AUSTIN, TEXAS — The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released their training schedule for the new Market Conduct Annual Statement (MCAS) collection system. “Comprehensive training will be available for both industry representatives and state regulators on the new MCAS collection system,” said John M. Huff, Chair of the Market Information Systems Task Force and… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
New York Work Comp Board Posts New Reimbursement Rates For Inpatient Hospital Care
Pursuant to New York Public Health Law § 2807-c(1)(b-1), the workers’ compensation fee schedule for inpatient hospital care tracks New York Medicaid rates, with limited statutory modifications. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) is required by statute to promulgate the workers’ compensation rates. The DOH has recently provided the Workers’ Compensation Board (Board)… [Read more]
Montana Governor Endorses Workers’ Comp Compromise
Insurance Journal has some great coverage of late-breaking developments in the Workers’ Compensation deal between Governor Brian Schweitzer and Republicans in Montana: “Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s administration said Wednesday that it is supporting a deal with Republicans to cut workers’ compensation insurance rates that are widely regarded as too expensive, paving the way for a big… [Read more]
Missouri Dept of Labor Division of Worker’s Compensation Approves First “Line of Duty” Comp Claims to Assist Survivors
Jefferson City, Mo— The Missouri Labor Department’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) mailed the first checks to families of loved ones killed in the line of duty after approving the two claims filed in 2010. These Missouri families each received $25,000 from the Line of Duty Compensation fund, for a total of $50,000. “This is… [Read more]
US Labor Department’s OSHA to Reach out on Musculoskeletal Disorder Reporting
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in partnership with the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, today announced a series of three teleconferences to reach out to the small business community for input on OSHA’s proposal to add a column for work-related musculoskeletal disorders on employer injury and illness… [Read more]
Alaska House Approves Updated Workers’ Comp Fee Schedules
(Juneau) – The Alaska State House of Representatives today passed legislation to modernize the state’s workers’ compensation procedural fee schedules. House Labor & Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Kurt Olson, R-Kenai, sponsored the bill, HB 13, which replaces outdated the 2004 fee schedule extension held in place by emergency regulation after a new plan wasn’t adopted… [Read more]
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Comp Issues Statement on Drug Abuse Raid of Doctor’s Office
The following is a statement from Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) CEO/Administrator Stephen Buehrer regarding legal action taken today at the Portsmouth (Scioto County) and Plymouth (Huron County) offices of Dr. James E. Lundeen Sr.: “Today, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, with assistance from Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, the Ohio State Highway… [Read more]
Missouri Senate Approves Workers’ Compensation Changes
JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Sen. Goodman, R-Mt. Vernon, was passed today by the Missouri Senate. The bill was introduced in the Missouri Senate on the first day of session, Jan. 5, and was passed in the Senate on March 17. If enacted into law, Senate Bill 8 would protect Missouri employees… [Read more]
Oklahoma State Rep. Dorman Plans Interim Study on Workers Comp Reform
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 15, 2011) – State Rep. Joe Dorman said today he wants to study an idea brought to him by a constituent that could lead to significant workers’ compensation reform and help boost business growth and economic development in the state. “A constituent of mine, who moved to Oklahoma from Massachusetts, told me… [Read more]
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire Signs Bill to Improve Workers’ Compensation System
OLYMPIA – Governor Chris Gregoire this afternoon signed Senate Bill 5801, which directs the Department of Labor and Industries to create a statewide provider network for injured workers, as well as expand access to the state’s Centers for Occupational Health Education. The legislation is expected to save $218 million over the next four years. “We… [Read more]