Washington, DC – The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) recently sent a letter to congressional leadership in both chambers, asking for the removal of federal barriers that are currently preventing health care providers from offering treatment for opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder is the physical and psychological reliance on opioids. Symptoms of opioid… [Read more]
Top Stories
One Call Appoints Will Smith as Chief Commercial Officer
Jacksonville, FL – One Call recently announced that it has appointed Will Smith as Chief Commercial Officer. Smith served as Chief Product Officer for One Call since 2016. In his new role, he will continue to oversee product management, provider networks, specialty channels, analytics, customer experience and group health, but will also assume responsibility for… [Read more]
CA School Bus Driver Convicted of Workers’ Comp Fraud
San Mateo County, CA – Rick Rossi, a full-time school bus driver employed with Cabrillo Unified School District, has been convicted of two felony counts of insurance fraud and was sentenced to three years of felony probation. Rossi was ordered 60 days in county jail to start no later than Sept. 14, 2019, and ordered… [Read more]
Leidos to Acquire IMX Medical Management Services
Reston, VA – Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire IMX Medical Management Services (IMX), a URAC accredited commercial independent review organization and its affiliated businesses, including First Rehabilitation Resources, a URAC accredited commercial case management organization, primarily serving the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States. Following the transaction… [Read more]
The RxProfessor: How Do We Treat Opioid Addiction?
By Mark Pew, Senior VP, Preferred Medical This week I want to share two articles about the opioid epidemic and treatment options. The first article is about a company who marketed their drug in allegedly unethical ways. The second article is about a study that may prove medications can help heal the brain of someone… [Read more]
Claims Eval Announces Addition of Atkins as COO, Other Organizational Changes
Rocklin, CA – IRO/Peer Review services Claims Eval recently announced the addition of Karen “Kat” Atkins as the Chief Operating Officer to the organization. Kat has more than 15 years experience in the Workers’ Comp industry with experience in all aspects of managed care. In her prior roles of COO and Sr. Director of Operations… [Read more]
Idaho Man Sentenced for Perjury Related to Workers’ Comp Claim
Boise, ID – Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has announced a Bonneville County man was recently for perjury. Jason G. Smith, of Idaho Falls, pleaded guilty to one count in April. Fourth District Court Judge Jason Scott sentenced Smith to a prison sentence of one year, and then commuted the sentence to 60 days in jail.… [Read more]
NCCI Releases 2019 Regulatory and Legislative Trends Report
Boca Raton, FL – The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently released its 2019 Regulatory and Legislative Trends Report. The resource for workers compensation industry stakeholders provides an overview of key legislative, regulatory, judicial, and other developments. The publication is released annually to align with the legislative cycle, and includes the latest countrywide, regional,… [Read more]
Ohio Business Owner Convicted of Manslaughter, Workers’ Comp Fraud
Columbus, OH – The owner of an Akron construction company recently pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after one of his workers fell to his death in late 2017. James D. Coon, the owner of James Coon Construction, also pleaded guilty in a Summit County courtroom to a fourth-degree felony charge of workers’ compensation fraud. Investigators… [Read more]
Employers Holdings Appoints Katherine H. Antonello as Executive VP, Chief Actuary
Reno, NV – Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EIG) recently announced the appointment of Katherine H. Antonello as its executive vice president, chief actuary. She will report directly to Douglas D. Dirks, president and chief executive officer. Antonello most recently served as the chief actuary for the National Council on Compensation Insurance, in Boca Raton, Florida from… [Read more]