FSCO changes PAF guideline for whiplash injuries

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is releasing a revised Pre-approved Framework (PAF) Guideline for Grade I and II Whiplash Associated Disorders and accompanying Pre-approved Framework Extension Request and Discharge Report form (OCF-24/198).

The new PAF Guideline is effective Oct. 1, 2007.

Changes in the revised PAF Guideline include:

* focus on returning the insured person to his/her pre-accident functions;

* inclusion of both “discretionary” and “recommended” interventions;

* permitting treatment to begin at any time post-accident,

* addition of a new on-site review and intervention to replace the

old Activities of Daily Life Intervention (ANLI); and

* merging the fees for treatment of WAD I and II injuries.

The new PAF Guideline will apply to all new Pre-approved Framework Treatment Confirmation Forms (OCF-23) that are submitted by a health practitioner on or after Oct. 1, 2007, or when the insurer has waived the requirement for an OCF-23 on or after Oct. 1, 2007.

The previous WAD I and WAD II Guidelines remain in effect for OCF-23 forms that are submitted by a health practitioner before Oct. 1, 2007, or when the insurer has waived the requirement for an OCF-23 before Oct. 1, 2007.

Also, FSCO announced a new regulation to define livery vehicles.

Effective March 2006, the Budget Measures Act, 2005 (No.2) introduced a third-party liability cap that applies to owners of rental or leased vehicles under the Insurance Act. The cap does not apply to public passenger vehicles such as taxis, limousines for hire or “livery vehicles.” The new regulation is intended to define and clarify the meaning of a livery vehicle.