KRS 342.329: Division of Ombudsman and Workers' Compensation Specialist Services --

Functions -- Ombudsman program -- Toll-free telephone access.

(1) The Division of Ombudsman and Workers' Compensation Specialist Services shall

be headed by a director appointed by the commissioner with the approval of the

Governor, in accordance with KRS 12.050 and 342.230. The functions of the

division shall include:

(a) Serving as an information source for employees, employers, medical,

vocational, and rehabilitation personnel, carriers, and self-insurers;

(b) Responding to inquiries and complaints relative to the workers' compensation

program;

(c) Advising all parties of their rights and obligations under this chapter;

(d) Assisting workers in obtaining medical reports, job descr iptions, and other

materials pertinent to a claim for benefits and preparing all documents

necessary for a claim application; and

(e) Performing other duties as required by the commissioner through

administrative regulations promulgated by the commissioner.

(2) The employee, employer, carrier, self -insured administrator, and medical provider

shall promptly comply with reasonable information requests from an ombudsman.

(3) The ombudsman program shall be staffed with personnel trained in techniques

performed by ombudsmen and who are familiar with medical and vocational

rehabilitation principles and knowledgeable about the provisions of this chapter and

applicable administrative regulations.

(4) A toll -free telephone number shall be provided throughout the Comm onwealth to

insure easy access by all parties to the division.