BC Government releases ICBC regulations

The provincial government released regulation changes related to ICBC's provision of care for people injured in motor vehicle accidents. CAOT-BC staff and volunteers have actively participated in consultation with ICBC and the Attorney General’s office to ensure the needs of occupational therapy service providers and their clients have been thoroughly represented.

Changes taking effect April 1, 2019 include:

• All OT fees for service billed to ICBC will be billed at $112 / hour as recommended by CAOT-BC based on our Private Practice Survey Results and Suggested fee guideline.  Occupational therapist fees will be indexed to the consumer price index annually and reviewed by the provincial government every 5 years. These fee increases will apply to all ICBC customers receiving occupational therapy services, regardless of the date of accident.
• Additional treatments will be covered by ICBC, such as acupuncture and counselling.
• A complete and established definition of minor injury as it relates to payouts for pain and suffering.
• Treatment protocol guidelines for examination, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries to provide more consistent care for people injured in a crash.
• Using registered care advisers as a new resource to support physicians.
• New and increased accident benefits for accidents occurring on or after April 1, 2019, including:
• Wage loss benefit increase to $740 from $300
• Homemaking increases to $280 per week from $145
• $1000 spending account for alternative health services
• Increases to funeral expenses and death benefits

More detailed information can be found in the BC Government News Release and full regulations.

CAOT-BC looks forward to continued collaboration with ICBC to support implementation of these legislative changes on April 1, 2019

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