Fla. DFS Honored by Trade Group for Online Database

The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Workers’ Compensation received top honors from an international trade group that assists national, state and local governments in overseeing workers’ compensation regulation.

At its annual meeting in New York this week, the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) recognized Florida for its Statistical Reports Based on Claims Data web site, which allows regulators, insurance carriers, employers and employees to generate statistical reports based on claims-related data, such as number of injuries and benefits, including indemnity, medical and settlement payments.

“We are honored to receive this award recognizing our state’s continued efforts to help employers and employees get up-to-date workers’ compensation information,” said Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “Through greater access to information, we will further improve both the cost and availability of coverage for businesses and ensure that workers receive benefits in a timely manner.”

According to the IAIABC, its awards are intended to promote government efforts to turn raw data into meaningful information which can be used by stakeholders and policymakers. There were nine other entries in the category in which Florida competed.

The IAIABC is a not-for-profit association representing most of the government agencies charged with the administration of workers’ comp systems throughout the United States, Canada and other nations and territories.

Its mission is to advance the administration of workers’ comp systems throughout the world through education, research and information sharing. It is governed by an Executive Committee of jurisdictional agency heads and maintains a staff headquarters in Madison, Wis.