No. A-13/03
Property & Casualty
- Auto
Revised Assessment Manual for Medical/Rehabilitation Designated Assessment Centres
To the attention of all insurance companies licensed
to transact automobile insurance in Ontario
The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is providing, for your information, the revised Medical/Rehabilitation Designated Assessment Centre (DAC) Assessment Manual (August 2003). This Manual replaces Medical Rehabilitation Designated Assessment Centre Assessment Guide (September 2000) for med/rehab assessments only.
The Minister's Committee on the DAC System (Minister’s Committee), whose mandate is to assist DACs in providing neutral, comprehensive, timely and cost-effective assessments, has recommended the implementation of the manual for medical/rehabilitation DAC referrals received on or after October 1, 2003.
All medical/rehabilitation DACs will be required to provide "Fast-Track DAC" assessments to accommodate the expanded role of DACs as a dispute resolution mechanism under Bill 198. In addition, this manual places increasing expectations on all DACs to deliver a timely, efficient and effective DAC opinion within the existing "Staged-Focused DAC" assessment process.
The Minister's Committee has also taken steps in this manual to shift the focus of DAC processes to more visibly reflect stakeholders needs of the DAC system and, created a DAC Quality Management Model that ensures that all DACs have the necessary infrastructure and personnel to provide an impartial service, demonstrating responsiveness, acceptability, competence, appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency. Compliance with the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, DAC standards (outlined in this Manual) and Superintendent’s Guidelines is required.
For More Information and to Provide Feedback
Questions about this Bulletin should be directed to FSCO's Automobile Insurance Policy Unit at 416-590-7137 or 1-800-668-0128, extension 7137. The fax number is 416-590-7265.
You may also write FSCO at:
Automobile Insurance Policy Unit
Financial Services Commission of Ontario
5160 Yonge Street, Box 85
North York ON
M2N 6L9
Bryan P. Davies
Chief Executive Officer and
Superintendent of Financial Services
August 18, 2003
One enclosure (PDF): c.c. DACs
Financial Services Commission of Ontario