Parties at Interest

This memorandum reflects the Board’s policy for group insurance companies, health care providers or disability benefits providers who wish to give notice to the board that they should be a party at interest pursuant to O.C.G.A. §34-9-206 or O.C.G.A. §34-9-244. When filing a request to become a party at interest pursuant to O.C.G.A. §34-9-206, the health care provider/group insurance company must file a WC-206 in paper (not ICMS) and must attach supporting documentation, including an explanation of the alleged interest. When filing a request to become a party at interest pursuant to O.C.G.A. §34-9-244, the disability benefits provider must file a WC-244 in paper (not ICMS). Parties at interest are limited by these statutes, and other than as specified in Board Rule 203, parties at interest are not permitted to file requests for hearings or mediations. In the event a hearing is requested by either the employee or the employer, the party at interest will be entitled to present evidence of their claimed interest. Parties at interest may be represented by counsel; however, counsel representing parties at interest shall not file a notice of representation in ICMS, but rather, must file in paper. The attorneys representing parties at interest will not have access to the board’s files through ICMS. This is required to protect the privacy interests of the parties. Failure to comply with this board directive may result in the imposition of penalties pursuant to O.C.G.A. §34-9-18 (a). Settlements in compensable claims will not be approved unless all WC-206/WC-244 party at interest issues are resolved.