Effective July 1, 2025, the Georgia legislature has enacted a series of updates to workers’ compensation rules and forms. These changes aim to enhance procedural clarity, improve consistency across regulations and address evolving legal and administrative needs.
RULE UPDATES
Rules 15(e) and 108(b)(8) | Attorney Fees on Medical Expenses
Attorneys may petition the Board for quantum meruit attorney’s fees on medical expenses in certain limited circumstances: “Attorneys who remain or become counsel of record for the employee in claims in which income benefits are no longer available, and who have provided legal services to the employee on medical and other non-indemnity related issues, may petition the Board for approval of a quantum meruit attorney’s fee to be paid out of a proposed final settlement which will terminate the employee’s right to future medical and other non-indemnity related benefits.”
Rule 15(o) | Compensation Memorandum Requirement
A new Compensation Memorandum replaces the prior “throw-away sheet” as a supplemental document required to be filed in no-liability settlements. It specifies certain information that must be provided and requires the signature of all the parties to the settlement, including the amount to be paid to the claimant, any claimant’s attorney’s fees and expenses as well as the party responsible for outstanding medical expenses.
Rules 61(b)(54) and 200.1(II)(H)(3) | Objections Filing Time
Rule 200.1(II)(H)(3) was amended to provide for objections to a change in rehabilitation supplier to be filed in 20 days rather than 15 days to be consistent with Rule 61(b)(54) providing for 20 days for objections to other rehabilitation issues.
Rule 102(E)(7) | Electronic Mail of Awards and Orders
Clarifies that the Board may send awards and orders to parties and attorneys by email.
FORM UPDATES
WC-2a | Notice of Payment or Suspension of Death Benefits
Form WC-2a has been amended to be consistent with the electronic form version in ICMS. Form WC-2a now includes a check box at the top for “NO DEPENDENTS.” The second page of the form also now includes a reference to O.C.G.A. § 34-9-265(f).
WC-200a | Change of Physician/Additional Treatment by Consent
Form WC-200a has been changed under Section C – Agreement. Section C (2) of this form has been modified by changing the word “remain” to the word “be” so that the parties’ agreement as to the primary treating physician is clear.
WC-207 | Authorization and Consent to Release Medical Information
Form WC-207 has been updated with additional language regarding reproductive health information: “This release is not seeking and does not authorize the disclosure of protected health information relating to reproductive health as prohibited by the HIPAA Privacy Rule at 45CFR 164.502(a)(5)(iii). Any such disclosure would require a separate release.”
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