Madison, WI – The Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices recently heard how prescription drug costs have impacted some vulnerable populations and learned about some of the strategies that other states have employed to lower their costs. The task force convened via videoconference for a session focused on how the issue of drug… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
CA Labor Commissioner’s Office Files Lawsuits Against Uber and Lyft for “Systemic Wage Theft”
Oakland, CA – The Labor Commissioner’s Office recently announced it has filed separate lawsuits against transportation companies Uber and Lyft for committing wage theft by misclassifying employees as independent contractors. Uber and Lyft have misclassified their drivers, which has deprived these workers of a host of legal protections in violation of California labor law, the… [Read more]
WA L&I Extends Workers’ Comp Premium Relief Again Due to Pandemic
Tumwater, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently announced that it is again extending the deadline for employers who are finding it difficult to pay their workers’ compensation premiums during the coronavirus outbreak. Under L&I’s extension, employers who are participating in the Employer Assistance Program have until Nov. 2 to pay… [Read more]
PA Governor Wolf Signs First Responders Bill into Law
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf recently signed several bills into law including HB 1459, which establishes a mental wellness and stress management program for emergency responders who experience post-traumatic stress injuries or traumatic brain injuries on the job. The legislature passed the bill unanimously. “This COVID-19 emergency has been another reminder of how all… [Read more]
MI Announces $8.55 Million in COVID-19 Workplace Safety Grants
Lansing, MI – With employers across the state working to keep their employees, customers and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has launched Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide small businesses matching funds of – up to $10,000 – to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety… [Read more]
Sally Coen Named Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division Administrator
Salem, OR – The Department of Consumer and Business Services recently appointed Sally Coen as the Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) administrator, effective Aug. 1. Coen has served as deputy director of the division for the past five years and has been acting administrator since November 2019. “For more than 30 years, Sally has dedicated her… [Read more]
Proposed Premium Reduction Projected to Save West Virginia Employers $16 Million
Charleston, WV – The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), West Virginia’s rating and statistical agent, has filed a proposed workers’ compensation loss cost decrease of 8.3% effective November 1, 2020. This premium reduction results in a projected $16 million in savings to West Virginia employers. Since the workers’ compensation program was privatized in 2006,… [Read more]
CT Gov Lamont Signs Exec Order Creating COVID-19 WC Rebuttable Presumption
Hartford, CT – Governor Ned Lamont recently announced that he has signed an executive order creating a rebuttable presumption that workers who contracted COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic contracted it on the job and are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits: “As I promised last week, I have signed an executive order providing… [Read more]
Athens Administrators Releases COVID-19 CA Legislative Update
Concord, CA – Athens Administrators recently released a legislative update for California, one month after California Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-62-20, creating the rebuttable presumption of compensability for COVID-19 clams that meet specific criteria. The Order extends from May 6 through July 5 of this year and applies to COVID-19 claims for dates… [Read more]
VA Adopts Workplace Safety Standards for COVID-19 Pandemic
Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam recently announced the adoption of statewide emergency workplace safety standards in response to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. These first-in-the-nation safety rules will protect Virginia workers by mandating appropriate personal protective equipment, sanitation, social distancing, infectious disease preparedness and response plans, record keeping, training, and hazard communications in workplaces… [Read more]