Independent Medical Review - Which One Applies To What? Summary of UR and IMR Emergency Regulations and Checklist for Compliance, by Robert G. Rassp, Esq. There is a huge amount of confusion within the California workers' compensation community about independent medical review (IMR) - how and when does it apply and where to find the correct regulations that implement it. This article hopefully will clarify the issues and point you in the right direction so that you can save some embarrassment when you talk to your colleagues, your opponent, or a judge about IMR. Read more.

Court of Appeal Reverses W.C.A.B. Ruling on Res Judicata, by Richard M. Jacobsmeyer, Esq. The 2nd Appellate District has ordered publication of an opinion previously issued as unpublished which provides important clarification of the rights of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (C.I.G.A.) in its pursuit of contribution/restitution rights against solvent carriers. In this case, State Farm v W.C.A.B. the appellate court ruled C.I.G.A.'s failure to seek review of an order rejecting its claim for reimbursement and later asserting essentially the same right at a different stage in the proceedings. The Court determined C.I.G.A.'s failure to appeal the original order precluded its ability to seek reimbursement at a later stage under the doctrine of res judicata ("the thing is decided"). Read more.

Workers' Comp Fraud Blotter - Husband Used Wife's SSN to Hide Secret Jobs While on Disability. Read it and other news items.