Quote of the day
“We are still pushing hard on industry and worker representatives to reach agreement on language regarding musicians. We plan to address the unique situation regarding musicians in the next round of amendments by March.”
Assemblyman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), author of the controversial AB 5 legislation that is disrupting numerous industries in California, in a tweet
Flash: AB 5 Amendments Coming, Author Tweets
Indications are that a few changes are in the works for the controversial AB 5 legislation that’s been disrupting business across the state of California. Which industries are at the front of the line? Get the details by clicking here. Workers’ Comp Executive
Ohio bill changes eligibility for workers’ comp PTSD benefits for first responders
In Ohio, supporters and opponents have been weighing in on a bill that would make police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service workers diagnosed with job-related post-traumatic stress disorder eligible for workers’ compensation, regardless of whether they suffer a related injury. The bill prohibits claimants from receiving compensation or benefits for PTSD at the same time they are receiving a disability benefit from a state retirement system for an injury. The Press (Millbury, Ohio)
Minnesota drywall company owners charged with workers’ comp fraud
A husband and wife have been charged with felonies in connection with a scheme to avoid paying for workers’ compensation insurance for employees of their construction business. Monticello Times (Coon Rapids, Minn.)
Two Washington-area men admit to fraud scheme involving Goodwill
Two men who operated a business that contracted with Washington, D.C.-area Goodwill stores pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a scheme involving employing illegal employees, who did not receive proper overtime pay and adequate workers’ compensation insurance. Patch (Del Ray, Va.)
PBM overcharged state on more than 1.3 million prescription claims, Ohio AG says
The Ohio attorney general is claiming in a lawsuit that OptumRX, a pharmacy benefit manager, allegedly violated its contract by overcharging the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation on more than 1.3 million claims for generic medications. In an earlier filing, the state asked for a fine of up to $5,000 for each day that the improper prices were charged, meaning potential damages are in the millions of dollars. Columbus Dispatch [may require registration]
Workers’ comp PTSD bill advances in New Mexico House
A New Mexico House committee over the weekend advanced a bipartisan package of public safety measures including helping law enforcement officers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The proposal has received broad support from the law enforcement community, advocacy groups and committee members. Santa Fe New Mexican