The Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario are seeking comment on the IBC’s proposal for the implementation of a standard auto insurance invoice.

FSCO proposes to introduce a modified version of the Standard Invoice in paper form in October. Full implementation of the system would follow a review of comments from stakeholders.

The insurance industry reported to the government that as a result of discussions with providers regarding fees, it concluded that a standard billing document was needed. This would also facilitate data collection within the industry.

Following a Request for Proposal, FSCO contracted with Canadian Institute for Health Information from May 1, 2000, to November 30, 2000, to develop a standard invoice. CIHI submitted two reports to the Superintendent of Financial Services on a proposed standard invoice on November 15, 2000.

Following discussions between FSCO and the IBC, it was agreed that the IBC would take the lead in coordinating the project. The IBC submitted the proposal for the implementation of a standard invoice to the Superintendent of Financial Services on June 27.

FSCO supports an initial phase for the implementation of a modified version of the invoice, in paper form. During the initial phase, registration for service providers and clinics will be voluntary and there will be no database. FSCO and the IBC are engaged in ongoing discussions surrounding modifications to the form and manual. Other implementation issues (ex. establishment of a central agency, electronic transmission, database ownership, and governance and privacy concerns) are the subject of this Request for Comment. Comments are due by September 28.