Meeting - Thursday, March 1, 2001 from 9:30 - 11:30 A.M. FSCO - Room 3, 14th Floor

AGENDA

1. Review and Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
   – December 13, 2000
2. Statistics
3. FSCO Cost Recovery Program
4. New Fee Agreements with Health Providers
5. Dispute Resolution Case Directory -- Update
6. DRG Practice Code -- Update
7. Performance Measures
8. Other Business

*Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 6, 2001 @ 9:30 A.M.

Dispute Resolution Group Company's Forum Minutes of Meeting March 1, 2001

Members:
Leanne Lagana Dominion of Canada
Cassandra Phillips AXA
Mike DeLaHaye Wawanesa
Joan Leger Kingsway
Brad Barber Allstate
Martine Sliva ING-Halifax
Christine Pollard CGU
Scott MacDonald The Co-operators
Mary Wright Royal & SunAlliance

Regrets:
Rohit Trivedi Temple Insurance

Attendees:
David Draper FSCO-DRG
C Mclellan FSCO-DRG
Shonna Neil FSCO-DRG
Barbara Dudzinski FSCO-DRG
Roberto Regoraro FSCO

The Dispute Resolution Group Companies Forum (Companies Forum)- includes representatives from auto insurance companies dealing with disputes before the Commission involving motor vehicle accident claims and statutory accident benefits. It consults with the Dispute Resolution Group of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario on issues relating to the dispute resolution system.

1. Minutes
   
   The minutes of the December 13, 2001 meeting were approved.
   
   
2. Statistics
   
   Mediation Statistics:
   
   Shonna Neil reviewed the mediation statistics.
   She highlighted the statistics re the non-jurisdictional cases and advised that they are working on improving the accuracy of these statistics.
   The FSCO-DRG is recruiting nine additional mediators (permanent & contract positions).
   By the end of next year it is anticipated that there will be 36-38 mediators.
   
   Arbitration Statistics:
   
   David Draper reviewed the arbitration statistics noting that the number of arbitrations is increasing.
   The age of decisions is improving and the goal is to get below their target of 100 days.
   David also clarified when information is posted on the web site i.e. notice that an appeal is pending.
   
   Staffing and Workload Issues:
   Appeals:
   
   Presently the staffing is in flux.
   They are interviewing for a second senior arbitrator and two additional arbitrators.
   The number of arbitators will increase from 18 to 19 or 20. They are also interviewing for two appeal delegates (18-month contracts). Susan Naylor has been seconded to the FSCO legal unit
   
   
3. FSCO Cost Recovery Program
   
   A copy of the "Guideline for Identifying the Applicability of the Mediation Assessment Fee" was circulated for review and comment. This document outlines a number of Scenarios that will aid in understanding the $500 mediation fee assessment process.
   
   Insurers are invited to contact the FSCO if they have any questions or concerns regarding the accuracy of their invoice. For questions on specific mediation fee files, the telephone number to call at the FSCO is 416-590-7566.
   To obtain a detailed listing the telephone number to call is 416-590-7199 – Cerys McLellan, Co-ordinator.
   If insurers have a number of errors they can fax a list to Cerys McLellan at 416-590-7077.
   
   The potential for abuse of the system by a few facilities/firms is a concern with many insurers.
   Insurers can contact Barbara Dudzinski at the FSCO if they have evidence that a firm/facility is abusing the system.
   
   Members indicated their interest in delivering a group proposal providing suggestions on issues which may arise in administering the fee.
   
   
4. New Fee Agreements with Health Providers
   
   Members discussed the new fee agreements and their anticipated operational impact.
   
   
5. Dispute Resolution Case Directory -- Update:
   
   Barbara Dudzinski asked that insurers provide her with any concerns they have in regards to the Dispute Resolution Case Directory.
   Please provide Shonna Neil with a listing of your respective companies if your company has purchased another company(ies).
   
   
6. DRG Practice Code -- Update:
   
   The Practice Code will be available for distribution in April.
   
   
7. Performance Measures
   
   Barbara Dudzinski provided the group with a copy of the FSCO Performance Measures and welcomed our input -comments & concerns.
   
   
8. Other Business:
   
   Mediation Services asked the DRG Counsel Forum to provide mediator feedback on how representatives may enhance their participation at mediation. Barbara Dudzinski provided our committee with a copy of the feedback provided to the DRG Counsel Forum. She asked us to review the material and provide her with any comments or recommendations that we may have.
   
   It was agreed the members of the group would pay for the cost of muffins & coffee on a rotational basis.

* Next Meeting(s): June 6, 2001 @ 9:30 September 21, 2001 @ 9:30