Springfield, IL – Governor Bruce Rauner recently reappointed 11 arbitrators to the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission (IWCC). During their three-year term, the arbitrators will conduct judicial hearings, make decisions about workers compensation claims, render awards and approve settlement contracts when there are work-related injury disputes between employees and employers across the state. “It’s important that… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
MA Governor Baker Signs Second Major Piece of Legislation to Address Opioid Epidemic
Boston, MA – Governor Charlie Baker was recently joined by members of the Administration, the Legislature and the health care community for the ceremonial signing of H4742, An Act for prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction at the STEPRox Recovery Support Center in Boston. This bill is the Baker-Polito Administration’s second… [Read more]
FL CFO: Workers’ Comp Rate Reduction is Good News for Florida Businesses
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI) recent proposed workers’ compensation rate decrease of 13.4 percent for most employers in Florida. “We’ve seen the cost of doing business in Florida continue to drop. The news that workers’ compensation rates will… [Read more]
FL OIR Receives Annual Workers’ Comp Rate Filing with 13.4% Proposed Decrease
Tallahassee, FL – The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has received the 2019 Florida workers’ compensation rate filing by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which proposes a statewide average premium decrease of 13.4%. The new rates would become effective January 1, 2019. As always, OIR will review the filing to ensure the proposed… [Read more]
Justice Department, DEA Propose Significant Opioid Manufacturing Reduction in 2019
Washington, DC – The Department of Justice and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration have proposed a reduction for controlled substances that may be manufactured in the U.S. next year. Consistent with the President’s “Safe Prescribing Plan” that seeks to “cut nationwide opioid prescription fills by one-third within three years,” the proposal decreases manufacturing quotas for the… [Read more]
WA Insurance Commissioner Kreidler Names Gellermann New Chief Deputy Commissioner
Olympia, WA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler announced today that AnnaLisa Gellermann will serve as the agency’s new chief deputy commissioner beginning Aug. 27. Gellerman is currently the deputy commissioner for the Policy and Legislative Affairs division. She joined the Office of Insurance Commissioner in 2013 as the deputy commissioner for Legal Affairs. She previously… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Submits January 1, 2019 Pure Premium Rate Filing
San Francisco, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau recently submitted its January 1, 2019 Pure Premium Rate Filing to the California Department of Insurance (CDI), proposing advisory pure premium rates that average $1.70 per $100 of payroll. The proposed pure premium rates are 4.5% less than the average approved July 1, 2018 advisory… [Read more]
NC Governor Cooper Nominates Hassell to Industrial Commission
Raleigh, NC – North Carolnia Governor Roy Cooper recently announced that he has nominated Judge Robby Hassell of Greensboro to serve on the state Industrial Commission as a commissioner representing employers. “The Industrial Commission makes critical decisions affecting the people of our state, from workers’ compensation claims to death benefits,” Gov. Cooper said. “I’m proud… [Read more]
VA Gov Northam Signs Executive Order Establishing Worker Misclassification Task Force
Richmond, VA – Governor Ralph Northam recently signed an Executive Order establishing an interagency task force on worker misclassification and payroll fraud. The misclassification of employees as “independent contractors” undermines businesses that follow the law, deprives the Commonwealth of millions of dollars in tax revenues, and prevents workers from receiving legal protections and benefits. “Treating… [Read more]
CA Insurance Commissioner Appointed Chair of National Cannabis Insurance Committee
Sacramento, CA – The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) yesterday voted to establish a Cannabis Insurance Working Group to address the issue of insurance availability for the legalized cannabis industry. Recognizing California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones’ leadership on the issue, the NAIC appointed Jones chair of the NAIC Cannabis Insurance Working Group. At the… [Read more]