Board Bulletins and Subject Numbers

November 2, 2023

As the New York State Workers' Compensation Board (Board) continues its efforts to expand the OnBoard family of services, we are focusing on the use of web-based platforms and electronic data submission to streamline our processes and move away from paper forms. To that end, we're transitioning to electronic submission of the Request for Further Action by Legal Counsel (Form RFA-1LC).

The Board anticipates implementing electronic submission of the RFA-1LC form in late 2024. At that time, electronic submission of the form will be mandated, and paper submissions will no longer be accepted. This mandate only affects attorneys and licensed representatives who represent injured workers.

The electronic submission process will include data validation, provide additional fields to capture more specific information, ensure receipt of all required information, and automatically update the case file upon successful submission. These benefits will reduce errors and processing time compared to the current paper RFA-1LC form process.

During the next year, the Board will develop three electronic submission methods:

• eForm: An eForm add-on will be implemented in eCase that will enable users to complete the form and submit it electronically. The new process will walk users through each field in the eForm using a web-based wizard.
• XML: An XML file submission process, via secure file transfer protocol (sFTP), will be developed to submit electronic RFA-1LC data to the Board.
• API: Development of an online submission and routing process via an application programming interface, or API, will enable separate computer systems to talk to one another and exchange data, automating manual data entry and streamlining the flow of RFA-1LC form data into the case file.

There will be a mandatory testing process for claimant attorneys opting to submit RFA-1LC form data via XML files or API. The testing must be completed successfully in order to submit electronic RFA-1LC form information to the Board (for those firms that opt in to using XML or API). There will be no mandatory testing process for firms that submit eForm via eCase.

If you are interested in using the XML or API submission processes, please email the Board at onboard@wcb.ny.gov for more information about requirements and how you can prepare for the transition.

If you haven't already, please sign up to receive WCB Notifications to stay up to date on this initiative and the OnBoard implementation.