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Vol. 4, Issue 36

Find Solutions & Strategies                       September 9, 2013

Pills PainOpioid Policies
 
IAIABC's guide serves as blueprint for reform
In This Issue
-OPIOID POLICIES
-LARSON'S SPOTLIGHT: Going and Coming, Post-Injury Wages, Remarriage Penalty, Unexplained Fall
-LONGSHORE SYMPOSIUM
-NEWSROOM BLOGS
-LAW360 HEADLINES
-NATIONAL & STATE NEWS
-eNEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
A Note From the Editor
Robin Kobayashi 2010  
Dear Work Comp Community:  
 
To sign up for this free weekly eNewsletter, click here. To read past issues, access the archives.

 

Sincerely,
Robin E. Kobayashi, JD
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opioid policies

Stahl, JohnIAIABC Policy Guide on Reducing Opioid Abuse Offers Blueprint for Effective Reform, by John Stahl, Esq. The bad news is that opioid abuse related to treating chronic pain remains a serious problem for every workers' compensation system participant. The good news is that many workers' compensation jurisdictions are increasing their efforts to reduce this situation that officials at the federal Centers for Disease Control and many other experts label an epidemic. An August 2013 report titled "Reducing Inappropriate Opioid Use in Treatment of Injured Workers: A Policy Guide" from the non-profit International Association of Industrial Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) addresses specific issues regarding this problem and discusses governmental responses. This report is intended to help workers' compensation systems develop policies that effectively reduce opioid abuse. Read more.

larson's spotlight: going  & coming, wages, remarriage, unexplained fall

Tom Robinson thumbnailLarson's Spotlight on Interesting Cases, by Thomas A. Robinson, JD

 

Kentucky: Fall on Snow-covered Sidewalk Outside Employer's Premises Found Compensable. The Supreme Court of Kentucky recently affirmed that a medical billing associate sustained a compensable accident when she slipped...read more.

 

Arizona: Post-Injury Wages from Wal-Mart Employee's Second Job Part of Average Monthly Wage. For purposes of workers' compensation benefits, the average monthly wage of a Wal-Mart employee...read more.

 

Missouri: Appeals Court Construes "Remarriage" Penalty for Death Benefits Claims. In a case of first impression, a Missouri court held that the commutation of death benefits for a surviving spouse...read more.

 

South Carolina: Injuries From Unexplained Fall on Level, Carpeted Hallway Were Not Compensable. Returning to a difficult issue, determining the compensability of injuries suffered in a fall while walking...read more.

longshore act symposium, oct. 1, 2013

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

In Conjunction with

The United States Department of Labor

Presents

 

DOL West Coast Symposium III

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

San Francisco Federal Bldg., 90 7th Street, Joint Auditorium B-040 - B-020,

7th and Mission, San Francisco, CA 94103

 

Register here. The West Coast has unique and interesting developments with respect to processing Longshore and Defense Base Act claims. In conjunction with Loyola University, the U.S. Dept. of Labor is putting on a West Coast Symposium to discuss some of these developments. Topics include Handling Claims before OWCP and the ALJ--A to Z; attorney fee awards; DBA issues including a discussion of 6(c) and pertinent recent legal cases; War Hazards issues; San Francisco OALJ pre-trial Procedures; and much more. CLE Credit Hours: 6.50

lexisnexis legal newsroom blogs
Cassandra
You've got mail......and DE Superior Court affirms IAB ruling in insurance coverage case, by Cassandra Roberts, Esq. Read it.   
    
  
  
  
Martin KlugMissouri: Court Ponders Whether Insurer Can Direct Care When Missouri Employer Closes Its Business, by Martin Klug, Esq. Read it.  
  
  
  
  
1652 SealRating Impairments That Are Missing From the AMA Guides, by Calif. WCAB Noteworthy Panel Decisions Reporter. Read it.
  
    
  
  
  
Fraud Sign
Workers' Comp Fraud Blotter: Business Owner Stole Customers' Wine, Underreported Payroll. Read it and other news items.
 
law360 headline news
national & State news

National and State-by-State News on the Free Web:

 

US Settles False Claims Act Allegations Against Billing Manager.

Obama Administration Provides Guidance on ACA Employer Mandate.

RAND Finds Limited Impact on ACA Due to Employer Mandate Delay.

UPS Eliminates Spousal Health Coverage, Cites ACA, Cost Cutting Concerns.

 

AZ: IC Posts Admin, Special Fund Assessment Rates for CY 2014.

AZ: IC Posts 2013-14 Physician, Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule Eff. 10-1-13.

AR: WCC Posts 2012 Annual Report re Workers Comp Insurance Companies.

CA: WCIRB Indicates Rate Hike in California for 2014.

CA: WCIRB Governing Committee Posts Agenda for Sept. 11 Meeting.

CA: DWC Clarifies Interpreter Rules.

CA: DIR Launches Roofing Compliance Working Group.

CA: DIR Wins Govt Digital Award for EAMS Lien Fee Collection System.

CA: New Acting Chief of Cal/OSHA Named.

CA: NFL Ex-Player Deion Sanders Seeks California Workers Comp Benefits.

CA: Senate Passes AB 1309 Pro-Athlete Work Comp Restrictions.

DE: Task Force to Reassess WC Costs, Examine New Issues.

IL: Business Groups Want Higher Burden of Proof for Injured Worker Claims.

KY: KEMI to Issue $6.2M Dividend and Lower Rates.

KS: Governor Appoints Cox to KS WC & Emp Security Boards Nominating Committee.

KY: NCCI Files 7.9% Decrease for Voluntary Loss Cost.

MD: Doctor Dispensed Vicodin Costs 3X More Than Price Charged by Pharmacy.

MD: WCC Chairman Outlines Priorities for Commission.

MT: Editorial Touts 3 Year Turnaround for Workers Comp System Improvements.

NH: LGC's Move to Change Organizational Structure Raises Legal Questions.

NY: WCB Clarifies Treatment Categories, Requirements re PT, OT, Chiropractic Care.

OK: NCCI Expects Double Digit Decrease in WC Costs Due to SB 1062 Reforms.

OR: MAC Sept. Meeting to Cover Medical Technology Review.

OR: WCD Posts Updated Adjusted Cost-to-Charge Ratios for OR Hospitals.

PA: Doctor Dispensed Vicodin Costs 3X More Than Price Charged by Pharmacy.

ENEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

ArchivesTake a deep dive into our past eNewsletters for 2013 and prior...warning - some links to articles may not work...report any linking problems to [email protected].

September 3, 2013: The Farm Labor Exclusion

August 26, 2013: The Fog of Adequacy

August 19, 2013: Texas Workers' Comp v. Medicare Secondary Payer Act

August 12, 2013: Industry Bloggers Debate the Workers' Comp System.

August 5, 2013: Pain Disorders and the New DSM-5.

July 29, 2013: Cost of Depression and Absenteeism.

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