39-71-1103. Workers' compensation managed care. (1) A managed care system is a program organized to serve the medical needs of injured workers in an efficient and cost-effective manner by managing the delivery of medical services for a defined population of injured workers, pursuant to 39-71-1101, through appropriate health care professionals.

(2) The department shall develop criteria pursuant to 39-71-1105 for certification of managed care organizations. The department may adopt rules for certification of managed care organizations.

(3) Insurers may contract with certified managed care organizations for medical services for injured workers. A worker who is subject to managed care may choose from managed care organizations in the worker's community that have a contract with the insurer responsible for the worker's medical services.