It's Here--Independent Bill Review, by David Bryan Leonard, Esq. 2013 has started off with a whirlwind of new regulations and administrative processes. We have several new sets of regulations that cover topics such as Independent Bill Review (IBR), Independent Medical Review (IMR), Utilization Review (UR) and Lien Activation Fees. While the majority of new processes contain the letter "R", each set of regulations covers a unique aspect of California's workers' compensation act. Stated differently, while the commonality of name may seem to create topical overlap, each process is very different and specialized. This article highlights some of the key features of the Independent Bill Review (IBR) emergency regulations that became effective January 1, 2013. Read more.

W.C.A.B. Declines to Accept Jurisdiction over Out of State NFL Player, by Richard M. Jacobsmeyer, Esq. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board has issued a decision in what can best be called a niche case involving professional sports specifically professional football. In McKinley v. Arizona Cardinals, the W.C.A.B. has issued an en banc decision specifically declining to exercise jurisdiction over the applicant's workers' compensation claim for injuries alleged to have been sustained during his career as a professional football player on a cumulative basis. Read more.

Publisher's Note: It has been brought to our attention that there are errors in Table 14, Maximum/Minimum Indemnity and Earnings, and Table 17A, Permanent Disability Indemnity for Injuries in 2013-2014, published in the 2013 Edition of Workers' Compensation Laws of California. Access the revised tables here.

CA: DWC Invites Comment on Payment Ground Rules Topics for Physician Fee Schedule.

CA: DWC Announces Medical Provider Network Public Meeting.

CA: OSIP Posts FAQs on New SB 863 Requirements for Self-Insurers.

CA: Superior Court Denies Transfer of Rights to Payments Under a Workers' Comp Settlement.

CA: Governor's Proposed Budget Seeks to Balance the Budget.

NCCI Posts Report on Medical Services for Claims 20 or More Years Old.

Insurance Information Institute Posts Top Workers' Comp Developments.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Floating Home Is Not a Vessel.