6A-22.002. Rehabilitation Provider Qualifications (Transferred)

(1) The Department shall approve qualified rehabilitation providers who submit proof of meeting the following requirements:

(a) Rehabilitation nurse:

1. A current Florida license as a registered professional nurse, and

2. A current C.R.R.N. certificate as a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse from the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, or

3. A current C.O.H.N. certificate as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse from the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, or

4. A current C.R.C. certificate as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, or

5. A current C.D.M.S. certificate as a Certified Disability Management Specialist from the Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission, or

6. A current C.C.M. certificate as a Certified Case Manager from the Commission for Case Management Certification.

(b) Rehabilitation counselor:

1. A current C.R.C. certificate as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, or

2. A current C.D.M.S. certificate as a Certified Disability Management Specialist from the Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission.

(c) Vocational evaluator: A current C.V.E. certificate as a Certified Vocational Evaluator from the Commission on Certification of Work Adjustment and Vocational Evaluation Specialists.

(d) Facilities, other than hospitals:

1. Current accreditation by CARF in a specific vocational rehabilitation program in which the facility will provide services, and

2. Designation on the application of the qualified rehabilitation counselor or vocational specialist who will be a member of the core team to provide services to injured employees.

(e) Companies:

1. Employ only qualified rehabilitation providers for the purpose of providing all services under Section 440.491, F.S., and are,

2. Incorporated under Chapters 607 and 617, F.S., or are a partnership under Chapter 620, F.S.

3. Submit a non-refundable twenty-five (25) dollar biennial renewal fee, and a signed, typed and completed qualified rehabilitation provider application on form DWC-96, which is incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule to become effective April 2004, for each business address providing any services under Section 440.491, F.S.

(2) Applicants applying for renewal shall submit a non-refundable twenty-five (25) dollar biennial renewal fee, and a signed, typed and completed qualified rehabilitation provider application on form DWC-96 and a copy of current certification and applicable licensure.

(a) Attendance at a qualified rehabilitation provider workshop conducted by the Department within the prior two (2) years is required before the initial application and also before each renewal.

(b) An applicant for initial listing in the directory or an applicant whose qualified rehabilitation provider number has expired shall not provide services to injured employees until notification of an assigned provider number or renewal is received from the Department.

(3) Each applicant shall submit a signed, typed and completed form DWC-96, proof of attendance at a Department sponsored or approved qualified rehabilitation provider workshop, and a non-refundable check or money order in the amount of twenty-five (25) dollar payable to Workers’ Compensation Administrative Trust Fund to the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office, Reemployment Services Section, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4225. Illegible or unsigned applications and applications submitted without the application fee shall be returned. Facilities and companies must attach to this application a listing of all individuals listed in the directory as qualified rehabilitation providers who provide services under Section 440.491, F.S., for the facility or company.

(4) Each applicant shall have a business e-mail address and must maintain that address during the period that the applicant is listed in the directory.

(5) Department approval of a qualified rehabilitation provider, facility or company shall be revoked for a period of six (6) months for one or more of the following:

(a) Revocation of credentials or certification by the applicable certification or credentialing board.

(b) Misrepresentation of credentials or certification.

(c) Allowing a non-qualified rehabilitation provider to report and bill for services using an individual’s, company’s and/or facility’s qualified rehabilitation provider number.

(6) Employees of the Department are exempt from the requirements of subsections 6A-22.002(2) and (3), F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 440.491(7), 440.591 FS. Law Implemented 440.491 FS. History–New 7-1-96, Amended 6-26-01, Formerly 38F-55.002, Amended 5-5-04, 2-22-05, 5-7-09, Formerly 6A-22.002.