equal the aggregate amount to be collected by insurance carriers.
(c) Insurance carriers shall remit to the Bureau assessment amounts as follows:
Amount of Earned Premium as Reported to the Insurance Department, by an Insurance Carrier for the Preceding Calendar Year Aggregate Amount to be x Collected by Insurance Total Amount of Earned Carriers Premium Reported to the Insurance Department by all Insurance Carriers for the Preceding Calendar Year (d) If the amount of earned premium as reported to the Insurance Department, by an insurance carrier, for the preceding calendar year is less than zero, the Bureau will calculate the assessment amount as though an earned premium amount of zero were reported to the Insurance Department.
(e) Insured employers shall remit assessment amounts through their insurance carriers, according to procedures defined by the approved rating organization and approved by the Insurance Commissioner.
(f) Self-insured employers and runoff self-insurers shall pay assessments directly to the Bureau.
Authority The provisions of this § 121.31 issued under section 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 578).
Source The provisions of this § 121.31 adopted May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (259560) and (255609).
§ 121.32. Office of Small Business Advocate.
(a) The Bureau may collect annual assessments imposed on insurance carriers, but not on self-insured employers or runoff self-insurers, for the purpose of funding the Office of Small Business Advocate in accordance with section 1303 of the act (77 P. S. § 1041.3). Insurance carriers shall be directly liable to the Bureau for prompt payment of assessments for the Office of Small Business Advocate, as provided in the act and this chapter.
(b) Annual assessments under section 1303 of the act shall be in amounts as determined by the following formula:
Amount of Compensation Paid by an Insurance Carrier, but not a Self-insured Employer or Runoff Self-insurer, During the Preceding Calendar Year The Approved Budget of x the Office of Small Total Amount of Business Advocate for Compensation the Current Fiscal Year Paid by All Insurance Carriers, but not Self-insured Employers or Runoff Self-insurers, During the Preceding Year
Authority The provisions of this § 121.32 issued under section 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 578).
Source The provisions of this § 121.32 adopted May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255609) to (255610).
§ 121.33. Collection of special funds assessments.
(a) The Bureau will collect assessments for the special funds by calculating the total amount of the following:
(1) What each self-insured employer is liable for paying to the Bureau.
(2) What each insurance carrier is responsible for collecting from insured employers and remitting to the Bureau.
(b) Assessments for the special funds will be imposed, collected and remitted as follows:
(1) The Bureau will transmit to each insurance carrier and self-insured employer a notice of assessment amount to be collected, which will specify the amount calculated under subsection (a) and the date on which the amount is due.
(2) Each self-insured employer shall timely remit to the Bureau the amount calculated under subsection (a)(1).
(3) Each insurance carrier shall collect payment for assessments from insured employers according to the procedures defined by the approved rating organization and approved by the Insurance Commissioner and timely remit payment to the Bureau.
(4) The failure of an insurance carrier to receive payment from an insured employer does not limit an insurance carrier’s responsibility to collect and timely remit to the Bureau the total amount calculated under subsection (a)(2).
Authority The provisions of this § 121.33 issued under section 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 578).
Source The provisions of this § 121.33 adopted May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255610) to (255611).
§ 121.34. Objections to assessments.
(a) A party receiving a notice of assessment amount to be collected from the Bureau may, within 15 days of receipt, object to the assessment reflected in the notice on the basis that it is excessive, erroneous, unlawful or invalid. Insured employers retain all rights provided under section 717 of the act (77 P. S. § 1035.17).
(b) Objections must be set forth in numbered paragraphs, specifically state the facts necessary to determine the validity of the challenged assessment or assessment amount and be accompanied by a supporting memorandum documenting the legal grounds for the objections.
(c) An objection to assessment or assessment amount shall be accompanied by a proof of service as specified in 1 Pa. Code § 33.35 (relating to proof of service) and a notice of appearance as specified in 1 Pa. Code § 31.24 (relating to notice of appearance), and be served on all interested parties as specified in 1 Pa. Code § 33.32 (relating to service by a participant).
(d) An objection not conforming to this section or the act will be rejected by the Bureau. The Bureau will notify the objecting party of the specific reasons for the rejection. The objecting party shall have 30 days to cure any deficiency.
(e) Upon receipt of an objection which conforms to this section and the act, the Department will hold a hearing in accordance with 1 Pa. Code Part II (relating to General Rules of Administrative Practice and Procedure). After the hearing, the Department will record its findings on any objections and will transmit to the objector, by registered or certified mail, notice of the amount, if any, charged against it in accordance with the findings. The amount shall be paid by the objector within 10 days after receipt of the findings. After payment has been made, the objector may initiate an action in the appropriate court to recover the payment of the assessment or any portion thereof. An insurer may not maintain an action to recover payment unless it has previously objected under subsection (a).
Authority The provisions of this § 121.34 issued under section 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 578).
Source The provisions of this § 121.34 adopted May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255611).
§ 121.35. Annual reports of compensation paid.
Every annual report of compensation paid made by an insurer under sections 445 and 446(e) of the act (77 P. S. § § 1000.1 and 1000.2(e)) must include amounts paid by an insurer for which policyholders have agreed to reimburse the insurer under deductible policies issued under section 448 of the act (77 P. S. § 1000.4).
Authority The provisions of this § 121.35 issued under section 2218 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 578); amended under sections 401.1 and 435(a) of the Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P. S. § § 710 and 991(a); and section 2205 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 565).
Source The provisions of this § 121.35 adopted May 14, 1999, effective May 15, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2649; amended August 3, 2007, effective August 4, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4181. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255612).
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