Medical Emergencies Post SB 863. The recent reform act of SB 863 will bring in a whole host of changes to our workers compensation medical treatment delivery system. As we pour over the new and revised statutes and the new and revised regulations, it is helpful to consider what aspects of the law have changed, and what aspects remain the same. For instance, in the recent panel decision of Moser v. Valli Construction, the WCAB explained in great depth how a need for medical treatment for a "bona fide medical emergency" differs from a need for medical treatment on a more common prospective basis. Part of the issue in this case dealt with the failure of Mr. Moser to use Labor Code § 4062(b), the 2nd opinion for spinal surgery procedure, the process for which was repealed by SB 863. Although that 2nd opinion process was repealed, the question remains whether the basic premise for what constitutes a "bone fide medical emergency" is still viable? Read more.

Attention Subscribers: The supplement  to Workers' Compensation Laws of California is now at the printer. We expect to start shipping the 244-page supplement to customers in mid-March. The supplement will contain the emergency regulations as well as revised Table 14, Maximum/Minimum Indemnity and Earnings, and Table 17A, Permanent Disability Indemnity for Injuries in 2013. 

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CA: DWC to Hold QME Examination Oct. 19.

CA: Senate Rules Committee Confirms Sweeney as WCAB Commissioner (p. 92).

CA: State Fund Board of Directors Agenda, Handouts Posted.

CA: State Fund Appoints Beatriz Sanchez as Chief Operating Officer.

CA: Prominent OC Physician Under Investigation for 16 Fatal Overdoses.

NCCI Examines Medical Services for Claims 20 Years or Older.

WCRI Analyzes Medical Cost Drivers, Trends, Impact of WC Rules in 16 States.