News Digest 4-14-2021

 

Flash: Officials Halt Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Why are the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration halting use of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine? Here’s what you need to know. Workers’ Comp Executive

 

Florida court finds two men guilty of $7.2M workers’ comp fraud

According to a press release from Florida officials, two men have pleaded guilty to wire and tax fraud, by renting out workers’ compensation insurance policies through their shell companies, resulting in the theft of an estimated $7.2 million. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and each tax fraud count carries a maximum penalty of five years. Global Construction Review

 

Risk of injury could pave the way for more home care workers’ comp claims

With more healthcare moving into homes, the risk of injury among home care and home healthcare workers is increasing. The most recent data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics found nursing assistants had the highest incident rate of days away from work than any occupation. McKnight’s Senior Living

 

Scientists find evidence of toxic chemicals in some face masks

Preliminary tests by scientists have revealed traces of a variety of toxic compounds including formaldehyde in face masks that are being sold to the public. Experts are concerned that the presence of these chemicals in masks which are being worn for prolonged periods of time could cause unintended health issues. Face coverings designed for use by the general public are not regulated and fail to meet the same standards as medical grade personal protective equipment. Daily Mail

 

West Virginia’s new intermediate appellate court fundamentally changes workers’ comp practice, attorneys say

New legislation creating the Intermediate Court of Appeals for West Virginia, eliminating the Workers’ Compensation Office of Judges, and establishing the West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Board of Review as the initial reviewing body for objections to decisions made by insurers regarding workers’ compensation claims, will impact workers’ compensation litigation practice in several ways, write two attorneys at Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC. JD Supra