Elk Grove, IL – Spirometry, the most frequently performed pulmonary function test (PFT), is the cornerstone of occupational respiratory surveillance programs. Hundreds of thousands of spirometry tests are performed each year in the U.S. to comply with occupational regulatory requirements. However, during the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine… [Read more]
Work Force & Human Resource News
ND Gov. Extends WC to First Responders, Health Workers Who Contract COVID-19
Bismarck, ND – Gov. Doug Burgum recently signed an executive order extending worker’s compensation coverage to first responders and health care providers who contract COVID-19 on the job. North Dakota’s worker’s compensation law currently does not cover viruses such as COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The law also isn’t structured to provide… [Read more]
Athletico Announces Expansion of Telehealth for PT and Occ Therapy in Response to COVID-19
Oak Brook, IL – With physical and occupational therapy services officially identified as “essential services” and part of the nation’s “critical infrastructure” by state and federal officials, Athletico Physical Therapy clinics remain open to ensure patients recovering from injuries can continue their treatments uninterrupted. In addition, Athletico announced that it has expanded its telehealth offering… [Read more]
Ohio Doctor Convicted of Illegally Distributing Opioid Pain Meds, Health Care Fraud
Columbus, OH – A federal jury has convicted a Southeast Ohio doctor of illegally prescribing controlled substances and defrauding health care programs. The verdict was announced following a trial that began on Feb. 24 before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Specifically, a federal jury found Roger D. Anderson of Marietta guilty of one… [Read more]
CWCI to Webcast 2020 CA Workers’ Comp Case Law Update Program
Oakland, CA – The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) has announced that for this year only it will present its annual California Workers’ Compensation Case Law Update Seminar as a live, on-line broadcast rather than as an off-site seminar. The decision to broadcast the seminar was made in light of the ongoing health concerns and… [Read more]
NCCI Releases INSIGHTS on COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation
Boca Raton, FL – The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently released a new Insights article offering perspective on the effect of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the workers compensation industry, including compensability and economic impact. The COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) is the latest in a series of infectious diseases that have emerged over the last 20… [Read more]
NY Woman Sentenced for Cashing Dead Grandmother’s Workers’ Comp Checks
Albany, NY – New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro recenlty announced the sentencing of a Rochester woman who defrauded the workers’ compensation system of more than $5,000 by endorsing and cashing wage reimbursement checks intended for her deceased grandmother. Brandy Sheppard of Rochester, was sentenced to 2-to-4 years in state prison. She pled guilty… [Read more]
Three Companies Earn TDI-DWC Safety Awards
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recognized three Texas companies for exemplary workplace safety programs and low rates of work-related injuries and illnesses by renewing their Lone Star Safety Awards. The companies include Boat Hoist USA in Longview, Kent Moore Cabinets in Bryan, and Rusk County Electric Cooperative… [Read more]
Jury Convicts IL Woman for Mail Fraud in Worker’s Compensation Scheme
Springfield, IL – A jury deliberated for approximately one hour on Friday, March 6, 2020, before returning guilty verdicts against a Belleville, Ill. woman, Paula Klaustermeier, charged with three counts of mail fraud. U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough presided over the trial which began March 3. Sentencing is scheduled on July 10, 2020. After… [Read more]
Retired CA Foster Farms Employee Convicted of Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Modesto, CA – The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office recently announced the conviction of a retired Foster Farms employee for workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Gurmail Singh was employed in the processing facility for the company and reported an on the job injury in November of 2014. Singh filed a workers’ compensation claim and as a… [Read more]