Division of Workers' Compensation Updates

To stay up-to-date on all DOWC rule changes, please make sure to visit our Proposed & Adopted Rules page. 

DIME Transformation Project Update

Posted: December 28, 2023

On December 18, 2023, Government Performance Solutions (GPS) and the DOWC met with the external Advisory Team. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the suggestions for improvement that the internal DOWC Core Team put forward. The Advisory Team provided feedback on the potential improvements to the DIME process, and the Core Team will reconvene in January 2024 to refine proposals. Please email questions about the DIME Transformation Project to cdle_dowc_communications@state.co.us. 

Conference Registration is Now OPEN!

Posted: December 21, 2023

Registration for the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference (CWCEC) is now live! CWCEC 2024 is back at the Broadmoor from March 18-20 and will feature engaging speakers, impactful conversations, and more opportunities to connect with peers. You can reserve your room at the Broadmoor online, or by calling 800-755-5011 and telling the reservations agent your stay is related to the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Conference in March. The attendee registration fee is $395, and the cost to include a significant other is $150. Rooms range from $227 to $269 per night, plus taxes and fees. 

Notice of Adopted Rule 9

Posted: November 29, 2023

The Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation has adopted changes to Rule 9: Dispute Resolution. The adopted Rule 9 is effective starting January 1, 2024.

Compensación Laboral 101 para Empleadores

Posted: November 1, 2023

La División de Compensación de los Trabajadores ha publicado un breve video informativo en español que presenta a los empleadores de Colorado los requisitos, conceptos y servicios de compensación para trabajadores que ofrece el estado. 

DOWC External Email Transition

Posted: October 23, 2023

The DOWC recently transitioned mass external email communications to a new service provider, GovDelivery. These emails were formerly sent through Mailchimp. This change only applies to the DOWC’s mass outreach to subscriber lists and does not affect any other email communication between stakeholders and DOWC staff. Please continue to use cdle_dowc_filings@state.co.us and cdle_workers_compensation@state.co.us for relevant filings.

Subscribe to DOWC email updates to stay informed about rule hearings, training opportunities, and other Division news. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the DOWC Education & Outreach team at cdle_dowc_communications@state.co.us.

New Admissions Checklist Desk Aid

Posted: October 16, 2023

The newly released Desk Aid 8 provides an overview of processes and timelines for preparing Final Admissions, preparing General Admissions, and submitting admissions to the DOWC. View the new Admissions Checklist. The DOWC's full list of Desk Aids for workers' compensation professionals provides comprehensive guidance for workers' compensation claims management topics in Colorado.

DIME Transformation Project Focus Groups

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Updated: October 13, 2023

Throughout October and November, the DOWC and GPS will work to review the feedback received and develop proposals as the DOWC pursues a streamlined and predictable DIME process that utilizes the latest technology and navigation support from the DOWC to foster efficiency, transparency, and compliance, benefiting all parties. 

New CUE Fund Application Form

Posted: September 12, 2023 | Effective date: September 12, 2023

To support timely filing, the WC202: Application to the Colorado Uninsured Employer Fund form was updated to include the following instructions: "You must file your application within 90 days of the date on the judge’s final order."

DIME Transformation Project

Posted: September 8, 2023 

The DOWC recently announced the DIME Transformation Project. This project was made possible through recent legislative changes that have empowered the DOWC to make changes to the administration of the DIME process. The DOWC has engaged consultants from Government Performance Solutions to support the facilitation of this project. The DOWC is currently in the stakeholder engagement process, which recently included an open invite to the email newsletter recipient list. Email any questions or feedback to cdle_dowc_communications@state.co.us.

Rule 9 Hearing Notice

Posted: September 8, 2023 | Hearing date: October 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. MT

The Division of Workers' Compensation invites you to its upcoming rule hearing to discuss potential changes to Rule 9: Dispute Resolution. The proposed rule changes and information on how to register are currently available on the Division's Proposed and Adopted rules page. 

Updated Self-Representation Brochure

Posted: August 24, 2023 

The Division of Workers’ Compensation has released an updated version of the Self-Representation Brochure. This resource provides information and guidance to injured workers considering representing themselves at a workers’ compensation hearing instead of hiring an attorney. Although written for self-represented claimants, the brochure is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the workers’ compensation hearing process.

New Form for Continuing CUE Fund Benefits

Posted: July 31, 2023 

The Division of Workers’ Compensation has released the WC204 form for the continuation of Colorado Uninsured Employer (CUE) Fund benefits. Claimants receiving benefits from the CUE Fund must complete and submit this form by April 1 to continue receiving benefits in the following fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The CUE Fund exists to provide financial assistance to individuals injured while working for employers who did not carry workers’ compensation insurance.

2023 Workers' Compensation Act (WC Act)

Posted: July 25, 2023

The linked 2023 WC Act is now available. Print copies are expected to be available on August 1, but stakeholders can access a digital print version of the document for self-printing. Print copies from the DOWC can be ordered by completing this form and emailing it to cdle_dowc_rfs@state.co.us. The first five copies are free, and additional copies are available for $5 per copy, plus postage.

Colorado Uninsured Employer (CUE) Fund Benefit Levels

Posted: June 30, 2023 | Effective July 1, 2023

The CUE board decided to open the fund to all funding levels as of July 1, 2023. This will allow for payment of all seven tiers of benefits outlined in §8-67-107(b), which includes medical benefits, funeral expenses, temporary benefits, death benefits, permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, and disfigurement. Updated CUE Fund brochures are available in English and Spanish. 

Colorado Uninsured Employer (CUE) Fund Benefit Levels

Posted: June 30, 2023 | Effective July 1, 2023

The CUE board decided to open the fund to all funding levels as of July 1, 2023. This will allow for payment of all seven tiers of benefits outlined in §8-67-107(b), which includes medical benefits, funeral expenses, temporary benefits, death benefits, permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, and disfigurement. Updated CUE Fund brochures are available in English and Spanish. 

2023 Legislative Update

Posted: June 28, 2023

The 2023 Colorado Legislative Session adopted two bills that impact workers' compensation in Colorado. The 2023 Legislative Update briefly highlights some of the key substantive and procedural changes these bills address, Division rule changes, form and publication updates, and additional pertinent changes affecting workers' compensation in Colorado.

Rule 18 Hearing

Posted: June 26, 2023 | Hearing date: August 15, 2023

The Division of Workers' Compensation invites you to its upcoming rule hearing to discuss potential changes to Rule 18: Medical Fee Schedule. The proposed rule changes and information on how to register are currently available on the Division's Proposed and Adopted rules page. 

Revised Employer and Injured Worker Guides

Posted: June 13, 2023 | Post Updated: June 16, 2023

Due to recent rule and legislative changes, the DOWC revised its English-language Employer and Injured Worker Guides. Updated Spanish-language versions of the Injured Worker and Employer Guides are also available. 

2023 Maximum Benefits Rates

Posted: May 16, 2023 | Effective: July 1, 2023

The Director has issued the Maximum Benefits Order for 2023-2024, effective July 1, 2023. This order sets forth the maximum weekly TTD benefit and adjusts the maximum disfigurement benefit, lump sum limits, combined benefit caps, and funeral reimbursement rate.  

Governor Polis Declares June Workplace Safety Month in Colorado

Posted: June 1, 2023

In recognition of National Safety Month, Governor Polis has declared June to be Workplace Safety Month in Colorado. Read the proclamation and learn more about how the Premium Cost Containment program is helping certified employers protect workers and save money through free resources and guidance. This workplace safety month, CDLE is thrilled to recognize V.A.M.P. Stucco and Iron Woman Construction and Environmental Services for maintaining exceptional safety standards and practices as certified employers in the program.

Rule 9 Revision Stakeholder Meeting

Posted: May 3, 2023 | Meeting date: May 23, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. MT

The Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation is hosting a virtual stakeholder meeting to gather feedback about potential changes to Rule 9: Dispute Resolution. If you would like to attend, you must register ahead of time.  

'Workers' Compensation 101 for Employers' Video

Posted: April 20, 2023

The Division of Workers' Compensation has published a short informational video introducing Colorado employers to workers' compensation requirements, concepts, and services offered by the state.

Calculating TPD Benefits Training

Posted: April 19, 2023 

Join the Claims Management and Carrier Practices units on Thursday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. MT for training on how to file, document, and avoid errors for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits. If you would like to attend, you must register ahead of time. 

DIME Updates Training Recording and Q&A Report

Posted: April 19, 2023 

The Division Independent Medical Examination Unit held a webinar on changes to the DIME rule for more than 260 stakeholders. A recording and Q&A Report from the session are available online. A copy of the DIME Updates Training slide deck as well as the full Rule 11 are also available. 

Rule Updates Effective in March 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023 

Adopted changes to Rule 11: Division Independent Medical Examination become effective on March 2, 2023. Changes to Rule 5: Claims Adjusting Requirements will become effective March 30, 2023. You can sign up to receive emails regarding rule changes, and find details on rule-related meetings on the Division's Events & Training Page. 

Updated Rules 16 and 18

Posted: January 17, 2023 | Rule effective: January 1, 2023

Updates to Rules 16: Utilization Standards and Rule 18: Medical Fee Schedule became effective on January 1, 2023. To view these and other current rules in their entirety, please visit our Rules of Procedure page. 

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Posted: March 8, 2023 

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and half a million Coloradans have experienced a brain injury. More than 250,000 of those have sustained a moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Some of these injuries occur in the workplace. Prioritizing workplace safety and staying up to date on workers’ compensation insurance requirements helps reduce the number of incidents and provides coverage for medical and lost wage benefits when injuries happen on the job. Learn more about insurance requirements at cdle.colorado.gov/dwc/employers and Brain Injury Awareness Month at mindsourcecolorado.org. 

Mileage Reimbursement Rate Updated

Posted: December 22, 2022 | Change effective: January 1, 2023

The mileage reimbursement rate increased from $0.50 to $0.56 per mile. The Division of Workers' Compensation's Quick Reference Guide has been updated to reflect this increase. 

New Required Interpreter Invoice Form

Posted: December 16, 2022 | Form effective: January 1, 2023

As a result of changes to Rule 18, there is a new and required form for interpreter invoicing. Beginning January 1, 2023, interpreters are required to use and submit this form to carriers for reimbursement for their services.

Emergency Rule 11

Posted: December 30, 2022 | Rule effective: January 1, 2023

The Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation adopted emergency Rule 11. The Division is taking this step as the recently adopted version of Rule 18, effective 1/1/2023, no longer includes indigence standards. As a result, the Division adopted this emergency Rule 11 to ensure that indigence standards remain in place until the proposed permanent version of Rule 11 is effective. 

New Accident Documentation and Interview Guides Available

Posted: December 16, 2022

One of the most important steps an employer can take following a workplace injury is to complete a thorough and well-documented accident investigation. Investigations should seek to understand the root cause of the incident, not assign blame. Check out our new Accident Documentation Guide and Workplace Injury Interview Guide for valuable information on preventing repeat accidents. 

New Emergency Rule 5 in Effect & Upcoming Hearing

Posted: December 16, 2022 | Rule effective: December 6, 2022

An updated version of emergency Rule 5 is in effect from December 6, 2022, through April 5, 2023. The previous version of emergency Rule 5 was terminated on November 23, 2022. The most recently adopted changes to Rule 5 were initially redlined on an outdated version of the rule. Although the proposed redlined changes were correct, other sections of the recently adopted rule did not reflect changes that became effective on July 1, 2021. More information about the Rule 5 hearing on January 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. MT can be found on our Events and Training page. 

 Updated Basic Claims Process Guide

Posted: December 16, 2022

The updated Desk Aid 9 resource provides an overview of the basic claims process, including what to do under certain conditions and timelines. View the updated Basic Claims Process document now, along with all of our desk aids for workers' compensation professionals.