The 2026 race for California Governor could dramatically impact the future of California’s workers’ comp system. Observers say major reforms are unlikely this year as the legislature deals with the homeowner insurance crisis and its own looming fiscal issues, but interest groups are putting out markers for issues that will likely be part of the …
The Division of Workers’ Compensation proposed a set of updates to California’s utilization review regulations last year and, in response to public feedback at the time, made some tweaks to the package. But industry commentators say the changes went too far, put the onus on the innocent party, and are urging the Division to undo …
The California Supreme Court held oral arguments last week in a case challenging a Fourth District decision holding that the 50% bump up in indemnity benefits under Labor Code section 4553 does not apply to industrial disability leave (IDL). The lower court held that the 4850 time that some state workers receive in lieu of …
Capitol veterans say California’s escalating budget problems will likely limit opportunities for any significant legislation affecting workers’ comp this year. They note, however, that organized labor, applicant’s attorneys, and others whose interests are tied to the workers’ comp system are expected to use the year to lay the groundwork for potential reforms in the next …
The California Department of Insurance’s Fraud Assessment Commission is holding a special meeting tomorrow to consider a major shift in where and how the dollars are distributed in the state’s fight against workers’ comp fraud (see related item on page 1). Five commissioners reviewed the proposal at the Commission’s January 10th meeting, but it is …
The pandemic put a heavy strain on the healthcare system’s ability to deliver care amid surges in cases and high infection rates among healthcare workers. But new research indicates that the workers’ comp system continued delivering timely care to injured workers throughout the pandemic. Alex Swedlow (see photo) with the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) …