San Francisco, CA – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently announced its emergency regulation for Medical-Legal Evaluations became effective on January 18, 2022 and will expire on July 19, 2022 with two possible 90 day extensions (in accordance with Government Code section 11346.1(h)). DWC filed the emergency regulation with the state’s Office of Administrative… [Read more]
Workers' Compensation
Patrick Smyth Joins Summit as Senior VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Lakeland, FL – Summit Consulting LLC recently annnounced that Patrick Smyth has been named the senior vice president of Finance and chief financial officer. Mr. Smyth brings a wealth of property and casualty insurance knowledge and financial leadership experience to Summit—having served in leadership roles as a financial executive with Liberty Mutual and more recently… [Read more]
FL Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg recently announced that George Garcia of Tampa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Garcia faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, Garcia owned and… [Read more]
RAND Releases Report on COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Considerations for Policymakers
Santa Monica, CA – RAND Corporation recently released a new Perspectives Report that examines policymakers’ initial efforts and reasoning around enabling access to workers’ compensation benefits for employees who are required to work outside their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also takes a look at the potential impact on workers, employers, and insurers… [Read more]
Origami Risk Adds Online Occupational Health Solutions for EHS Professionals
Chicago, IL – Origami Risk recently announced the launch of new online occupational health tools to support industrial hygiene and ergonomics initiatives, building on its growing suite of web-based and mobile solutions for environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals. “Even as COVID-19 continues to have a dramatic impact on workplaces throughout the U.S. and around… [Read more]
Ascellus Successfully Completes SOC 2 Type II Audit for Data Security
St. Petersburg, FL – Ascellus recently announced the successful completion (“clean, unqualified report with no exceptions noted”) of their System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II attestation for Security. This achievement reflects the company’s commitment to the highest levels of data security. “Ascellus’ SOC 2 achievement is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to… [Read more]
CA Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud
Ventura, CA – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko recently announced that Judy Hein of Rhinelander, Wisconsin pled guilty to two counts of felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud. This case was investigated the California Department of Insurance Fraud Division and prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Unit. From 2013 through 2017, Hein was… [Read more]
Ametros Study Proves Post-Settlement Medicare Treatment Denials Do Occur
Wilmington, MA – Ametros recently announced that in a first-of-its kind study, it found over 34,000 claims per year were denied to Medicare beneficiaries’ post-settlement because Workers’ Compensation Medicare Set Aside (WCMSA) funds were responsible for the payments. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has long warned that it requires WCMSA funds to… [Read more]
Travelers Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results
New York, NY – The Travelers Companies, Inc. recently reported net income of $1.333 billion, or $5.37 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, compared to $1.310 billion, or $5.10 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Core income in the current quarter was $1.289 billion, or $5.20 per diluted share,… [Read more]
Ohio BWC Notes 2021 as Another Big Year for Special Investigations Dept
Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation recently announced that over the course of 2021 its Special Investigations Department (SID) secured 53 convictions saving the state insurance fund $93,744,327 for those who truly need it. Protecting the state insurance fund, ensuring the workforce is receiving the best care possible, and employers pay their… [Read more]