A multiagency enforcement program that uses public and private data to target employers likely operating without workers’ comp coverage completed inspections of 56 employers and cited 29 for operating in violation of Labor Code section 3700. Another 11 employers that were allegedly found to be violating state wage and hour laws and were cited. Additional …
The Department of Industrial Relations issued a second request for proposals to find a research team willing and able to conduct an in-depth study of the state’s rapidly growing Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF). Unimpressed with the responses to its initial RFP, the Department nearly doubled its budget for the study to $750,000 to …
Employers concerned with skyrocketing costs in the state’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) will have to wait longer for answers as to why assessments for the program more than doubled last year. Indications are the costs are continuing to climb, and additional delays in identifying the reasons why will only forestall any solutions. Insured …
The Department of Industrial Relations is moving to comply with a legislative mandate to explore potential alternatives to the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for reimbursing physicians in the workers’ comp system but is getting little assistance. The Department put the study out for bid, but officials say they failed to receive any responses to …
The Assembly and Senate Budget subcommittees charged with reviewing the Department of Industrial Relations’ budget changes have reviewed the Department’s requests with limited comment, questioning, or pushback. However, one issue did catch the subcommittees’ attention: the 25% vacancy rate at DIR. Senate subcommittee chair Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) announced that the panel would …