Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation recently proposed the Fiscal Year 2023 Research Agenda of the Workers’ Compensation Research and Evaluation Group (REG). Texas Labor Code Section 405.0026 requires the REG to prepare a research agenda each year for the commissioner of workers’ compensation to review, approve, and publish… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
IL Gov. Pritzker Reappoints Workers’ Comp Commission Arbitrators
Springfield, IL – Governor JB Pritzker recently announced the reappointment of the following Arbitrators of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Dennis O’Brien will continue to serve as an Arbitrator on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.* O’Brien has served as an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission since 2019. Previously, he worked as a Vice… [Read more]
NCCI Releases 2022 Regulatory and Legislative Trends Report, New Dashboards
Boca Raton, FL – NCCI recently released its 2022 Regulatory and Legislative Trends report, which provides an overview of key legislative, regulatory, and other developments affecting the workers compensation system. The information aligns with the legislative cycle to include the latest countrywide, regional, and individual state actions and trends as of July 31, 2022. Key… [Read more]
State Ombuds for Oregon Workers Retiring After 44 Years of Public Service
Salem, OR – Jennifer Flood, the State of Oregon’s Ombuds for Oregon Workers, is retiring after 44 years of public service, nearly all of it with the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). Flood, who has been the ombuds since August 2005, is retiring Dec. 31, 2022. “Jennifer’s genuine care for workers is clearly… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Updates Loss Elimination Ratios and Advisory Plan Tables
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]
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]