The Decision Review Office (DRO) assists employees who have filed a claim with North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) and have questions or concerns. If an employee disagrees with a decision on a claim, DRO can help explain available options. DRO can be contacted at any time. Decision review specialists guide employees through the claims process and help explain how to request a review or appeal an order. Services are provided at no cost.
When WSI makes a formal decision, it mails an administrative order. The order explains the decision to pay or deny benefits. To request assistance with a WSI order, DRO must receive a written request within 45 days of the date on the order.
Once a request is received, a decision review specialist is assigned to the case. The specialist reviews the claim file, may gather additional information, and may contact the WSI Claims Department to discuss issues or updates related to the claim.
After the review, WSI will decide whether to revise the decision, offer an alternative resolution, or maintain the original order. DRO will provide the employee a written notice of the outcome.
If an employee continues to disagree with WSI’s order, they may request an administrative hearing. An employee may also choose to bypass DRO and request an administrative hearing directly.
An attorney is not required to request assistance from DRO. If the employee chooses to meet with an attorney, WSI will pay up to $500 for a legal consultation. If the case is won in whole or in part by the employee during the legal process, WSI will also pay attorney fees up to the limits provided by law.
Is an attorney required to contact DRO? No. Legal representation is not needed to request assistance from DRO.
Do I have to go through DRO before requesting a hearing? No. An employee may choose to bypass DRO and request an administrative hearing directly.
Are there any fees for using DRO? No. DRO services are provided at no cost.
How long does a review take? Review timelines vary, but most are completed within 30 days.
Is DRO part of WSI? Yes. However, DRO operates independently from WSI’s Claims Department and reports directly to the WSI Board of Directors. This autonomy supports a fair and objective claims review.
Can DRO provide legal advice or act as legal representation? No. DRO staff are knowledgeable and experienced in workers’ compensation but are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or representation.
Contact Decision Review Office
Physical/Mailing Address: 1600 E. Century Ave., Ste 7A; Bismarck, ND 58503
Telephone: 701-328-9900 or 800-701-4932
Fax: 701-328-9911
Email: [email protected]