Preparing for a Benefit Review Conference (BRC)
Videos
Viewing the BRC video will help prepare you for a Benefit Review Conference.
What is a Benefit Review Conference?
An Ombudsman can assist you in preparing for a Benefit Review Conference and, if you prefer, may attend the proceeding with you.
If the parties are not able to resolve a dispute informally, the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) may schedule a benefit review conference which is an informal in-person meeting between the parties. The purpose is to discuss and mediate disputed issues in an attempt to resolve them. The participants in a BRC are the benefit review officer (BRO) who is a mediator trained in the workers' compensation laws and the rules of DWC, the injured employee, his or her representative or ombudsman, if any, and a representative of the insurance company. The employer may be present as well.
If the parties are able to resolve their disputes, a written agreement may by completed. If they are not able to resolve their disputes, the BRO will make a determination whether the parties would benefit by attempting to obtain more evidence, such as witness statements or medical reports, which might result in an agreement. If it appears that a resolution cannot be reached, the BRO may schedule the dispute for a contested case hearing (CCH). It is important to note that no more than two BRCs can be held on each disputed issue.
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