Iowa Administrative Code Agency 876 - Workers' Compensation Division
Here’s a detailed overview of Agency 876 – Workers’ Compensation Division under the Iowa Administrative Code:
🏛️ Agency 876 Overview
The Workers’ Compensation Division administers Iowa’s workers’ compensation system. Its rules are grounded in Iowa Code Chapters 85, 85A, 86, and 87, covering everything from claims processing to hearings, settlements, and public records management (law.cornell.edu).
📚 Organizational Structure & Key Chapters
Per the Iowa Administrative Code (effective May 28, 2025), Agency 876 is organized into the following chapters (legis.iowa.gov):
Chapter
Title
1
Purpose & Function (876‑1.1 – 1.2)
2
General Provisions (876‑2.1 – 2.9)
3
Forms (876‑3.1)
4
Contested Cases (876‑4.1 – 4.52)
5
Declaratory Orders (876‑5.1 – 5.13)
6
Settlements & Commutations (876‑6.1 – 6.8)
7
Petition for Rulemaking (876‑7.1 – 7.3)
8
Substantive & Interpretive Rules (876‑8.1 – 8.12)
9
Public Records & Fair Information Practices (876‑9.1 – 9.14)
10
Informal Dispute Resolution (876‑10.1 – 10.3)
11
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) (876‑11.1 – 11.7)
12
Formal Rule Review & Waiver (876‑12.1 – 12.4)
🔍 Highlights by Chapter
Chapter 2 – General Provisions
Rule 876‑2.3: Requires that any insurer or self-insured employer must designate a representative within Iowa, knowledgeable in WC law, and notify the Commissioner within 10 days of any changes (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 4 – Contested Cases
Rule 876‑4.3: The Commissioner may initiate hearings for compliance issues, impose sanctions per Iowa Code §86, and file orders in district court or with the Insurance Division if necessary (law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 8 – Substantive & Interpretive Rules
This chapter interprets key provisions, including:
Transportation expenses reimbursement (876‑8.1)
Overtime handling (876‑8.2)
Salary-in-lieu-of benefits (876‑8.4)
Appliance usage (876‑8.5)
Rate determination, useful in hearings—based on ratebooks current as of the case date (876‑8.9) (regulations.justia.com).
✅ Why This Matters
The rules in these chapters guide:
Claim handling: from forms and hearings to settlements and waiver of rules
Procedural fairness: through public records access, rulemaking petitions, and declaratory orders
Modernization: via EDI and informal dispute options, reducing red tape
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