§ 660a. Electronic filing of reports of injury

(a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) "Electronic data interchange" or "EDI technology" means the computer-to-computer exchange of business transactions in the standardized structured electronic format.

(2) "Implementation plan" means the written document prepared by an insurance carrier specifying a timetable for reporting by EDI.

(3) "Reporter" means the insurer who is responsible for reporting injuries to the Department.

(b) When an insurance carrier uses electronic data interchange processes and technology, the level of record detail in the report shall be equivalent to that required in a written paper record.

(c) Each insurance carrier shall transmit data elements by electronic data interchange to the Department by the dates specified in this section. An insurance carrier shall provide complete, valid, accurate data for the data as required by this section. Each electronic transmission of data shall include appropriate header and trailer records.

(d) In order to begin EDI reporting, an insurance carrier shall submit to the Commissioner an implementation plan pursuant to rules adopted by the Department.

(e) No later than July 1, 2004, all first reports of injury shall be filed by the insurance carrier electronically. The Commissioner may grant an insurance carrier a variance if the insurance carrier documents to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that compliance would cause the insurance carrier "undue hardship," which, for the purposes of this section, means significant difficulty or expense. (Added 2001, No. 105 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 15, 2002.)