Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council and more than 50 partner organizations with employees at worksites across the country penned a letter to the Vice President urging the federal government to provide COVID-19 testing resources to employers with workers engaged in essential business services. While priority for virus testing will rightly be given to… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
Ohio BWC Waives Employer Program Requirements Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Columbus, OH – Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on Ohio’s business community, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is waiving several requirements for employers participating in programs that lower their premiums as a reward for creating safer workplaces and doing BWC business online and on time. “This is one more way… [Read more]
TDI-DWC Emergency Adopts Rules for Telemedicine & Telehealth Services
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently announced it is adopting new 28 Texas Administrative Code §167.1 on an emergency basis. The rule relates to telemedicine and telehealth and will go into effect immediately for physical medicine and rehabilitation services provided on or after April 13, 2020. The… [Read more]
COVID-19 Postpones Ohio BWC’s MCO Open Enrollment Period
Columbus, OH – Due to the impact of the COVID-19 on Ohio’s business community, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is postponing this year’s enrollment period for employers to select a managed care organization (MCO) to manage their injury claims. Offered every two years in the spring, the enrollment period is an opportunity for employers… [Read more]
CA DWC Adjusts OMFS to Encourage Telehealth for Workers’ Comp Medical Treatment
San Francisco, CA – In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the Executive Orders issued by Governor Newsom, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting the Physician Services / Non-Physician Practitioner Services Fee Schedule to adopt changes that will encourage expanded use of telehealth during the COVID-19 public health… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Decides No Mid-Year 2020 Advisory Pure Premium Rate Filing
Oakland, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) Governing Committee (Committee) recently met to review the WCIRB Actuarial Committee’s analysis of December 31, 2019 California workers’ compensation experience. The indicated average July 1, 2020 advisory pure premium rate based on December 31, 2019 experience and the methodologies recommended by the Actuarial… [Read more]
Ohio Governor, BWC Propose $1.6 Billion Dividend, Board to Meet in Emergency Session
Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud recently proposed giving up to $1.6 billion to Ohio employers this spring to ease the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Ohio’s economy and business community. “This is great news for Ohio’s businesses, and will assist… [Read more]
US Department of Labor Appoints Amanda Edens OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has selected Amanda Edens as its new deputy assistant secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Edens formerly served as the director of OSHA’s Directorate of Technical Support & Emergency Management (DTSEM) since 2012. Edens joined OSHA in 1985 as an industrial hygienist. In 2002,… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Class/Rating Committee to Consider Reg Changes Due to COVID-19
Oakland, CA – On April 14, 2020, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California’s (WCIRB’s) Classification and Rating Committee will consider three rule changes that WCIRB staff are recommending in response to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on California employers and workers. The Committee will consider changes that, if approved… [Read more]
FL CFO Issues Statement on Workers’ Comp Coverage and Telehealth Guidance
Tallahassee, FL – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis recently released the following statement on guidance to insurers from the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) on workers’ compensation coverage and telehealth during the COVID-19 response: “As we work together to fight COVID-19 in our communities, my office has been working closely with the Office of… [Read more]