San Francisco, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) recently submitted a January 1, 2020 Regulatory Filing to the California Insurance Commissioner. The filing contains the following proposals: Amendments to the California Workers’ Compensation Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan—1995, including amendments to the Standard Classification System. These amendments are proposed to become… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
PA Governor Wolf Signs Sixth Opioid Disaster Declaration Renewal, Announces New Initiatives
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf recently signed the sixth renewal of his opioid disaster declaration, put in to place in January 2018 as a mechanism for state agencies, third-party organizations and stakeholders to work collaboratively, loosen regulations that slow down access to treatment, and increase efforts on prevention, treatment, and recovery for thousands of… [Read more]
CA DWC Posts Adjustments to OMFS for Hospital Outpatient Depts/ASCs
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers… [Read more]
VT Governor Scott Announces Logger Safety and Workers’ Comp Insurance Program
Montpelier, VT – Governor Phil Scott recently announced a new initiative to address the high cost of workers’ compensation insurance for logging contractors in Vermont’s forest economy. The Vermont Logger Safety and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program—developed collaboratively by the Departments of Financial Regulation, Labor and Forests, Parks and Recreation, with input from logging safety trainers,… [Read more]
DEA Hosts Industry Conference as Part of Continued Collaboration on Prescription Drug Abuse
Washington, DC – EA Assistant Administrator, Diversion Control Division John Martin recently hosted a collaborative conference in Washington, D.C. with industry leaders representing the prescription drug supply chain in America. The purpose of their dialogue was to discuss ways to minimize pharmaceutical diversion while maintaining legitimate commerce and patient access. “DEA and those in the… [Read more]
FL DWC Releases Assessment Rates for WC Admin and Special Disability Trust Funds
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently issued an Informational Bulletin that advises insurers, self-insurers, and other related stakeholders that Florida’s Chief Financial Officer has issued an Order (Case No. 245810-WC) setting the WCATF assessment rate for Calendar Year 2020. The WCATF rate has been reduced from… [Read more]
WI Manufacturers & Commerce: Employer Safety Efforts Result in Workers’ Comp Rate Decrease
Masdison, WI – Worker’s Compensation insurance rates will drop by 8.84 percent this year if a recently filed rate change is approved by the Commission of Insurance (OCI). The rate change request was developed and filed by the Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau (WCRB), the entity responsible for setting such rates in Wisconsin, and if approved… [Read more]
NYS WCB Proposes New Regulation to Implement the Expanded Provider Law
Albany, NY – As part of Governor Cuomo’s 2019-2020 budget, a new law was passed expanding the types of medical providers that can be authorized to treat injured workers in the New York State workers’ compensation system. Starting January 1, 2020, licensed clinical social workers, nurse practitioners and acupuncturists, as well as current ancillary providers,… [Read more]
Marsh & McLennan Urges Lawmakers to Reauthorize Terrorism Risk Insurance Program
New York, NY – Tarique Nageer, Property Terrorism Placement and Advisory Leader at Marsh recently testified before the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, on the importance of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (TRIPRA), which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020. “Terrorism remains an evolving, expanding, and… [Read more]
NYS WCB to Highlight Successes, Provide Training at Regional Conferences
Albany, NY – The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) recently announced a series of three regional conferences to take place this summer in Albany, Rochester, and New York City. The half-day, afternoon sessions are open to anyone with an interest in the New York State workers’ compensation system, and will highlight important advances… [Read more]