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]
Legislative & Regulatory News
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]
Christine Brown Promoted to VT Director of Captive Insurance
Shelburne, VT – The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) recently announced that Assistant Director Christine Brown has been promoted to Director of Captive Insurance. Christine will be filling the role that Sandy Bigglestone holds, who will be appointed to Deputy Commissioner of the Division when David Provost retires at the end of August. “Christine… [Read more]
TDI-DWC Announces 2023 Provider PBO Assessment Methodology
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation recently announced the assessment methodology for its 2023 performance-based oversight (PBO) process. Texas Labor Code Section 402.075 requires the DWC to assess system participants’ performance in meeting the key regulatory goals established by the commissioner of workers’ compensation. DWC monitors workers’ compensation system… [Read more]
WV Governor Justice Announces Workers’ Comp Rates Drop for 18th Straight Year
Charleston, WV – Gov. Jim Justice recently announced that the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), West Virginia’s rating and statistical agent, has filed a proposed workers’ compensation loss cost decrease of 7.2%, effective Nov. 1, 2022. This premium reduction results in a projected $14 million in savings to West Virginia employers. “This is just… [Read more]
CA DWC COVID-19 Emergency Regs for Med-Legal Evals in Effect through Oct 18th
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently announced that its emergency regulation Section 46.3 has been extended until October 18, 2022. The regulations, which allow for medical-legal evaluations utilizing telehealth and office location flexibility resulting from various state and local public health safety measures related to COVID-19, became effective on January… [Read more]
CWCI Examines Issues in Reducing California’s WC Investigation Timeline
Oakland, CA – Proposals to cut the amount of time California workers’ compensation claims administrators have to investigate work-related injuries and determine employer liability may be easier said than done given existing statutory and regulatory time frames for the various steps within the process, many of which claims organizations do not control, according to a… [Read more]
CA DWC Clarifies Provider Directory Requirements for Medical Provider Networks
San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently noted that it has received questions regarding the types of entities or companies that can be included in a Medical Provider Network (MPN) provider directory. The provider directory lists licensed physicians and ancillary providers of medical services (such as physical therapists) from which an… [Read more]
CA Insurance Commissioner Lara Issues Workers’ Compensation Benchmark Rate
Sacramento, CA – Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara adopted and issued a rate for workers’ compensation insurance that reflects California’s still-recovering economy. Recognizing that businesses are working hard to return to a nearly pre-pandemic market but still facing economic uncertainty and continued COVID-19 disruptions, the Commissioner’s action maintains the benchmark rate at $1.45 per $100 of… [Read more]
DWD: Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Insurance Premiums to Decline
Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development recently announced that Wisconsin companies will pay 8.47 percent less in worker’s compensation insurance rates starting Oct. 1, 2022, giving a boost to businesses around the state. The lower rates reflect continued worker safety improvements by employers in Wisconsin, which has a record number of people… [Read more]