Not every workers’ compensation dispute needs a full court hearing. In Minnesota, many disagreements over medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation are handled by the Department of Labor and Industry’s (DLI) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) unit. Here is a step-by-step guide based on answers DLI’s ADR director gave in the September/October 2026 COMPACT newsletter.
What the ADR Unit Does
The ADR unit has four main jobs:
- Customer assistance
- Dispute certification
- Administrative conferences
- Mediation
Its goal is early intervention, solving problems before they grow into lengthy litigation.
Step 1: Request for Certification
If you cannot resolve a dispute with the insurer, the process usually starts with a Request for Certification filed online through DLI’s Work Comp Campus. Common disputes include a denied surgery, physical therapy, or a change of doctors. A mediator/arbitrator then contacts the parties and tries to resolve the issue informally. Many disputes end here.
Step 2: Request for Assistance
If the issue is not resolved and DLI certifies that a dispute exists, the requesting party files a Request for Assistance under the same Campus dispute number. DLI then schedules an administrative conference.
Step 3: The Insurer Must Respond
In medical disputes, the insurer is required to file a response. Under Minnesota law, an insurer may be penalized if it does not give a specific reason for refusing to pay for the treatment in dispute.
Step 4: Filing Exhibits
Medical records, doctors’ reports, and other documents should be filed through Campus under the correct dispute. Emailing exhibits to the other parties is not enough. A strong written opinion from your treating doctor is often the most important exhibit you can submit.
Step 5: The Conference
DLI conducts all administrative conferences by Microsoft Teams. The link, date, and time appear in the Notice of Administrative Conference. Conferences are less formal than a court hearing, but they are still a legal proceeding. Each side presents its position, and the mediator/arbitrator may ask questions.
Continuances Are Hard to Get
Continuances are disfavored. They are granted only for good cause. If you need one, the request must be made in writing to the assigned mediator/arbitrator with all relevant information.
If the Dispute Settles First
The party who requested the conference should notify the mediator/arbitrator. DLI cautions not to remove the conference from your calendar until you receive confirmation it has been cancelled.
Step 6: The Decision
After the conference, the mediator/arbitrator issues a binding decision and order. If either side disagrees, it has the right to request a formal hearing before a compensation judge at the Court of Administrative Hearings (CAH).
You Can Still Mediate Later
DLI mediators can help settle a case at any stage, even after it moves to CAH. DLI’s 2026 system report found that 86% of scheduled mediations in 2025 were completed.
Why It Helps to Have an Attorney at a Conference
An administrative conference may seem informal, but the decision is binding unless appealed. The outcome often depends on whether the right medical evidence was gathered and filed, and whether the legal standards were argued correctly. An attorney can:
- Obtain a supportive narrative report from your doctor
- Respond to an adverse IME opinion
- Make sure deadlines and filing requirements are met
- Present your case clearly and persuasively
- Advise you on whether to appeal to CAH
Let Us Handle Your Dispute
Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law represents injured workers at DLI conferences, mediations, CAH hearings, and appeals. We serve clients across Minnesota from our offices in Coon Rapids, Shakopee, St. Cloud, and Woodbury. Consultations are free. We work on contingency and do not bill clients for costs. Call 763-421-8226 or contact us.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is unique, and results may vary. Consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.
