U.S. Supreme Court cases involving the Voting Rights Act, affirmative action and gay marriage may be getting most of the attention as the Supreme Court winds up its term.But two decisions announced at the end of the court’s term are worth noting for the impact they will have on certain civil discrimination suits filed under
AB 76 is a “trailer bill” that has sailed along at the California legislature under the radar. The bill deals with many topics, but includes workers’ comp provisions. Specifically, the bill deals with the $120 million fund to compensate workers who have suffered disproportionate wage loss. Workers injured before 1/1/13 would not be able to
The California Commission of Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation held its first 2013 meeting this past Thursday. Here’s a thumbnail sketch of some of the more interesting tidbits discussed: Christine Baker, Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations, stated that the DIR is thriving despite resource limitations. She noted that the DWC is examining
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation needs more time to finish regulations required under the 2012 SB 863 reforms. That appears to be the bottom line to be gleaned from a DWC newline release of June 12, 2013 (see link below). In late 2012 the DWC had issued emergency regulations on the following topics: -QME
The DWC has recently posted its “2013 Study of Access to Medical Treatment for Injured Workers”, written by the Berkeley Research Group. Labor Code 5307.2 requires the DWC to do annual access studies. Specifically, Labor Code 5307.2 includes the following language: “The study shall analyze whether there is adequate access toquality health care and products,