Harrisburg, PA – Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman and Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak recently announced the State Workers Insurance Fund (SWIF), the largest writer of workers comp insurance in Pennsylvania, has filed a plan to retroactively correct charges to employers for their workers compensation policies written between April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018.… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
NYC Corporation Counsel Names New Workers’ Comp Division Chief
New York, NY – Corporation Counsel Zachary W. Carter recently announced the appointment of Mindy Roller as Chief of the Workers’ Compensation Division. “As a longstanding member of the Law Department with decades of legal expertise in her field, Mindy has played an integral role in the division she will now lead, said Corporation Counsel… [Read more]
Annual WCRI Conference Features Latest Research and Efforts to Address Opioid Epidemic
Cambridge, MA – With more Americans dying from opioid overdoses than car crashes, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is devoting a session at their upcoming 35th Annual Issues & Research Conference to discussing the latest research and efforts to address the opioid epidemic. The conference is taking place February 28 and March 1, 2019,… [Read more]
Ohio BWC Recommends Largest Private Employer Rate Decrease in 60 Years
Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) today proposed a 20-percent reduction in the average premium rate it charges private employers, its largest rate cut in nearly 60 years if approved by the agency’s board of directors. BWC Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud told board members fewer workplace injuries and falling estimates of future… [Read more]
MI Gov. Whitmer Appoints, Reappoints to Workers’ Comp Board of Magistrates
Lansing, MI – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the following appointments and reappointments to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates: David DeGraw, Republican, of Grand Rapids, is a Michigan Compensation Appellate Commissioner. Mr. DeGraw is appointed to succeed Beatrice Logan for a term expiring January 26, 2023. Michael Heck, Democrat, of Troy, is the associate… [Read more]
CA DWC Medical Unit Accepting Applications for QME Exam on April 13
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is now accepting applications for the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) examination on April 13. QMEs are independent physicians certified by the DWC Medical Unit to conduct medical evaluations of injured workers. Applications for the QME exam may be downloaded from the DWC website. Applicants may… [Read more]
Ohio BWC Awards $243K in School Safety Grants
Columbus, OH – Eight Ohio school districts and two private schools will share nearly $243,000 to enhance their safety and security under an expanded safety grant program launched last year by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). “We want to improve workplace safety across Ohio, and that’s especially important in workplaces that house and… [Read more]
NY Workers’ Comp Board Adds New Free Tool for Virtual Hearings
Schenectady, NY – New York State Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez recently announced the Board has launched a new tool that makes it even easier for injured workers, attorneys and other participants to attend workers’ compensation hearings remotely. The Board’s virtual hearings, a first-in-the-nation initiative, give injured workers a way to move the… [Read more]
TDI-DWC Finalizes Medical Quality Review CY 2019 Annual Audit Plan
Austin, TX – On November 16, 2018, the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) solicited input from workers’ compensation system participants regarding a potential category for the 2019 Medical Quality Review Annual Audit Plan (Annual Plan). DWC appreciates the input provided by system participants. All comments were carefully considered and discussed. The… [Read more]
AK State Rep. Josephson Pre-Files Legislation to Improve Workers’ Comp System
Juneau, AK – Representative Andy Josephson recently announced he had pre-filed legislation to make vital improvements to Alaska’s Workers Compensation system. House Bill 30 features several improvements including adjusting benefits for inflation for those receiving Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI) and death benefits. These benefits have not been adjusted for inflation for approximately 20 and 50… [Read more]