Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT


Drafting Number:

Prime Sponsor(s):

LLS 98-499

Sen. Hernandez

Date:

Bill Status:

Fiscal Analyst:

January 15, 1998

Senate Business Affairs

Will Meyer (866-4976)

 

TITLE:            CONCERNING THE DENIAL OF PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION BENEFITS (PIP) UNDER AUTOMOBILE NO-FAULT INSURANCE POLICIES, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR THE CONDUCT OF PIP EXAMINATIONS UNDER THE PIP EXAMINATION PROGRAM AND REQUIRING THE REIMBURSEMENT OF LICENSED PROVIDERS FOR SERVICES DETERMINED TO BE REASONABLE AND NECESSARY.



Summary of Assessment


            The provisions of this bill would add a definition for “PIP examination” to the definitions contained in the statutes that regulate automobile no-fault insurance policies. It also would establish standards for the conduct of PIP examinations and require the reimbursement of licensed providers for services provided to persons under their PIP coverage. The bill would become effective upon signature of the Governor, and would apply to PIP claims filed after that date.


            The bill would prohibit insurers to deny benefits to an insured or injured person entitled to benefits under a disputed PIP claim until the insurer has obtained a PIP examination. The bill would require that the PIP examination be conducted by a PIP panel review member, unless otherwise agreed to at the time of the disputed PIP claim by the parties. The provisions of this bill would require the Division of Insurance to amend a current regulation. This would have a minimal impact on the workload of the division. This increase in workload could be absorbed by current staff, but may require re-prioritizing existing workload. This bill would not impact any other agency of the state, or unit of local government. Therefore, this bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.



Departments Contacted


            Department of Regulatory Agencies