Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features the California DWC’s recent announcement of the passage of new laws in the state by Governor Brown geared toward reducing treatment delays for injured workers and rooting out provider fraud and illegitimate liens.
SB 1160 (Mendoza) reduces most utilization review in the first 30 days following a work-related injury. It also mandates electronic reporting of UR data by claims administrators to the DWC, which will enable the division to monitor claim processes and address problems. SB 1160 also adds requirements to verify a lien is legitimate, that it is filed only by the lien holder, and that that liens owned by providers who have been indicted or charged with crimes be stayed until the disposition of criminal proceedings. AB 1244 (Gray and Daly) requires the DWC’s Administrative Director to suspend any medical provider, physician or practitioner from participating in the workers’ comp system when convicted of fraud.
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