Out-of-State Adjuster Authorization Program
Adjuster Authorization Program
Generally, self-insured employers and insurance carriers that have or are underwriting workers’ compensation policies in Arizona are required to process and pay workers’ compensation claims in an Arizona claims office.
In addition to the requirements noted above, any Claims handling professional is welcome to join the training and earn Arizona Adjuster Authorization.
Requirements to Maintain an Out of State Claims Office
See Arizona Administrative Code (“A.A.C.”) R20-5-130(A). Under R20-5-130(B), however, carriers and self-insured employers may request authorization from the Industrial Commission of Arizona (“ICA”) to maintain an out-of-state claims office. Authorization is conditioned upon satisfactory evidence of the following:
- Existence of a toll-free telephone line to the out-of-state claims office;
- Completion of ICA Claims Division training by individuals responsible for claims processing at the out-of-state office; and
- Designation of a financial institution located in Arizona that will cash on demand checks issued by the out-of-state claims office.
Adjusters who handle claims in an out-of-state office must obtain authorization from the ICA by participating in or attending designated training programs offered by the ICA and successfully passing a post-test. Training may be completed by attending the ICA’s annual Claims Seminar or by participation in an internet-based training program. Authorization must be renewed every two years.
Self-Insurer Adjuster Authorization Requirements
See Arizona Administrative Code (“A.A.C.”)R20-5-1126. Processing of Workers’ Compensation Claims by a Self-insured Employer The Claims Division shall permit a self-insurer to process its own workers’ compensation claims if the self-insurer provides information and supporting documentation establishing the following:
- The self-insurer has facilities and equipment to manage, process, and store its own information pertaining to the self-insurer’s workers’ compensation claims;
- The self-insurer’s workers’ compensation claims are processed by persons with experience, training by the Claims Division, or knowledge regarding the Arizona Workers’ Compensation Act; and
- The persons processing the self-insurer’s workers’ compensation claims attend and complete training provided by the Claims Division.
Adjusters who handle claims for an Authorized Self-Insured Employer must obtain authorization from the ICA by participating in or attending designated training programs offered by the ICA and successfully passing a post-test. Training may be completed by attending the ICA’s annual Claims Seminar or by participation in an internet-based training program. Authorization must be renewed every two years.
ANNUAL CLAIMS SEMINAR
August, 2023. More details coming soon.
internet-based TRAINING PROGRAM
How to Enroll/Attend:
Step 1: Download Current Claims Seminar Manual Reference Materials:
Participants are to download a free digital copy of the current Claims Seminar Manual [Here] along with links to the Laws and Rules [Here]. You will need to become familiar with the content of these publications.
If you wish to purchase a hard copy of the materials, the cost for the reference materials is $50.00 and shipping & handling is a flat fee of $13.65, for a total of $63.65. To purchase, please go to the ICA Payment Portal. Purchases are processed bi-monthly.
ICA updates the materials every August prior to the annual claims seminar. The adjuster should download and be familiar with the current materials.
Step 2: Join ICA Community:
Claims professionals are required to be registered for the ICA Community Portal. Visit Community Instructions & Resources to get started.
Step 3: View Training Webinars:
Pre-recorded training videos are available on Arizona workers’ compensation topics that are contained in the ICA Claims Seminar Manual. Please visit the ICA YouTube Channel for the full playlist. Topics will cover the basics of AZ workers compensation, including ODG and MRO preauthorization form.
Step 4: Register and Participate in Live Webinar Q&A:
Upon completion of the training videos, participants will be required to attend a live webinar Q&A with a representative of the ICA Claims Division. See live Q&A webinar registration form. The Q&A sessions provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions in advance of the post-test. The ICA will verify that participants who registered also attended the Webinar. Participants will receive a link by e-mail to the post-test. Please expect the Q&A to last an hour and a half, depending on volume of questions. The Claims Division will be offering live Q&A webinar sessions monthly, except for the months of July through September. The ICA encourages attendance at the ICA Annual Claims Seminar in August.
Step 5: Successfully Complete a Post-Test:
To receive a 2 year Adjuster Authorization, a participant must successfully pass a post-test, demonstrating adequate knowledge of Arizona’s workers’ compensation claims handling processes. The post-test is composed of a randomized set of questions based on content included in the Claims Seminar Manual, training webinars, and applicable law. Participants who do not achieve a passing score of at least 80% will have the option of attending another live Q&A webinar session and re-taking the test.
Step 6: Insurance of Certificate of Authorization:
Upon successful completion of the internet-based training program and post-test, participants will receive a written certificate of authorization from the ICA to manage Arizona claims out of state. The authorization will be good for two years before it must be renewed.
LIVE webinar q&A
To enroll in a live Q&A webinar, please register by clicking on the link here or the one “Sign Up Here” that is listed below. Anyone in the Arizona workers’ compensation community is welcome to attend the Q&A webinars, but enrollment in a Q&A webinar is required to register for the post-test.
Please note, the dates listed below are not for signing up for the Webinar(s).
**This area is for joining the meeting on the date specified. All times are Arizona time.
Additionally, the ICA uses Google Suites platform. G Suite may require participants to have a Google Account. Before the Webinar and in completing forms, please confirm with your IT department that you are able to:
- Achieve connectivity to our resources such as Google Forms and Google Meet.
- Install or use Google Chrome as it is the preferred browser for the G Suite products
If you experience problems after the above steps have been followed, feel free to contact the Commission at [email protected].
Please note, the dates listed below are not for signing up for the Webinar(s). The link will join you directly to the meeting on the date specified..
Please also note, all times are listed in Arizona time.
Thursday, January 19, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday January 23, 2023 and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, February 16, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday February 20, 2023 and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, March 16, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday March 20, 2023 and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, April 20, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday April 24, 2023 and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, May 18, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday May 22, 2023, and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, June 15, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday June 19, 2023, and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, October 19, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday October 23, 2023, and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, November 16, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Monday November 20, 2023, and will remain available for 2 business days.
Thursday, December 21, 2023 – 10:00AM Arizona Time
A link to the test will be emailed on Tuesday December 26, 2023 and will remain available for 2 business days.
Please contact the ICA’s Assistant Claims Manager at (602)-542-6691 for further information.
