1. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if an insurer accepts a claim for a catastrophic injury, the insurer shall:

(a) As soon as reasonably practicable after the date of acceptance of the claim, assign the claim to a qualified adjuster, nurse and vocational rehabilitation counselor;

(b) Within 120 days after the date on which the treating physician determines that the condition of the injured employee has stabilized and that the injured employee requires a life care plan, develop a life care plan in consultation with the adjuster, nurse and vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to the claim pursuant to paragraph (a); and

(c) Pay benefits and provide the proper medical services to the injured employee during the entire period of the development and implementation of the life care plan.

2. A life care plan which is developed pursuant to subsection 1 must ensure the prompt, efficient and proper provision of medical services to the injured employee.

3. In developing a life care plan for an injured employee, the insurer, in consultation with the adjuster, nurse and vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to the claim pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1, shall assess the following:

(a) The number of home or hospital visits determined to be necessary or appropriate by the registered nurse and vocational rehabilitation counselor;

(b) The life expectancy of the injured employee;

(c) The medical needs of the injured employee, including, without limitation:

(1) Surgery;

(2) Prescription medication;

(3) Physical therapy; and

(4) Maintenance therapy;

(d) The effect, if any, of any preexisting medical condition; and

(e) The potential of the injured employee for rehabilitation, taking into account:

(1) The injured employee’s medical condition, age, educational level, work experience and motivation; and

(2) Any other relevant factors.

4. A life care plan developed pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 must include, without limitation, a schedule for the adjuster, nurse and vocational rehabilitation counselor assigned to the claim pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 to meet or communicate with the injured employee, if practicable, and the treating physician to determine the need for, without limitation:

(a) Special medical attention or treatment;

(b) Psychological counseling or testing; and

(c) Any medical device, including, without limitation:

(1) A wheelchair;

(2) A prosthesis; and

(3) A specially equipped or designed motor vehicle.

5. A life care plan developed pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 must include a plan of action for treatment or vocational rehabilitation of the injured employee or consideration of the possible permanent total disability of the injured employee.

6. In addition to any claim determination affecting the rights of an injured employee under his or her claim, or responses to requests on behalf of the injured employee for specific action or information on the claim or any other contact that may occur, an insurer shall:

(a) Schedule a personal meeting concerning the status of the claim to take place at least once per calendar month between the adjuster assigned to the claim pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 and the injured employee or a family member or designated representative of the injured employee; or

(b) If a personal meeting described in paragraph (a) is not practicable, provide a written report concerning the status of the claim and soliciting requests and information at least once per calendar month to the injured employee or a family member or designated representative of the injured employee. The report must be mailed to the injured employee or a family member or designated representative of the injured employee by first-class mail.

7. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a life care plan developed pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 must be based on the condition of the injured employee at the time the life care plan is established. If there is a substantial or significant change in the condition or prognosis of the injured employee, the insurer shall amend the life care plan to reflect the change in the condition or prognosis of the injured employee.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2779; A 2011, 718)