Section 16: Definitions
Activity of Daily Living (ADL)—The self-care, communication, and mobility skills required for independence in everyday living.
Division—The Division of Workers’ Compensation within the Department of Labor and Employment Security of the State of Florida.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Orthotics, and Prosthetics—Articles of a more permanent nature that are generally prescribed for prolonged or continuous use. Orthotics are mechanical appliances used to support and correct deformities. Prosthetics are artificial substitutes used to replace missing parts or a device to augment performance of a natural function.
DWC—An acronym for the Division of Workers’ Compensation, which is responsible for the administration of the Florida Workers’ Compensation program. Current Workers’ Compensation forms, including health care claim forms, have this designation. Health Care Provider—As defined in s.440.13, F.S., a physician or any recognized practitioner who provides skilled services pursuant to the prescription of, or under the supervision or direction of, a physician.
Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)—As defined in s.440.13(1)(k), F.S., means an objective evaluation of the injured employee’s medical condition by a physician. An IME may be requested by the carrier or the injured employee and may include the treating physician. Each party, however, is bound by his or her selection of an independent medical examiner pursuant to s.440.13(5),
F.S. LES Form DWC—An acronym for Department of Labor and Employment Security, Division of Workers’ Compensation, which is found on all forms, including appropriate health care forms that are designed to report Workers’ Compensation information. (This acronym replaced the LES form BCL acronym in April; 1990.)
Maximum Medical Improvement—The date after which further recovery from, or lasting improvement to, an injury or disease can no longer be reasonably anticipated, based upon reasonable medical probability.
Medical Report—Any written transcript of information in outline or narrative form that documents circumstances pertaining to a medical condition and services provided. This includes, but is not limited to, clinical notes, test results, special reports, operative reports, etc.
Medical Services—Remedial treatment, care, and attendance provided Workers’ Compensation claimants by health care providers (s.440.13, F.S.).
Permanent Impairment—Any anatomic or functional abnormality or loss, existing after the date of Maximum Medical Improvement, which results from injury.
Permanent Impairment Rating—Rating the extent of dysfunction or loss, if any, to the body as a whole based on criteria set forth in the Florida Impairment Rating Guide, 1996 edition.
Physician—A physician licensed under chapter 458, an osteopath licensed under chapter 459, a chiropractor licensed under chapter 460, a podiatrist licensed under chapter 461, an optometrist licensed under chapter 463, or a dentist licensed under chapter 466, F.S.
Psychologist—A psychologist licensed under chapter 470, F.S.