(1) Medical benefits paid under this article 67 are treated as benefits paid by an insurer or self-insured employer under articles 40 to 47 of this title 8.(2) Upon acceptance of a claim for benefits from the fund, the board may designate a new authorized treating physician. Application to the fund shall be deemed as acceptance by the injured worker of the new designated physician if the designation is made. The previously authorized treating physician providing primary care shall continue as the authorized treating physician providing primary care for the injured employee until the injured employee's initial visit with the newly authorized treating physician, at which time the treatment relationship with the previously authorized treating physician providing primary care is terminated.(3) Notwithstanding articles 40 to 47 of this title 8, the board is permitted to negotiate rates of reimbursement for medical providers.Added by 2017 Ch. 317, § 1, eff. 7/1/2017.L. 2017: Entire article added, (HB 17-1119), ch. 317, p. 1704, § 1, effective July 1.