The next chapter in the modernization of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, OnBoard, is well underway! The Board is building a new claims system that will replace our multiple legacy, paper-based claims systems with a single, web-based platform.

As of May 2022, the first, limited release of OnBoard is successfully up and running! Health care providers and payers are using the new system to submit and review prior authorization requests for medical treatment - all online.

As we expand OnBoard to include more processes and stakeholders, the goals are to create a system that improves and expands access to real-time claim data, offers new electronic self-service features for interacting with the Board, and reduces the amount of paper forms used in the workers' compensation system.

The Board is advancing the OnBoard program in the following areas:

eForm/API expansion

The Board continues to expand its use of eForms. The paper versions of the Request for Further Action (Form RFA-1LC) and Request for Assistance by Injured Worker (Form RFA-1W) are transitioning to an intelligent, online submission and routing process; however, the paper-based process will still be available for injured workers who need it. This process will be "wizard-based," meaning it will walk users through fillable fields of a new eForm. The wizard will provide numerous fields for attorneys to enter pertinent information, allowing for quicker, more efficient Board processing and response.

Additionally, attorneys will also have the option to submit Form RFA-1LCs via an Application Programming Interface (API).

APIs enable independent computer systems (e.g., stakeholders' systems and the Board's) to talk to one another and exchange data, automating processes and eliminating reducing the need for stakeholders to manually enter data into web-based eForms. When used correctly, APIs will be transformational in terms of providing faster, more efficient workflows compared to current paper-based form processes.

The schedule for these efforts is in development, and the Board is committed to keeping stakeholders informed as our planning efforts progress and a timeline is available.

OnBoard full program requirements and planning

The second area of focus involves the collaboration of various Board divisions to formalize future processes and requirements for the new OnBoard system, in addition to engaging our external stakeholder community. Understanding all processes and requirements will help us design and build a more intuitive, user-friendly system that benefits all Board stakeholders.

We are excited to offer these upcoming enhancements to OnBoard and look forward to sharing further updates as these initiatives progress.

Intro To OnBoard Video

OnBoard is one of several key initiatives borne out of the Board’s Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR) Program – a multi-year effort designed to redefine the Board’s role in the workers’ compensation system, improve access to quality medical care and improve the underlying technology systems that support the organization. Many BPR initiatives have already been implemented, including virtual hearings, release of an updated medical fee schedule for Board-authorized providers, implementing performance standards to improve payer compliance, and improving the Board’s dispute resolution processes.

• See the original BPR recommendations [PPT].