Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today announced that Valery Alena Thompson, 31, and her husband Earl James Thompson, 47, have been charged with one count each of violating section 11880(a) of the California Insurance Code. Valery Thompson, President and CEO for Russell/Thompson, Inc. was arrested on May 19, 2011 by authorities in Lakewood, Colorado. Her husband,… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation Announces April Enforcement Actions
AUSTIN – Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation Rod Bordelon recently announced final disciplinary actions taken by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC). The final actions include orders related to violations of the Texas Labor Code and rules promulgated by the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation. Copies of Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation orders may… [Read more]
Workers’ Comp Bill Passes Oklahoma House, Heads to Governor
OKLAHOMA CITY – The full House gave overwhelming bipartisan approval today to a sweeping overhaul of the state workers’ compensation system. “Simply put, Oklahoma is going to see injured workers get back on the job faster and with reduced medical costs thanks to the extensive reforms in this bill,” said House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee.… [Read more]
Oklahoma Senate Gives Unanimous Approval to Workers’ Comp Reform
The full Senate has given unanimous approval to legislation reforming Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system. State Senators Anthony Sykes and Patrick Anderson authored Senate Bill 878. Sykes presented the measure to the full Senate on Wednesday and said it was the result of several months of intensive work representing all entities with a stake in the… [Read more]
Michigan Governor Abolishes Workers’ Comp Appellate Commission
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today continued his drive to improve government service and efficiency by creating the Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission. Snyder issued Executive Order 2011-6, which transfers the authorities and responsibilities of the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission and the Employment Security Board of Review to the new Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission. “With… [Read more]
Attorney General Holder Names Birnbaum as Special Master of 9/11 Comp Fund Reactivated by Zadroga Act
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder today announced that he has chosen Sheila L. Birnbaum to head the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund program. Birnbaum, a life-long New Yorker, has decades of experience resolving complicated litigation. Birnbaum gained recognition and regard from the victims community for her work mediating a settlement of $500 million for… [Read more]
US Labor Department’s OSHA reopens Public Record on Proposed Addition of Musculoskeletal Disorders Column
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration tomorrow will reopen the public record on a proposed rule to revise the Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements regulation. Notice of the reopening will be published May 17 in the Federal Register. The purpose of reopening the record is to… [Read more]
Illinois Workers’ Comp Commission Welcomes New Administrators
In recent days, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Chairman Weisz has filled two key positions within the IWCC. Ron Rascia joined the Commission in April as legal counsel. He earned a BA in Economics from DePaul, and both a JD and Master’s in Intellectual Property from John Marshall. He worked for the Illinois Attorney General for… [Read more]
Montana Governor Exercises Item Veto on Workers’ Comp Bill
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer recently exercised his item veto powers on part of HB 604 related to Workers’ Comp changes, and issued the following statement: In accordance with the power vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Montana, I hereby deliver to you House Bill No. 604… [Read more]
Montana Approves 22.5% Reduction in Workers’ Comp Costs
HELENA, Mont. – Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen approved a 22.4 percent reduction in workers’ compensation insurance loss costs on Monday, which will translate to lower premiums for employers. The dramatically lower loss costs, which are the costs insurers pay for claims, come as a result of bipartisan legislation signed by the governor… [Read more]