PORTLAND, Ore. -- Health care providers across Oregon say they'll drop workers' compensation cases after a change in how they are paid to care for those injured on the job.

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The temporary rule allows insurance companies to pay doctors less than the usual state-mandated fees.

Division administrator John Shilts said the state actuaries had warned him that without the rule, employers would see insurance premiums shoot up. Businesses in Oregon have some of the nation's lowest rates for workers' comp coverage.

The new rule allows insurance companies to seek the lowest fee possible. Insurers can search for any contract a doctor has signed that agrees to reduce fees in exchange for getting a higher volume of patients with group health insurance.

The doctors say that violates Oregon law.