Adjuster Authorization Program

Generally, self-insured employers and insurance carriers that have or are underwriting workers’ compensation policies in Arizona are required to process and pay workers’ compensation claims in an Arizona claims office. 

In addition to the requirements noted above, any Claims handling professional is welcome to join the training and earn Arizona Adjuster Authorization.

Requirements to Maintain an Out of State Claims Office
See Arizona Administrative Code (“A.A.C.”) R20-5-130(A). Under R20-5-130(B), however, carriers and self-insured employers may request authorization from the Industrial Commission of Arizona (“ICA”) to maintain an out-of-state claims office. Authorization is conditioned upon satisfactory evidence of the following:

1. Existence of a toll-free telephone line to the out-of-state claims office;
2. Completion of ICA Claims Division training by individuals responsible for claims processing at the out-of-state office; and
3. Designation of a financial institution located in Arizona that will cash on demand checks issued by the out-of-state claims office.

Adjusters who handle claims in an out-of-state office must obtain authorization from the ICA by participating in or attending designated training programs offered by the ICA and successfully passing a post-test. Training may be completed by attending the ICA’s annual Claims Seminar or by participation in an internet-based training program. Authorization must be renewed every two years.

Self-Insurer Adjuster Authorization Requirements

See Arizona Administrative Code (“A.A.C.”)R20-5-1126. Processing of Workers’ Compensation Claims by a Self-insured Employer The Claims Division shall permit a self-insurer to process its own workers’ compensation claims if the self-insurer provides information and supporting documentation establishing the following: 

1. The self-insurer has facilities and equipment to manage, process, and store its own information pertaining to the self-insurer’s workers’ compensation claims;
    
2. The self-insurer’s workers’ compensation claims are processed by persons with experience, training by the Claims Division, or knowledge regarding the Arizona Workers’ Compensation Act; and 
    
3. The persons processing the self-insurer’s workers’ compensation claims attend and complete training provided by the Claims Division. 

Adjusters who handle claims for an Authorized Self-Insured Employer must obtain authorization from the ICA by participating in or attending designated training programs offered by the ICA and successfully passing a post-test. Training may be completed by attending the ICA’s annual Claims Seminar or by participation in an internet-based training program. Authorization must be renewed every two years.

Annual Claims Seminar

August 15 -16, 2024.
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Pre-recorded webinars are available on Arizona workers’ compensation topics that are contained in the ICA Claims Seminar Manual. Please visit the ICA YouTube Channel for the full playlist. The Adjuster Authorization Training program is under construction - No Q&A Training class will be available until October 2024 following our 2024 ICA Claims Seminar, If you need authorization prior to the next class please consider attending the seminar and testing after.

 

Please contact the ICA’s Assistant Claims Manager at (602)-542-6691 for further information.