Who is responsible for approving an MCO?

The responsibility for approving a Managed Care Organization (MCO) falls to the Department of Consumer and Business Services. This department oversees the regulation of insurance providers and ensures that MCOs meet the necessary standards and requirements for operation within the state's workers' compensation system. The approval process typically involves evaluating the MCO's network of healthcare providers, service delivery methods, and compliance with relevant regulations.

The Department of Health and Human Services primarily focuses on broader health policy and welfare and does not specifically manage MCOs related to workers' compensation. Similarly, the Federal Insurance Administration deals with federal insurance policies rather than state-level MCO approval. While the Workers’ Compensation Board plays a critical role in the overall administration of workers’ compensation systems, it is the Department of Consumer and Business Services that holds the specific authority to approve MCOs.