The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) offers an alternative to formal litigation in resolving workers' compensation disputes. Parties may choose to be represented by an attorney in alternative dispute-resolution or may participate without representation.
The purpose of an administrative conference at the department is to resolve certified disputes involving medical and rehabilitation services. The staff member conducting the conference helps the parties discuss and resolve their differences. If an agreement is not possible, the mediator issues a Decision and Order, which can be appealed.
Typical rehabilitation and medical disputes involve a conflict about a change of doctor or rehabilitation consultant, or a conflict about whether certain medical or rehabilitation services should be provided. Parties can request an administrative conference by filing either a Medical Request form or Rehabilitation Request form with the department.