DATE:

December 12, 2005

TO:

All Employers, Litigants, Counsel, Insurance Carriers, Self-Insured Employers, Group Funds, Third Party Administrators

FROM:

Jack A. Nolish, Director

The Michigan Social Security Number Privacy Act, MCL 445.81, will become effective January 1, 2006. This statute prohibits all entities from displaying or mailing an individual’s social security number in a public way.  However, the Workers’ Compensation Agency qualifies for exceptions listed within the Act.

Therefore the Workers’ Compensation Agency will continue to follow our established practices of requiring an individual’s social security number on all forms filed with the agency. The Privacy Act requires all parties to submit this information in a manner which does not display the individual’s social security number in a public way.

Your cooperation is appreciated.