The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division has instituted a temporary rule that prohibits insurers from denying any claims for having or having been exposed to COVID-19.

The rule also mandates that all of the insurer's files on denied claims for COVID-19 sickness or exposure be audited if the insurer had sent five or more claims to the division, reports Business Insurance.

The division says its decision to create a temporary rule was prompted by voiced concerns regarding inconsistencies in the processing of claims either by those who contracted COVID-19 or were exposed to the virus.

The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division's new rule is scheduled to expire March 29, 2021.