Washington, DC – The Drug Enforcement Administration recently announced the launch of an enhanced system to help more than 1,500 registered drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide more effectively identify potential illicit drug diversion and combat the opioid epidemic. On Oct. 24, 2018, The President signed into law the “Substance Use–Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
Conference Chronicles – WCRI: Opioids in Workers’ Comp: Research and Reduction Efforts
Phoenix, AZ – At the 2019 WCRI Annual Conference, a session discussed a variety of research and efforts relating to the opioid epidemic. Moderator: Mr. Tim Hassett-Salley, WCRI Speakers: Dr. Vennela Thumula, WCRI Dr. Letitia Davis, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Ms. Jacqueline Kurth, Industrial Commission of Arizona Mr. Jason Porter, Industrial Commission of Arizona… [Read more]
Ohio BWC Drops Painkiller Oxycontin from Formulary
Columbus, OH – The powerful painkiller Oxycontin, widely blamed for kickstarting the nation’s opioid crisis, will no longer be newly prescribed for injured workers in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s system starting July 1. Following a recommendation from BWC Chief Medical Officer Terry Welsh, the agency’s Board of Directors recently voted to drop the… [Read more]
Ohio BWC: Average Private Employer Workers’ Comp Rates to Drop 20 Percent
Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors recently approved a 20 percent reduction in the average premium rate it collects from private employers. The reduction is BWC’s largest in nearly 60 years. “We’re pleased to continue the trend of falling rates with a reduction that will save Ohio private… [Read more]
MT Insurance Commissioner Approves Largest Workers’ Comp Rate Decrease in 8 Years
Helena, MT – Insurance Commissioner Matt Rosendale has approved the largest reduction in workers compensation loss costs since 2011, when he helped pass bipartisan reforms in the legislature that year. The 17.2 percent overall average decrease filed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) will take effect on July 1, 2019 and does not… [Read more]
MD Accepting Proposals to Invest in Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund
Baltimore, MD – James E. Rzepkowski, acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation recently announced the creation of the Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund (OWIF). Part of a $1.9 million federal grant awarded in 2018 from the U.S. Department of Labor, the OWIF will support local organizations in developing innovative solutions that… [Read more]
WV Governor Justice Appoints Dodrill as State Insurance Commissioner
Charleston, WV – Gov. Jim Justice recently announced that he has appointed James A. Dodrill as West Virginia Insurance Commissioner effective March 4, 2019. Dodrill succeeds Allen McVey who was appointed earlier this year as Secretary of the Department of Administration. A graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law, Dodrill received his B.A.… [Read more]
Ohio BWC Pledges Additional $500,000 to Help Law Enforcement Purchase Body Armor
Columbus, OH – Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud, Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost recently announced an additional $500,000 to fund the Attorney General’s Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Program. This is in addition to the initial $2 million previously announced for Fiscal Year 2019. “I’m happy that we’re able… [Read more]
CA CHSWC Commissioner Shelley Kessler Reappointed by Speaker of the Assembly
Oakland, CA – The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) recently announced the reappointment of Shelley Kessler to the Commission. A total of eight (8) Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and the Legislature. Labor Code 75 establishes that two of the employer members and two of the labor members of the… [Read more]
Cal/OSHA Advisory Committee to Evaluate Electronic Submission of Workplace Injury & Illness Records
Oakland, CA – Cal/OSHA has scheduled an advisory committee meeting on the electronic submission of injury and illness records. The public meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elihu Harris Building, 1515 Clay Street Suite 1304, Oakland. On January 25, federal OSHA published a final rule… [Read more]