Oakland, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) has published an update to the loss elimination ratios used in computation of classification relativities in the recently approved September 1, 2022 Regulatory Filing. This annual update reflects the most current claim severity and benefit on-leveling factors. Additionally, the WCIRB has updated other… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
Ohio BWC’s Annual Memorial Service August 25th to Honor Fallen Workers
Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recently announced that it will pay tribute Thursday, Aug. 25 to 126 Ohioans who died as a result of a workplace illness or accident. BWC’s annual Fallen Workers Memorial, will be conducted at BWC headquarters in downtown Columbus and available on The Ohio Channel at… [Read more]
TX Governor Abbott Appoints Nelson as Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation
Austin, TX – Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed Jeff Nelson as the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for a term set to expire on February 1, 2023. TDI’s Division of Workers’ Compensation regulates the workers’ compensation system in Texas, ensuring injured workers receive the necessary benefits to quickly return… [Read more]
NM Workers’ Compensation Judge Shanon Riley Reappointed
New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration (WCA) Director Robert E. Doucette, Jr., announced the reappointment of Shanon S. Riley to serve a new five-year term as a workers’ compensation judge, effective August 20, 2022. “I appreciate Judge Riley and the work she has done over her tenure at the WCA,” said Doucette. “During her time as… [Read more]
CWCI Offers On-Demand Webinar On Impact of 2021 Med-Legal Fee Schedule Changes
Oakland, CA – The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) recently released an 18-page Research Update report that examined the effects of the 2021 revisions to the Medical-Legal Fee Schedule (MLFS) on med-legal utilization and costs. CWCI Senior Research Associate Stacy Jones, who authored the study, and CWCI General Counsel Sara Widener-Brightwell also recently conducted a… [Read more]
NYS WCB Announces Successful Launch of Web-Based System
Albany, NY – The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board recently announced the successful implementation of the first phase of OnBoard, designed to move key processes for health care providers and payers from paper to online. This is the latest chapter in the modernization of the Board. The new system allows health care providers, payers… [Read more]
Christine Brown Promoted to VT Director of Captive Insurance
Shelburne, VT – The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) recently announced that Assistant Director Christine Brown has been promoted to Director of Captive Insurance. Christine will be filling the role that Sandy Bigglestone holds, who will be appointed to Deputy Commissioner of the Division when David Provost retires at the end of August. “Christine… [Read more]
TDI-DWC Announces 2023 Provider PBO Assessment Methodology
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation recently announced the assessment methodology for its 2023 performance-based oversight (PBO) process. Texas Labor Code Section 402.075 requires the DWC to assess system participants’ performance in meeting the key regulatory goals established by the commissioner of workers’ compensation. DWC monitors workers’ compensation system… [Read more]
WV Governor Justice Announces Workers’ Comp Rates Drop for 18th Straight Year
Charleston, WV – Gov. Jim Justice recently announced that the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), West Virginia’s rating and statistical agent, has filed a proposed workers’ compensation loss cost decrease of 7.2%, effective Nov. 1, 2022. This premium reduction results in a projected $14 million in savings to West Virginia employers. “This is just… [Read more]
CA DWC COVID-19 Emergency Regs for Med-Legal Evals in Effect through Oct 18th
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently announced that its emergency regulation Section 46.3 has been extended until October 18, 2022. The regulations, which allow for medical-legal evaluations utilizing telehealth and office location flexibility resulting from various state and local public health safety measures related to COVID-19, became effective on January… [Read more]