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Employment Relations Accomplishments
- HUMAN RIGHTS BUREAU
- LABOR STANDARDS BUREAU
- SAFETY and HEALTH BUREAU
- WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS ASSISTANCE BUREAU
- WORKERS’ COMPENSATION REGULATION BUREAU
Goal #1: Conduct timely impartial investigations of charges of illegal discrimination under state and federal law.
- Complete case investigations within 120 days for housing charges and 180 days for all other charges in accordance with state statutory time lines.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Completed impartial investigations of charges of illegal discrimination within 180 days of filing the complaint and 120 days in housing complaints.
- Conducted on site interviews or fact-finding conferences in at least 15% of all cases assigned for investigation.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Completed impartial investigations of charges of illegal discrimination within 180 days of filing the complaint and 120 days in housing complaints.
- Conducted on site interviews or fact-finding conferences in at least 15% of all cases assigned for investigation.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Completed impartial investigations of charges of illegal discrimination within 180 days of filing the complaint and 120 days in housing complaints.
- Conducted on site interviews or fact-finding conferences in at least 15% of all cases assigned for investigation.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Impartially investigated complaints of illegal discrimination within 180 days of the filing of the complaint.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- Impartially investigated complaints of illegal discrimination within 180 days of the filing of the complaint.
- Conducted on site interviews or fact-finding conferences in at least 10% of all cases assigned for investigation.
Goal #2: Insure appropriate filing within statutory time lines and jurisdiction of applicable state and federal discrimination statutes.
- Trained staff screen complaint inquiries and when appropriate prepare written complaints within two weeks of all intake interviews.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Responded to 1,585 inquiries to accept 140 charges of illegal discrimination.
- Accepted 140 new complaints while closing 159 cases.
- Maintained administrative closures at 4% or less
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Responded to 5738 inquiries to accept 469 charges of illegal discrimination.
- Accepted 469 new complaints while closing 505 cases.
- Maintained administrative closures at 3.9%.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Responded to 6,065 inquiries to accept 449 charges of illegal discrimination.
- Accepted 449 new complaints, while closing 507 cases.
- Maintained administrative closure rate of case at 4% or less.
Goal # 3: Foster early resolution of charges.
- Provide mediation during the 180 days investigation period, when requested by parties to a case.
- Successfully conciliate 60% of cases certified for hearing.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Successfully mediated 4 cases (3% of cases) filed during investigation period and prior to issuing finding. Successfully mediated 17 cases from July 1, 2006 to October 31, 2006. 24% of all cases successfully mediated in this time period benefited from early mediation.
- Successfully conciliated 9 cases (6%) after a finding of illegal discrimination, but prior to holding a contested case hearing.
- Successfully conciliated 63 cases (45%) after a finding of illegal discrimination, but prior to holding a contested case hearing.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Successfully mediated 85 cases (18% of cases) filed during investigation and prior to issuing finding.
- Successfully conciliated 87 cases (19%) after a finding of illegal discrimination, but prior to holding a contested case hearing.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Successfully mediated 82 cases or 16% of cases filed during investigation and prior to issuing a finding.
- Successfully conciliated 30 cases or 6% after a finding of illegal discrimination but prior to holding a contested case hearing.
- Monitored Final Agency Decisions and Human Rights Commission orders to insure compliance with the affirmative relief ordered to prevent discrimination.
- Provided technical assistance to respondents when requested, to assist in compliance with settlement agreements, Final Agency Decision orders, and Human Rights Commission orders.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- Developed a system to monitor Final Agency Decision and Human Rights Commission orders to insure compliance with affirmative relief ordered.
- Provided technical assistance to respondents, who request it, in order to comply with settlement agreements, Final Agency Decisions and Human Rights Commission orders.
Goal # 4: Provide technical assistance and educational outreach to businesses, advocacy groups and interested citizens.
- Participate in 15 Assistance to Business Clinics during the year.
- Participate in at least 10 other workshops and conferences on disability issues, race relations, discrimination issues in the workplace, education and public accommodations.
- Respond to business rights inquiries from the public within two business days.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Continue to post Montana Human Rights Commission decision and final agency decisions on the Bureau web site.
- Continue to update web site with educational brochures, statistical information and resources.
- Presented 12 workshops or presentations on issues of discrimination.
- Provided assistance to employers in responding to business rights inquiries.
- Continued survey of individuals who have participated in an intake interview to insure quality of screening in accepting cases.
- Provided assistance to employers on developing policies and practices to insure non-discrimination in the workplace.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Continue to post Montana Human Rights Commission decision and final agency decisions on the Bureau web site.
- Continue to update web site with educational brochures, statistical information and resources.
- Presented 20 or more workshops or presentations on issues of discrimination.
- Provided assistance to employers in responding to business rights inquiries.
- Continued survey of individuals who have participated in an intake interview to insure quality of screening in accepting cases.
- Provided assistance to employers on developing policies and practices to insure non-discrimination in the workplace.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Continue to post Montana Human Rights Commission decisions and final agency decisions on the Bureau web site.
- Updated web site with educational brochures, statistical information and resources.
- Added PowerPoint presentation to training web site, which can be downloaded for use in training.
- Presented 39 workshops or presentations on issues of illegal discrimination.
- Trained Workforce Services Business Consultants to present "Workplace Harassment" training to their customers around the state.
- Provided assistance to employers in responding to 240 business rights inquiries.
- Continued survey of individuals who have participated in an intake interview to insure quality of screening in accepting cases.
- Provided assistance to employers on developing policies and practices to insure non-discrimination in the workplace.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Continue to post Montana Human Rights Commission decisions and final agency decisions on the Bureau web site.
- Updated web site with educational brochures, statistical information and resources.
- Added PowerPoint presentation to training web site, which can be downloaded for use in training.
- Presented 39 workshops or presentations on issues of illegal discrimination.
- Trained Workforce Services Business Consultants to present "Workplace Harassment" training to their customers around the state.
- Provided assistance to employers in responding to 240 business rights inquiries.
- Continued survey of individuals who have participated in an intake interview to insure quality of screening in accepting cases.
- Provided assistance to employers on developing policies and practices to insure non-discrimination in the workplace.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Posted the Montana Human Rights Commission decisions from 1996 to present on the Human Rights Bureau web site.
- Conducted periodic surveys of various parties to cases to assess the quality of the service provided by the Human Rights Bureau.
- Provided assistance to employers in complying with the Montana Human Rights Act, which included responding to Business Rights Hot Line calls, conducting workshops on the prevention of discrimination in the workplace at least 4 times yearly throughout the state.
- Provided one-to-one consultation with businessess on developing policies and practices to implement anti-discrimination policies in the work place.
- Provided education and outreach to Montana citizens on their rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Act by disseminating information to advocacy groups to inform them of current issues with regard to the Montana Rights Act. Those groups included: disability rights groups, women’s groups, Native American Centers, child birth classes and obstetrician offices, and senior citizens groups.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- Conducted a customer survey of representative sample of charging parties, respondents and attorneys who have been involved in investigation of a discrimination claim, to assess the satisfaction level and effectiveness of the investigative process.
- Conducted presentations to businesses and associations in small, rural communities in Montana.
Goal #1: Issue initial determinations on wage and hour complaints in a timely and efficient manner.
- Maintain at least a 75% completion and strive for a 76% completion within 55 days of receipt.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- In the first four months of FY 2007 the Wage and Hour Unit issued 80% of its determinations within 55 days of receipt.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- The Wage and Hour Unit issued 86% of its determinations within 55 days of receipt.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- The Wage and Hour Unit issued 78% of its determinations within 55 days of receipt.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- The Wage and Hour Unit issued 77% of its determinations within 55 days of receipt.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- The Wage and Hour Unit issued 78% of its determinations within 55 days of receipt.
Goal #2: Conduct timely dispute resolution and settlement of Wage and Hour complaints.
- Maintain the 4% of cases forwarded to formal hearings processes.
- Resolve at least 70% of the contested cases through mediation prior to hearing.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- In the first four months of FY 2007 there were 15 appeals to hearing of a total of 60 wage and hour cases filed. This represents a 25% rate of appeal.
- In the first four months of FY 2007 the mediation program resolved 36 of the 60 wage and hour cases heard for a 60% settlement rate. Average time from assignment to resolution was 26 days.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- There were 56 appeals to hearings of a total of 933 wage and hour cases for an appeal rate of 6%. Twenty-two of the appeals involved the same employer. If factored out the appeal rate for remaining cases is 4%.
- The mediation program resolved 72% of the 265 cases heard. The average time for case completion was 69 days. The mediation process resolved 127 of the 131 Independent contractor issues and 2 of the 3 work comp related cases.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- There were 82 appeals of a total of 989 wage and hour cases for an appeal rate of 8%. Thirty Seven of the appeals involved the same employer. If factored out the appeal rate for remaining cases is 4%.
- The mediation program resolved 50% of the 151 cases heard. (Again, 37 of the cases involved the same employer. If factored out, the resolution rate for wage appeals is 67%.) The average time for case completion was 42 days in process. The mediation process also resolved 9 of 11 work comp related cases, 35 of 36 independent contractor issues and 5 of 6 prevailing wage cases.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- The mediation program resolved 70% of the 117 cases heard. The average time for case completion was 29 days in process. The case totals include 13 independent contractor central unit cases.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- There were 21 appeals of a total of 969 wage and hour cases for an appeal rate of 2.1%.
- The mediation process has resolved 98 of 115 cases for a resolution rate of 85%. The average time for case completion was 34 days.
Goal #3: Foster alternative dispute resolution methodologies.
- Actively participate in Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) contract mediation and grievance mediation whenever requested.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- In the first four months of FY 2007 staff conducted 15 public sector contract mediations.
- In the first four months of FY 2007 staff conducted, trained, or assisted 1 public sector employer and employee organization in principles of interest based problem resolution and labor management cooperative committees.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Staff conducted 45 public sector contract mediations and 1grievnace mediation.
- Staff conducted, trained, or assisted in 18 public sector employer and employee organizations in principles of interest based problem resolution and labor management cooperative committees.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Staff conducted 53 public sector contract mediations.
- Staff conducted, trained, or assisted 10 public sector employer and employee organizations in principles of interest based problem resolution and labor management cooperative committees.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Staff conducted 47 public sector contract mediations.
- Staff conducted, trained, or assisted 10 public sector employer and employee organizations in principles of interest based problem resolution and labor management cooperative committees.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- Staff conducted 47 public sector contract mediations and 7 grievance mediations.
- Staff conducted, trained, or assisted 12 public sector employer and employee organizations in principles of interest based problem resolution and labor management cooperative committees.
Goal #1: Assist employers in complying with workplace safety and health standards.
- Conduct mandatory inspections of 300 public employers.
- Conduct quarterly inspections on Montana’s six coal mines.
- Provide technical assistance on request to private employers to assist in complying with workplace safety and health through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration grant.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Performed 132 inspections of public employers.
- Performed 15 coal mine inspections.
- Responded to 380 technical assistance requests from public and private employers.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Performed 502 inspections of public employers.
- Performed 34 coal mine inspections.
- Responded to 1,399 technical assistance requests from public and private employers.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Performed 407 mandatory inspections of public employers
- Had 232 On-Site Consultations with private employers
- Conducted 350 training sessions with employers**
- Responded to 1,146 technical assistance requests
- Trained 1,755 employees**
- Inspected 38 coal mines
- Inspected 59 sand and gravel operations
- Trained 1,885 in 103 Mine Safety courses (both new miner & annual refresher)**
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Performed 492 mandatory inspections of public employers
- Had 270 On-Site Consultations with private employers Conducted 211 training sessions with employers
- Responded to 1,383 technical assistance requests
- Trained 1,854 employees
- Inspected 37 coal mines
- Inspected 78 sand and gravel operations
Accomplishments in FY 2003:
- Performed 239 mandatory inspections of public employers
- Had 275 On-Site Consultations with private employers
- Conducted 230 training sessions with employers
- Responded to 1,298 technical assistance requests
- Trained 4,379 employees
- Inspected 38 coal mine
- Inspected 84 sand and gravel operations
Goal #2: Aid in professional development for Montana employers and safety professionals.
- Provide 30 basic and advanced training courses in workplace safety and health through the Montana Occupational Safety and Health Institute.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Provided 7 training courses in workplace safety and health through the Montana Occupational Safety and Health Institute.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Provided 43 training courses in workplace safety and health through the Montana Occupational Safety and Health Institute.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Trained 308 in nine Construction Trenching & Excavation courses
- Trained 37 in four Effective Safety Management Systems courses
- Trained 14 in two Ergonomics courses
- Trained 29 in three Forklift Training courses
- Trained 5 in one Health-Related Issues in Construction & General Industry courses
- Trained 19 in two Indoor Air Quality – mold and other factors courses
- Trained 20 in two OSHA Construction (10-hr) courses
- Trained 64 in three OSHA General Industry (10-hr) courses
- Trained 9 in one OSHA–Permit required confined space entry requirements
- Trained 60 in one Portable Fire Extinguisher course
- Trained 21 in one Scaffolding in construction course
- Trained 90 in five Accident Investigation courses
- Trained 40 in one Fall Protection course
- Trained 18 in two Workplace Inspections – tools & techniques course
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Trained 96 in eight Construction Trenching & Excavation course
- Trained 15 in two Effective Safety Management Systems course
- Trained 23 in three Ergonomics courses
- Trained 104 in six Forklift Training courses
- Trained 18 in two Health-Related Issues in Construction & General Industry courses
- Trained 43 in four Indoor Air Quality – Mold and Other factors courses
- Trained 38 in three OSHA Construction (10-hr) courses
- Trained 144 in eight OSHA General Industry (10-hr) courses
- Trained 183 in six OSHA-Permit confined Space Entry Requirements
- Trained 75 in one Portable Fire Extinguisher Course
- Trained 11 in one Scaffolding/Fall Protection in Construction course
- Trained 5 in one Violence in the Workplace course
- Trained 18 in two Workplace Inspections – Tools and Techniques course
- Trained 1,259 in 126 Mine Safety courses (both New Miner and Annual Refresher)
Accomplishments in FY 2003:
- Trained 40 in three 10-hour OSHA General Industry courses
- Trained 36 in two 10-hour OSHA Construction courses
- Trained 7 in a Workplace Safety and Health Inspections Course
- Trained 172 in 11 Competent Person Training in Trenching Courses
- Trained 9 in an Accident Investigation Course
- Trained 30 in two Principals of Scaffolding Courses
- Trained 38 in one Fall Protection Course
- Trained 72 in five Forklift Training Courses
- Trained 21 in two Ergonomics/Back Safety Courses
- Trained 17 in two Health Care Issues Courses
- Trained 10 in a PPE/Respiratory Protection Course
- Trained 32 in 4 Hazard Communication Requirements Courses
- Trained 73 in two First Responder First Aid Courses
- Trained 26 in two Indoor Air Quality Courses
- Trained 38 in one Lockout/Tagout Course
- Trained 99 in five OSHA Confined Space Entry Courses
- Trained 92 in a Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Course
- Trained 32 in an Advanced Construction Trenching & Excavation
Goal #3: Provide mine training courses for Montana employers.
- Train 1,000 – 1,500 miners and mining contractors in new miner training/refresher training through the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Small Miners training grant.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Trained 222 miners and mining contractors in new miner/refresher training.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Trained 2,014 miners and mining contractors in new miner/refresher training.
Goal #1: Provide timely monitoring and regulatory services for the workers’ compensation industry and claimants.
- Process 100% of orders within 14 days of receipt. This will usually require issuance of determinations on 2,200 orders annually.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Of the 640 petitions received, 639 were processed within 14 days of receipt resulting in a success percentage of 99.8%. The average number of days for processing for the time period was just over 3 calendar days (3.28 days).
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Of the 2,188 petitions received, 2,187 were processed within 14 days of receipt resulting in a success percentage of 99.9%. The average number of days for processing for the time period was just over 3 calendar days (3.47 days).
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Of the 2,370 petitions received, 2,367 were processed within 14 days of receipt resulting in a success percentage of 99.9%. The average number of days for processing for FY2005 was just over 3 calendar days.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Of the 2,465 petitions received, 2,462 were processed within 14 days of receipt resulting in a success percentage of 99.8%. The average number of days for processing was just over 4 calendar days.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- Of the 2,203 petitions received, 2,199 were processed within 14 days of receipt resulting in a success percentage of 99.8%. The average number of days for processing was just under 5 calendar days.
Accomplishments in FY2002:
- Of the 2026 petitions received, 2021 were processed within 14 days of receipt resulting in a success percentage of 99.75%.
Goal #2: Provide timely, impartial, and equitable dispute resolution of benefit issues between claimants and insurers.
- Maintain at least a 70% to 80% resolution rate for all workers’ compensation mediation petitions filed. This will usually require conducting mediation conferences and issuing recommendations on 1,200 disputes annually.
- Complete the mediation process on 100% of cases within 80 days of receipt of a petition for mediation. The timeframes may be extended by request and agreement of the parties.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- 89% of the completed cases were resolved as of October 31, 2006. The resolution rate will change as open cases complete the process.
- On average, the cases that proceeded through the process without extensions, took 45 days to complete the mediation process. For those cases when the parties requested or agreed to extensions, the average timeframe was 74 days to complete the process.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- 80% of the completed cases were resolved by the end of FY2006. The resolution rate will change as open cases complete the process.
- On average, the cases that proceeded through the process without extensions, took 42 days to complete the mediation process. For those cases when the parties requested or agreed to extensions, the average timeframe was 100 days to complete the process.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- 76% of the completed cases were resolved by the end of FY2005. The resolution rate will change as open cases complete the process.
- On average, the cases that proceeded through the process without extensions, took 41 days to complete the mediation process. For those cases when the parties requested or agreed to extensions, the average timeframe was 94 days to complete the process.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- 74% of the completed cases were resolved. The resolution rate will change as open cases complete the process.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- 81% of the cases were resolved.
Goal #3: Enhance the electronic sharing of workers’ compensation information and data.
- Complete the Annual Report by July of each year.
- Prepare at least one special study each fiscal year to be made available to the workers’ compensation community.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- A total of 47 Trading Partners (TPs), representing over 350 insurers/adjusters, report to the Department via electronic data interchange (EDI). 39 TPs electronically report both First Reports of Injury (FROI) and Subsequent Reports (SROI). Five TPs electronically report only FROIS. Three TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of FROIs; four TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of SROIs.
- The Electronic Prior Claims (EPC) system provides online access to prior claim histories for at-risk insurers or approved agencies for fraud investigation and enforcement. 32 insurers/agencies (with 105 individuals) are registered users of the EPC system.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- A total of 42 Trading Partners (TPs), representing over 350 insurers/adjusters, report to Department via electronic data interchange (EDI). 34 TPs electronically report both First Reports of Injury (FROI) and Subsequent Reports (SROI). Five TPs electronically report only FROIS. Three TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of FROIs; five TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of SROIs.
- The Electronic Prior Claims (EPC) system provides online access to prior claim histories for at-risk insurers or approved agencies for fraud investigation and enforcement. Thirty-three insurers/agencies (with 114 individuals) are registered users of the EPC system.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- A total of 42 Trading Partners (TPs), representing over 350 insurers/adjusters, report to the Department via electronic data interchange (EDI). Thirty-four TPs electronically report both First Reports of Injury (FROI) and Subsequent Reports (SROI). Five TPs electronically report only FROIS. Three TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of FROIs; five TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of SROIs.
- The Montana Workers’ Compensation 2004 Annual Report was published in July 2005 and is available by hard copy or on the Internet through the Department’s home page. This report provides workers’ compensation information for the Governor, legislature and the workers compensation community.
- The department contracted with the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) to complete a special project to develop tables that detailed the cumulative costs of claims over the past six fiscal years. The results were included in the 2004 Annual Report.
- The Electronic Prior Claims (EPC) system provides online access to prior claim histories for at-risk insurers or approved agencies for fraud investigation and enforcement. Thirty-three insurers/agencies (with 114 individuals) are registered users of the EPC system.
- For the enhancing EDI collection and sharing of WC data, we continue to increase the number of trading partners and the number of users accessing the EPC system. In fiscal year 2005, we changed the EPC access policy to allow multiple users per insurer. We have added significant new information to the FY 2004 annual report.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- A total of 38 Trading Partners (TPs), representing over 350 insurers/adjusters, report to the Department via electronic data interchange (EDI). Thirty-three TPs electronically report both First Reports of Injury (FROI) and Subsequent Reports (SROI). Five TPs electronically report only FROIs. Two TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of FROIs; five TPs are currently in testing status for electronic reporting of SROIs.
- The Montana’s Workers’ Compensation 2003 Annual Report is available by hard copy or on the Internet through the Department’s home page. This report provides workers’ compensation information for the Governor, legislature and the workers’ compensation community.
- The Electronic Prior Claims (EPC) system provides online access to prior claim histories for at-risk insurers or approved agencies for fraud investigation and enforcement. Thirty insurers and agencies are registered users of the EPC system.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- A total of 39 trading partners, representing over 350 insurers/adjusters, report to ERD via electronic data interchange (EDI). Thirty-four trading partners report both first Reports of Injury (FROI) and Subsequent Reports (SROI). Five trading partners report only FROIs. Four are in current testing status for SROIs, compared to 10 at the end of FY 2002.
- The Montana Workers’ Compensation 2002 Annual Report is available via the Internet through the Department’s home page and by hard copy.
- The Insurance Services Office (ISO), Consulting Services, completed the special study, "Effect of Apportionment and Capping on Occupational Disease Claims", at our request, which is available via the Internet through the Department home page.
Goal #1: Develop Internet based information and technical assistance for the medical community, insurers, adjusters, employers, workers and the general public.
- Establish and host online Contractor Registration application and payment by June 2007.
- The professional licensing boards of practitioners’ recommendation regarding the appropriateness of medical treatment is listed on the division’s website within 10 days of issuance.
- Establish an online system for the public to verify the existence of workers’ compensation coverage on a business by July 2008.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Completed the development and design of Phase I of the independent contractor database.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Developed online, real time lookup for individuals who have active independent contractor exemption certificates. The link is found at www.mtcontractor.com.
- Replied to 180 individual questions through the DLI information webpage or the State webmaster regarding the construction contractor registration and/or the independent contractor exemption certifications and requirements.
- Improved our web-based information by adding historical and technical information, and making the information easier to locate by forming links to the data locators.
- Added to the website downloadable lists of Montana hospitals and the workers compensation reimbursement rates, Ambulatory Surgery Centers and other medical facilities.
- Responded to customer requests by developing and implementing the use of Virtual Cashier to allow the payment of penalties and benefits by credit or debit cards on Uninsured Employer Fund cases.
- Updated the website to educate insurers, adjusters and medical providers concerning determinations made by the Board of Medical Examiners concerning Prolotherapy, Charite Artificial disc, and Disc Nucleoplasty procedures within 10 days of notice from the Board.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Added the Workers’ Compensation Premium Surcharge rates and forms to the website.
- Added new and renewal PEO applications on the website.
- Improved our web-based information by adding historical and technical information, and making the information easier to locate by forming links to the data locators.
- Added downloadable documents that can be imported into user’s systems for hospital rate documents.
- Began the development and design of the independent contractor database due to the passage of SB108 created by the independent contractor advisory committee.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Developed an educational plan providing for on-line independent contractor exemption applications, education and testing and received the support of the Independent Contractor Advisory Committee. Implementation of this plan will be dependent on the success of SB358 in the 2005 session.
- Developed and updated quarterly a listing of authorized plan no. 2 carriers on the website allowing employers in need of workers’ compensation insurance coverage with contact information.
- Updated the self-insurance applications posted on the website in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
- Developed the ability for insurance carriers to electronically report Quarterly Expenditure Reports.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- Developed an on-line contractor registration application and inquiry capability. Customers can view the registered contractor list in present time and search by location or name. Currently the list contains over 10,000 registered contractors and is available at www.mtcontractor.com.
- Shortened and advertised the address to the website making it easier to contact us and apply for contractor registration and independent contractor exemptions.
- Added information on the web page to include the Montana Certified Managed Care Organizations list.
- Updated hospital discount factors used for the payment of treatment under the workers’ compensation system.
- Updated and expanded non-hospital medical fee schedule conversion factors.
Goal #2: Respond to applications and renewal requests in a timely manner.
- Provide new independent contractor certificates within two days of receipt of complete applications while conducting timely compliance investigations of renewing applicants.
- Conduct timely compliance investigations of renewing applicants.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Licensed 6 Professional Employer Organizations, denied 3 applications, and issued 1 provisional license.
- Processed 106 Subsequent Injury Fund certification requests, 71 applications were approved, 25 denied and 10 are in a pending status.
- Processed 17 self-insured applications.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Processed new independent contractor applications within established time frames while conducting compliance investigations of renewing applicants.
- Processed 6,746 contractor registration applications.
- Processed 10,254 independent contractor exemption applications.
- Processed 274 Subsequent Injury Fund certification requests.
- Processed 30 Professional Employer Organizations license applications.
- Processed 61 self-insurance applications, with a 29 day average processing time.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Relying on the workers’ compensation community’s feedback, we improved the SIF application form.
- Processed 60 self-insurance applications requiring an average of 29 days to process each application.
- Processed 208 Subsequent Injury Fund certification requests.
- Processed 30 Professional Employer Organization applications. There are currently 29 licensed PEO’s in Montana.
- Processed new independent contractor applications within established time frames while conducting compliance investigations of renewing applicants.
- Processed 3,737 contractor registration applications
- Processed 6,386 independent contractor exemption applications
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- Processed new independent contractor applications within established time frames while conducting compliance investigations of renewing applicants.
- Processed 2,471 contractor registration applications.
- Processed 5,372 independent contractor exemption applications.
- Processed 46 self insurance applications.
- Processed 171 Subsequent Injury Fund certification requests.
- Processed 26 Professional Employer Organization applications.
- Brought 669 uninsured employers into compliance.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- No noticable decrease in the processing time of the contractor registration applications was achieved due to the time invested in development and testing of the new database.
- Processed 2,591 contractor registration applications, with an average of 7 day processing time.
- Processed 5,471 independent contractor exemption applications, with an average of 1.5 day processing time.
- Conducted 1,703 compliance investigations of renewing independent contractor exemption applicants.
- Processed 231 Subsequent Injury Fund (SIF) certifications, with an average of 12 day processing time.
- Processed 27 Professional Employer Organization (PEO) applications, with an average of 117 day processing time.
- Processed 64 Self Insurance applications, with an average of 46 day processing time.
Goal #3: PProvide technical assistance, public service announcements and educational outreach to the public about Title 39, Chapters 8, 9, 71, 72, and 73, MCA.
- When requested, the staff correctly answers public inquiries. Staff who are sent to public presentations are knowledgeable of these chapters of the MT law.
- Participate in a minimum of 10 workshops and conferences annually to provide information about the programs the Bureau administers.
Accomplishments through October in FY2007:
- Community Sweeps were conducted in Bozeman and Great Falls. The sweeps are designed to educate a community on the independent contractor laws and check for compliance with random on-site audits. These events included 3 seminars conducted in the evenings at each location and field contacts by the Independent Contractor Central Unit staff.
- One on-site visit was conducted on a Professional Employer Organization domiciled in Montana.
- Made a presentation to the Unemployment Insurance field staff to explain the licensing of Professional Employer Organizations.
Accomplishments in FY2006:
- Contractor registration and independent contractor staff made presentations to the Kalispell, Polson, Great Falls and Missoula Building Industry Associations, the Montana Building Industry state convention, the State Purchasing Users Group, the Montana Motor Carriers Association Convention, the State Procurement Division convention, the Human Resource Conference, the Board of Higher Education, the State Agriculture convention, the Montana Chapter of Land Improvement Contractors of America, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, the Helena College of Technology UM, the LHC Concrete Conference, the National Association of Contractor Licensing, and numerous Job Fairs through the State.
- Contractor registration and independent contractor staff set up and attended information booths at the Billings (3 times), Helena, Kalispell, Missoula (2 times), Great Falls, Bozeman and Butte Home Shows, and the Governor’s Information Technology Day.
- Staff presented at the Billings, Hamilton, Missoula, Kalispell, Lewistown, and Great Falls Assistance to Business Clinics.
- ICCU presented to Unemployment Insurance Division, Job Service offices throughout the state, and Business Advocate Seminars.
- Community Sweeps were conducted in Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, and Helena. The sweeps are designed to educate a community on the independent contractor laws and check for compliance with random on-site audits. These events included 3 seminars conducted in the evenings at each location and field contacts by the Independent Contractor Central Unit staff.
- Town meetings were held in the evening regarding independent contractor laws in Browning, Cut Bank, Kalispell, Polson and Missoula.
- Began technical training for all Division staff to promote more comprehensive understanding of the workers’ compensation system and ERD’s role in it.
- Conducted 210 compliance investigations received through anonymous complaints across the State confirming independent contractor or employee status.
- Continued development of a Resource Base Relative Value fee schedule for medical providers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical medicines by converting from a Relative Value for Physician’s system.
- Streamlined UEF business processes so customers can more clearly understand what their responsibility are as uninsured employers, enabling them to pay off debts quickly with less hassle. UEF staff worked closely with Insurers to bring uninsured employers into compliance with less confusion.
- Conducted on-site visit of 2 Professional Employer Organizations domiciled in Montana.
- The Professional Employer Organization initial and renewal applications were revised to make pertinent information clearer and updated to reflect changes in law and policy.
- Prepared a presentation discussion concerning the Medical Regulation unit’s responsibilities and activities for 6 adjuster-insurer meetings around the State.
Accomplishments in FY2005:
- Began developing a fee schedule for medical providers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical medicines by converting from a Relative Value for Physician’s system to a Resource Base Relative Value system.
- Contractor registration staff made presentations to the Kalispell, Polson, Missoula Building Industry Associations, and the Montana Building Industry state convention.
- Contractor registration staff set up and attended an information booth at the Billings, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, Great Falls, and Butte Home Shows, and the Governor’s Information Technology Day.
- The ICCU staff presented at the Billings, Kalispell, Lewistown, and Great Falls ABC Clinics.
- ICCU presented to Unemployment Insurance Division, Job Service offices throughout the state, and Business Advocate Seminars.
- Presentation were performed for the National Association of Contractor Licensing Association, SHERM, the Montana Human Resource Conference, The Property Managers Group, the Helena National Forrest Service, the NRCG Finance, NRCG Procurement, the BLM Fire contractors, OPI, FOAM, the Helena College of Technology, and the Governor’s Conference.
- Made many changes on the workers’ compensation database to improve information collection for uninsured employers.
Accomplishments in FY2004:
- The Division sponsored the 2004 Governor’s Conference on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Safety attended by 426 professionals working in the workers’ compensation insurance and safety fields.
- Bureau staff presented information at 13 Assistance to Business Clinics throughout the state to over 600 employers.
- Contractor Registration staff made presentations to over 250 attendees at Building Industry Association meetings.
- Independent Contractor Unit staff presented to over 100 students in high school and university classes.
- Presented medical regulation information to over 200 professionals in Billings.
Accomplishments in FY2003:
- Expanded participation in existing outreach programs by providing independent contractor education in high schools, business associations and home shows around the state.
- Participated in the Montana Building Industry Association annual convention providing information on independent contractors and contractor registration.
- Created a media campaign to inform citizens of the significant court ruling affecting independent contractors and its impacts.
