Illinois Commission Searches for New Chairman

11-09-08

Chairman Gerald Jutila resigned for health reasons effective, November 6, 2008. Chairman Jutila only recently took over the reigns at the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission approximately 30 days ago when former Chairman Dennis Ruth left to become an Illinois state judge. In a formal announcement dated 11/06/08, the Commission staff advised of Chairman Jutila's immediate resignation and return to his former position as an arbitrator.

We expect the announcement of an Acting Chairman should be forthcoming shortly while a post election search is conducted to find a new Chairman for the Commission. Senate confirmation and official appointment by the Governor's office should follow shortly thereafter.

Any new chairman is expected leave his or her stamp on the Illinois Commission with the proposed introduction of a new computer system to more accurately track Illinois work injury claim statistics and to comply with new Medicare and state agency data sharing. Medicare and CMS are currently in the process of identifying those states that are able to provide WC data match with the Medicare eligible database. Also, the late Chairman Ruth had proposed review of the Rules of Practice before the Illinois Commission before his early departure.

The resignation of Chairman Jutila also coincides with recent pending proposed implementation of a new Illinois Medical Fee Schedule for Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Adherence to the new medical fee schedule and resolution of disputes over accurate payment protocols are sure to follow.

Regrettably, Chairman Jutila's stewardship and leadership will be greatly missed. With over 29 years of practical experience in Illinois work injury claims both as an attorney before the Commission and more recently acting as an Arbitrator ruling on disputed claims, he offered the hope of pragmatic solutions for increased resolution times without compromising due process rights or rights to a full hearing.

Chicago workers compensation attorneys -- http://wc-chicago.com --11-09-08