Some auto insurance companies have reduced rates for social workers, often paying rates that are significantly lower than standard hourly rates for RSWs in private practice. This has resulted in time-consuming disputes and, in some cases, applications for License Appeal Tribunal (LAT) appeals.
Ultimately, unreasonably low rates for social work services result in reduced access to the mental health and case management support offered by RSWs.
Facing these challenges, social workers must be prepared
and informed.
- Join us for a free webinar presented by OASW’s Motor
Vehicle Accident Advisory Committee exploring this important issue and
learn how OASW is advocating for the fair treatment of registered social
workers and more comprehensive treatment and support for victims of auto
accidents.
- Learn about OASW advocacy in auto insurance regulation.
- Get the facts on how recent decisions by the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) are affecting social worker rates and access to social work services.
- Explore what social workers can do to achieve fair compensation and support the victims of accidents.
Background
For many years the OASW has had an advisory committee composed of social workers involved in providing services to auto accident victims.
The advisory committee has offered advice to the association about how best to advocate for greater recognition of the role that social work plays in the treatment and rehabilitation of auto accident victims.
For more information on OASW’s Motor Vehicle Accident Advisory Committee, please get in touch with [email protected].
Last year, the Government of Ontario’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) conducted a consultation on auto insurance. OASW’s submission to FSRA focused on two key recommendations:
• Include social workers in the Professional Services Guidelines (PSG) for auto insurance at an hourly rate that is fair and reasonable, and reflective of private practice market rates.
• Amend regulation to permit registered social workers to authorize treatment plans (OCF-18).
One consequence of the absence of registered social workers from the PSG has been the efforts of some auto insurance companies to reduce rates for social workers – often rates that are significantly lower than standard private practice hourly rates for social workers. This has resulted in time-consuming disputes and – in some cases – applications and hearings at the LAT. Ultimately, unreasonably low rates for social work services result in reduced access to the mental health and case management supports offered by social workers.
Please join us to help your association advocate for the fair treatment of registered social workers and more comprehensive treatment and support for the victims of auto accidents.