Quote of the day
"There is so much hype regarding the case, partly because there are so many interested parties."
Sarbjit Dhesi, an East Bay chiropractor, regarding the criminal charges against Modesto chiropractors for allegedly performing manipulations under anesthesia
Prosecutors Charge Modesto Chiropractors with Controversial Treatment
Four Modesto chiropractors broke the law when they performed manipulations under anesthesia, even though the cost is sometimes covered by workers’ compensation, San Joaquin County prosecutors charge in a billing fraud case. Defense attorneys say state regulators have suggested the practice, which requires up to three days of treatment and sedation for pain, is legal. By Inga Miller via Modesto Bee
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AIG to Pay $58.5M in to Bay State in ‘Big Dig’ Dispute
AIG, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier for Boston’s Big Dig construction project, agrees to pay $58.5 million for excess profits it failed to return to the state, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announces. The contract between AIG and the Big Dig required the insurer to return surplus profits to the state in exchange for limiting its losses due to the high-risk nature of the work and potential for worker injuries. By AP via Boston Globe
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Keystone State Nuke Workers to Collect $40.5M in Comp
Former Pennsylvania nuclear weapons workers are slated to get $40.5 million in compensation from the Energy Employees Occupational Illness and Compensation Program. However, of their 2,181 claims, only 374 have been paid. By AP via Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times
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‘No Proof Necessary’ Bill Advances for Conn. Police, Firefighters
Legislation intended to make it easier for police and firefighters to collect workers’ compensation by forcing municipalities to presume their hepatitis, meningitis, tuberculosis or certain cancer diagnoses are work-related, heads for a vote in the Connecticut General Assembly. Critics contend it will boost cities and towns’ insurance premium rates. By Brian Lockhart, Stamford Advocate
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Aussie Biz Group Pressures Government on Comp Overhaul
A South Australia business group launches a campaign to convince the government to overhaul the state’s workers compensation scheme. Business SA contends the current system is non-competitive and “the worst performing in the country,” particularly with respect to return-to-work rates. The Age (Melbourne)
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Ontario Health Workers Threaten Sickout over Comp
As they reflect on the personal risk they face, healthcare workers in Ontario say they may stay off work in the event of a major health crisis because the province does not provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Most Canadian doctors are considered self-employed and a significant fraction of Canada’s nurses are considered part-time. By John Stall, 680 News (Toronto)
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