(a) In determining classifications of risks and premiums relating to the classification, the insurer may include allowances of any character made to any employee, only when the allowances are in lieu of wages, and are specified as part of the wage contract.

(b) Before approving any workers' compensation loss cost filing made by the designated rate service organization pursuant to this part or title 56, the commissioner of commerce and insurance shall consult with the advisory council on workers' compensation concerning the filing. The council shall have sixty (60) days to provide written comment on the filing. The council shall meet to provide the comment. The commissioner of commerce and insurance shall approve, disapprove or modify the filing within ninety (90) days of receiving the filing. If the commissioner of commerce and insurance modifies the filing, the modification shall be within the range established by the recommendation of the rate service organization in its filing and the recommendation of the advisory council on workers' compensation. In instances when the commissioner of commerce and insurance modifies the filing, the rate service organization shall develop a plan that reflects the commissioner's modification, unless the organization appeals the modification pursuant to § 56-5-308. The commissioner shall report the action taken on the filing to the commerce and labor committee of the senate, and the consumer and human resources committee of the house of representatives and to the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives.

(c) Prior to the commissioner of commerce and insurance establishing the multiplier to be applied to the assigned risk plan, as provided in § 56-5-114(c), the commissioner shall provide notice of the intended action, including supporting rationale for the action, to the advisory council on workers' compensation. The council may, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the notice, provide written comment and recommendation to the commissioner related to the intended action. After the fifteen-day period has expired, the commissioner shall establish the multiplier, by order, as provided in § 56-5-114(c).

(d) The commissioner of commerce and insurance shall report quarterly to the advisory council on workers' compensation concerning all workers' compensation filings made by the designated rate service organization received by the department of commerce and insurance that were not referred to the council as set out in subsection (b) since the last report.