AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) recently released the results of the 2011 Health Care Provider PBO assessment. For 2011, health care providers were assessed on their performance in one of three categories: Timely filing of the DWC Form-069, Report of Medical Evaluation; or Timely release to return to work and completeness… [Continue Reading]
Workers' Compensation
Utah WCF Makes Senior Management Changes
SALT LAKE CITY — Bob Short, Workers Compensation Fund senior vice president of claims, has been promoted to executive vice president. Bob joined WCF in 1993 as senior vice president of claims and under his leadership there have been many important accomplishments. In addition to his role at WCF, Bob is also the president and CEO of Pinnacle Risk Management…[Continue Reading]
TX Division of Workers’ Compensation Announces September Enforcement Actions
USTIN – Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation Rod Bordelon recently announced final disciplinary actions taken by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC). The final actions include orders related to violations of the Texas Labor Code and rules promulgated by the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation… [Continue Reading]
Insurance Commissioner Issues Guidance on Content of Orders in WV Workers’ Comp Claims
The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (“OIC”) recently released the following guidance relating to the content of orders issued in West Virginia workers’ compensation claims. This guidance is intended for all carriers, third party administrators, and employers who have been approved for self-insured status: On July 1, 2008, all appropriately licensed… [Continue Reading]
A.M. Best Special Report: U.S. Workers’ Comp Results Drop Once Again, Concerns Remain
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The U.S. workers’ compensation insurance segment continued to face the same significant hurdles throughout 2010, including competitive pricing, further rate decreases, weak macroeconomic factors, growing medical costs and an uptick in claim frequency. As a result, premium volume declined and underwriting results deteriorated yet again… [Continue Reading]
IL Governor Appoints new Workers’ Comp Arbitrators
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointments of 29 arbitrators in Illinois’ workers’ compensation system. Arbitrators rule on claims filed under the state’s Workers Compensation Act. The appointments are part of a package of reforms to the workers’ compensation system that Governor Quinn pushed through the General Assembly and signed earlier this year…[Continue Reading]
NY Workers’ Comp Board Names Medical Advisory Committee
New York – The Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) recently announced that it has named the members of its Medical Advisory Committee (MAC). This committee will develop additional guidelines for the treatment of work-related conditions, beginning with the management of chronic pain conditions. It will also help keep existing Medical Treatment Guidelines… [Continue Reading]
NY: Reimbursement for Spinal Surgery Implants Reinstated
New York – On September 23, 2011, Governor Cuomo signed into law Bill A. 6686-B / S. 4559-B as Chapter 517 of the Laws of 2011, which provides for separate reimbursement of implantable hardware and instrumentation used in spinal surgeries covered by workers’ compensation. Since 2006, Workers’ Compensation Law § 13(a-1) had provided for separate… [Continue Reading]
Texas Mutual Launches new Workplace Safety Website
AUSTIN—Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, today announced the launch of WorkSafeTexas.com, an online safety resource for Texas employers and employees. The website includes a number of free educational tools, including articles, return-to-work tool kits and safety presentations. “This website is for… [Continue Reading]
Grant Duffield Joins SC Workers Comp Commission as Insurance and Medical Services Director
South Carolina – The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission welcomes Grant Duffield as the new Director of Insurance and Medical Services. Mr. Duffield has 15 years of experience in local government management in South Carolina and North Carolina. Most recently he served as City Manager for the City of Tega Cay from 2002 to 2011. He also served as Town Administrator for… [Continue Reading]