To:       The Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Where the Ontario Regulation 347/13 makes four changes to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) should be removed, as it puts at risk the well-being of individuals jeopardizing their optimal recovery, health, and lifestyle.

We the Undersigned Petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as Follows:

Ontario Regulation 347/13 has made four changes to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), also known as Ontario Regulation 34/10 effective Feb 1, 2014. These regulations have considerably reduced the dollar amounts allocated for patients receiving assessments and treatment following a motor vehicle accident. Implementation of Section 18 (1) and Section 18 (2); The Minor Injury Guideline in the new Ontario Legislation for Accident Benefits Coverage, which came into effect September 1, 2010 was a direct result of recommendations made by the Insurance Industry, while recommendations made by the Ontario Chiropractic Association and Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators was disregarded.

Issue Highlighted by the Insurance Industry

Compensation Regime is too Generous

System is too Complex

Recommendations Made by the Insurance Industry

Decrease Amount of Med Rehab Benefits to Non-Catastrophic Patients

Focus on PAF (Pre-Approved Framework) Treatment and Hard caps on Post PAF (Pre-Approved Framework) Treatment

Decrease Number of Assessments

Eliminate Rebuttal Examinations

Recommendations Made by Chiropractic Organizations (OCA/CSCE)

Incorporate the Recommendations Made by the Neck Pain Task Force

Maintain Rebuttal Examinations

Maintain Levels of Benefits (Med Rehab)

Eliminate Disability Benefit Entitlement and PAFs

 

It is clear that all recommendations made by the insurance industry were approved. The $3500 Minor Injury Guideline cap is an insufficient amount of funds provided, since assessments on all patients are required to ensure their safe ability in performing tasks associated with attendant care, housekeeping, and care giving. Furthermore repetitive muscular strain as a result of performing household tasks daily can lead to chronic long term impairment. Accidental slips /falls due to dizziness/vertigo can result in further injuries involving fractures.

This petition it is to validate that the $3500 Minor Injury Guideline monetary fund is an insufficient amount to enable auto accident patients with soft tissue injury (WAD I / WAD II) to reach optimal recovery to their pre-accident status. Removing Sections 18 (1) and 18 (2) from the Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule will enable the right efforts for accident victims with soft tissue injury to receive the adequate assessment and treatment required. In addition it will minimize the patient's risks for further injury (chronic impairment, slips/falls, fractures) that are associated with performing attendant care, housekeeping/home maintenance, care giving, and functional tasks in their respective homes.