Benefit review conferences.

A benefit review conference is a nonadversarial, informal dispute resolution proceeding designed to:

(1) Explain, orally and in writing, the rights of the respective parties to a workers' compensation claim and the procedures necessary to protect those rights.

(2) Discuss the facts of the claim, review available information in order to evaluate the claim, and delineate the disputed issues.

(3) Mediate and resolve disputed issues by mutual agreement of the parties in accordance with this article and the policies of the department.

(Acts 1992, No. 92-537, p. 1082, §38.)