<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 14.09.12.03" title_num="14" subtitle_num="09" chapter_num="12" heading="Handling and Adjusting Disputed Claims.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An insurer that provides workers' compensation insurance in Maryland shall have in the State competent individuals who:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Handle and adjust each disputed workers' compensation claim for the insurer;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Have authority to resolve claims without having to routinely contact an out-of-State representative of the insurer; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Possess the knowledge and experience to handle and adjust each disputed claim.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If an insurer files issues to dispute a claim, the filing shall be done in the State by competent individuals who:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Handle and adjust each disputed workers' compensation claim for the insurer;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Have authority to resolve claims without having to routinely contact an out-of-State representative of the insurer; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Possess the knowledge and experience to handle and adjust each disputed claim.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Within 10 days of an insurer filing issues to dispute a claim, the insurer shall have an attorney complete and file an entry of appearance form in accordance with COMAR 14.09.04.01C(2).</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Each insurer shall register with the Commission the contact information for a designated representative who can identify the competent individual handling and adjusting each disputed claim.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Upon inquiry, the designated individual shall provide the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the competent individual handling and adjusting a claim within 2 business days.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>If any of the information in §D of this regulation changes, the insurer shall notify the Commission immediately.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>An insurer that provides workers' compensation insurance in Maryland shall establish a toll-free telephone number through which an insured or claimant, or a representative of an insured or claimant, may make direct telephone inquiries during regular business hours.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>An insurer that provides workers’ compensation insurance in Maryland shall register with CompHub to file and receive papers with the Commission.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>