Oakland, CA – As lawmakers debate issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the role that workers’ compensation systems in California and elsewhere should play in responding to the virus and the potential impact of COVID-19 presumptions of compensability, the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) has issued a white paper that looks at the historic role… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
WCRI Releases 12th Edition of Free Medical Price Index for Workers’ Comp
Cambridge, MA – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently released an updated version of its study that helps compare prices paid for medical professional services across 36 states and monitor price changes from 2008 to 2019. The study, WCRI Medical Price Index for Workers’ Compensation, 12th Edition (MPI-WC), focuses on professional services (evaluation and… [Read more]
Ohio Governor & BWC Sending 2 Million Face Coverings to Ohio Employers & Workers
Columbus, OH – Governor Mike DeWine recently announced he is sending at least 2 million face coverings to employers and workers across the state to weaken the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on the safety and health of Ohioans. Governor DeWine announced the plan, called Protecting Ohio’s Workforce — We’ve Got You Covered,… [Read more]
CA DWC, WCAB Update Forms to Identify Injuries Related to COVID-19
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) recently updated certain forms to properly allow for identifying injuries related to COVID-19. Parties are required to list body part codes when filing these forms. The forms listed below have been updated to include the new body part code… [Read more]
Tomorrow: Free One Call Webinar on COVID-19 Telerehab Regulation Changes
Jacksonville, FL – One Call has announced a new free webinar taking place tomorrow where Thomas Novelli, VP of Government Relations & Public Affairs and Susan Curley, Director of Government Relations will lead a roundtable discussing how COVID-19 has prompted regulation changes for telehealth services, specifically telerehab. COVID-19 has become a complex disruptor within the… [Read more]
CA DWC Posts Adjustments to OMFS Including Expansion of Telehealth to Address COVID-19
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order dated May 7, 2020, adjusting the Physician and Non-Physician Practitioner Services section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to additional Medicare fee schedule changes pursuant to Labor Code section 5307.1. The order includes technical updates and provisions to… [Read more]
MA AG Healey Calls on DOI to Expedite Process to Decrease WC Premiums During Covid-19 Pandemic
Boston, MA – Attorney General Maura Healey called on the state’s Division of Insurance (DOI) to take immediate steps to ensure that Massachusetts businesses pay fair workers’ compensation insurance premiums that reflect the businesses’ decreased exposure to workplace injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter sent to DOI Commissioner Gary Anderson, the AG’s Office… [Read more]
CA Gov. Newsom Announces COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Presumption for Work Outside of Home
Sacramento, CA – As California prepares to enter Stage 2 of the gradual reopening of the state, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that workers who contract COVID-19 while on the job may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. The Governor signed an executive order that creates a time-limited rebuttable presumption for accessing workers’ compensation benefits… [Read more]
APCIA: CA Executive Order Threatens Stability of Workers’ Compensation System
Washington, DC – David A. Sampson, president and CEO of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), released the following statement regarding the new workers compensation presumption executive order, which was announced today by California Governor Gavin Newsom: “APCIA applauds the work of frontline health care workers, first responders, and many others who are helping… [Read more]
CA DWC Posts Adjustment to OMFS (DMEPOS) to Adopt Medicare Increase from CARES Act
San Francisco, CA – The California 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 additional 2020 changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and… [Read more]