Ontario to develop new auto injury treatment guidelines

The Ontario government is working on the first of four new Pre-approved Framework (PAF) Guidelines for treatment of auto accident injuries under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.”The new PAF Guidelines will help people who have been injured in auto accidents to receive early and effective treatment,” the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) posted on its Web site. “We expect that the first new PAF Guideline will be issued by the Superintendent of Financial Services in the summer of 2006.”A PAF project advisory committee will be developing four new guidelines over the next three years, FSCO has announced. The first new PAF Guideline priority will be injuries classified as Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) I, WAD II and WAD III.The new PAF Guideline are expected to replace the existing WAD I and WAD II PAF Guidelines. “As well, the Committee will explore extending the time frame that is covered by the existing PAFs and consider the psychological impacts that may accompany WAD I, II and III injuries,” FSCO announced.The first new PAF Guideline was arrived at based on input from the project advisory committee, FSCO reported. “Considerations included the frequency and cost of treatment of particular injuries/impairments, its amenability to treatment under a Guideline and the availability of scientific literature in the subject area.”FSCO plans to hold consultations after a Background Paper is released in mid-February. “Our consultants will hold meetings in various geographic regions in the province to obtain feedback from stakeholders on a Background Paper, scheduled for release in mid- February, and other issues related to the new PAF Guidelines,” FSCO announced. “Our consultants anticipate that the consultation meetings will be held during the weeks of March 20th and 27th, 2006.”