50-6-419 - Rules governing settlement of workers' compensation claims. - Tennessee Statutes

50-6-419. Rules governing settlement of workers' compensation claims.

(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this part or of title 56 to the contrary, in order to assure that injured employees are treated fairly and to assure that claims are handled in an appropriate and uniform manner, the commissioner of labor and workforce development shall set standards by rule governing the adjustment and settlement of workers' compensation claims by insurance carriers and self-insured employers. The standards may include, but are not limited to, standards governing contact with an employee after notice of injury has been given, the processing of claims and procedures for making an offer of settlement.

(b)  The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this section. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.

(c)  The commissioner of labor and workforce development shall enforce standards adopted pursuant to this section in the same manner and with the same authority as the commissioner of commerce and insurance possesses with respect to violations of this part and title 56. The commissioner shall also notify the principal corporate office of any insurer of any violations of the standards.

[Acts 1996, ch. 944, § 53; 1999, ch. 520, § 41.]