Updates on EDI 3.1 from the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board

The Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board converted to an electronic filing system and eliminated its paper forms portal, which closed June 3, 2019. EDI 3.1 (Electronic Data Interchange, version 3.1) does not change the statutory notice and payment requirements; it changes the way the Board gets information from self-insured employers and insurers. The system will generate the required forms based on the information submitted. The employer/insurer should send the forms to the employee according to the statutory guidelines.

EDI 3.1 requires additional transactions that are not required by the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Act ("the Act"). Some of the EDI filing/transactions requested by the Board are to confirm statutory obligations, such as payments and notifications to the employee. The increased submissions may create additional administrative duties and costs (manpower, staffing and EDI fees) to employers.

This week, June 17, 2019, the Board communicated it will begin monitoring lump sum payment information and require that these payments be memorialized through EDI. It will not be assessing penalties for ‘EDI 3.1 monitored violations’ until November 1, 2019.

The Act contains penalties for failing to comply with statutory requirements (some were increased effective July 1, 2018). There are no statutory requirements or administrative rules that contain penalties for failing to enter EDI transactions. 

Keep an eye on the Board’s website as it continues to publish announcements related to EDI 3.1. Please call Ann Stewart at 317-236-2180 or another member of our Worker’s Compensation Group if you would like to further discuss your statutory obligations.

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader’s specific circumstances.