San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is recently announced the formation of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee. The P&T Committee is established pursuant to Assembly Bill No. 1124 (2015) as an advisory body that will consult with the DWC Administrative Director on updates to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule Drug… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
Wisconsin Sees Reduction in Worker’s Comp Rate for Third Consecutive Year
Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance Monday approved an overall 6.03% rate decrease for Worker’s Compensation premiums for businesses, effective Oct. 1, 2018. This is the third consecutive year Worker’s Compensation rates have declined, following an 8.46% decline in 2017, and a 3.19% decline in 2016. The latest reduction in premiums is expected… [Read more]
WA L&I: Workers’ Compensation Benefits to Increase by 5 Percent
Tumwater, WA – For most workers injured on or before July 1, 2017, time-loss and pension benefit payments will increase by 5 percent based on the change in the state’s average wage as announced by the Washington State Employment Security Department on June 27. State law requires that benefits be recalculated each year to reflect… [Read more]
OSHA and CareerSafe Form Alliance to Protect Safety and Health of Young Workers
Washington, DC – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today signed an alliance agreement with CareerSafe to provide youth, aged 16-24, educators, and administrators with information and resources on the most common hazards encountered by new workers. During the two-year alliance, participants plan to work together to promote safety and health awareness among youth… [Read more]
CA Governor Brown Appoints Gaffney to Workers’ Comp Appeals Board
Sacramento, CA – California Governor Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. recently announced his appointment of Juan Pedro Gaffney, 80, of Sebastopol, to the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Gaffney has been a member of the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board since 2017 and director at Coro Hispano de San Francisco since 1975. He was… [Read more]
CA Insurance Commissioner Orders Workers’ Comp Insurers to Report Federal Income Tax Savings
Sacramento, CA – Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced today he has issued an order that every insurer licensed to write workers’ compensation insurance in the State of California must report their federal income tax savings annually through a rate filing in light of the new tax law. The recent revision to the Federal Tax Schedule… [Read more]
Caride Sworn-in as Commissioner of NJ Department of Banking and Insurance
Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride recently took the oath of office at a ceremony held at the office of Governor Phil Murphy. She is the first Hispanic to serve as commissioner of the Department, which oversees New Jersey’s banking, insurance and real estate industries. “I am honored… [Read more]
CWCI Notes California Workers Comp Benefit Increase For 2019
Oakland, CA – California’s State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) rose just under 3 percent to $1,242.78 in the year ending March 31, 2018, which the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) reports will boost temporary total disability (TTD) and permanent total disability (PTD) rates for 2019 work injury claims and other California workers’ comp benefits… [Read more]
WA L&I Announces Grants Available for Workplace Safety Projects and Return-to-Work Initiatives
Tumwater, WA – Do you have a great idea to help make Washington workers and workplaces safer? If so, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) may be able to help turn that idea into a reality. L&I’s Safety and Health Investment Projects (SHIP) Grant Program is now taking applications for a new… [Read more]
CA DWC Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (DMEPOS)
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule to conform to the 2018 changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The order, which is effective for services on or after July 1, 2018, adopts the Medicare Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (CMS-1687-IFC) Durable Medical Equipment Fee