By Judge Pamela B. Johnson, Knoxville

Recap: In my last blog post discussing the Statistical Data Form, I discussed the importance of the form. As a reminder, the Bureau analyzes data collected from the statistical data form and reports the relevant data to the legislature annually. To collect this information, the employer must file a statistical data form for every workers’ compensation claim concluded by settlement or trial. The employee is required to cooperate with the employer so that the form is fully completed.

Due to a recent statute change, a statistical data form must now be filed when a prior settlement or trial award is modified, even if a statistical data form was previously filed with the original settlement or following trial. In addition to a penalty assessment, the settlement will not become final until the statistical data form is fully completed and received by the Bureau.

Update: The new and improved SD-2 has been approved and released. It goes into effect on May 6, 2018, and is applicable to all post-July 1, 2014 cases.

The new SD-2 form is easier to complete and narrowly focused on information applicable to the Reform Act of 2013.

The SD-2 collects information related to employee’s age, education, work-related medical treatment and permanent impairment. The SD-2 then asks for information related to the claim’s conclusion, whether by compensation hearing or settlement, and the benefits awarded or court-approved. If the compensation hearing resulted in a judgment for the employer, the SD-2 requests the basis for the judgment. Likewise, the SD-2 inquires as to the Subsequent Injury Fund, its involvement, and whether a judgment was entered against it. Finally, the SD-2 seeks the total amount of benefits paid on the claim.

Reminder: The SD-2 is required for all claims with dates of injury on or after July 1, 2014. The SD-1 should be used for claims with dates of injury on or before June 30, 2014.

A Final Thought: We appreciate your cooperation in wrapping up all the details of your workers’ compensation case(s).