DWC Opens 15-Day Public Comment Period on Utilization Review Regulations

DWC Opens 15-Day Public Comment Period on Utilization Review Regulations

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Proposed Amendments Aim to Streamline Workers’ Compensation Processes March 3, 2025 – The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has launched a 15-day public comment period to review proposed modifications to utilization review (UR) regulations. After holding a public hearing on July 25, 2024, the agency incorporated stakeholder feedback to enhance efficiency and clarity in […]

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San Diego Contractors Ordered to Pay Back Wages After Labor Violations

San Diego Contractors Ordered to Pay Back Wages After Labor Violations

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February 27, 2025 – The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has successfully recovered $431,601 in unpaid wages and damages for 86 carpenters who were underpaid while working on construction projects in San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. This enforcement action highlights the state’s commitment to combating wage theft and ensuring fair compensation for workers. San

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California Invests $68 Million to Expand Apprenticeships and Create Jobs

California Invests $68 Million to Expand Apprenticeships and Create Jobs

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Oakland, CA – The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) have announced $68 million in new funding to expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across California. This investment aims to create career pathways, address labor shortages, and support employers committed to the apprenticeship model. Expand Apprenticeships and Create Jobs Strengthening

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California Supreme Court Limits Employer Penalties in Prison Attack Case

California Supreme Court Limits Employer Penalties in Prison Attack Case

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February 25, 2025 – The California Supreme Court ruled that a prison correctional officer, Michael Ayala, cannot receive a 50% penalty increase on his industrial disability leave (IDL) benefits despite suffering severe injuries in a planned inmate attack. The court determined that IDL benefits do not qualify as “compensation” under Labor Code Section 4553, which

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NY Doctor Convicted in $24M Medicare Fraud Scheme

NY Doctor Convicted in $24M Medicare Fraud Scheme

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February 25, 2025 – Washington, DC – A New York doctor has been convicted of orchestrating a $24 million Medicare fraud scheme, involving unnecessary laboratory tests and medical equipment. A federal jury found Alexander Baldonado, M.D., of Queens, guilty of multiple fraud-related charges. He accepted cash kickbacks and bribes in exchange for ordering costly cancer

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WCIRB Unveils 2025 Leadership Address as Andrea Coleman Takes the Helm

WCIRB Unveils 2025 Leadership Address as Andrea Coleman Takes the Helm

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February 24, 2025 – Oakland, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) has released its 2025 Leadership Address, marking an important leadership transition. This year’s address introduces Andrea Coleman as the new President and CEO. She succeeds Bill Mudge, who now holds the title of CEO Emeritus. This change comes as

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FL Businessman Sentenced in Connection with Migrant Labor Employment Scheme, Worker Death

Florida Businessman Sentenced to 48 Months for Migrant Labor Scheme and Worker Death

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Conviction Includes $55 Million in Restitution and $5.5 Million in Forfeiture February 24, 2025 – Washington, DC – Florida Businessman Sentenced: A Florida businessman will serve 48 months in federal prison and forfeit over $5.5 million in assets after pleading guilty to multiple fraud-related charges and a workplace safety violation that led to an employee’s

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Louisiana Doctor Sentenced to 87 Months for Illegally Prescribing 1.8 Million Opioid Doses

Louisiana Doctor Sentenced to 87 Months for Illegally Prescribing 1.8 Million Opioid Doses

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Conviction Includes $5.4 Million in Health Care Fraud Washington, DC – A Louisiana Doctor Sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for illegally distributing over 1.8 million opioid doses and defrauding health care programs of more than $5.4 million. Illegal Prescription Scheme Uncovered Adrian Dexter Talbot, M.D., 59, of Slidell, owned Medex Clinical Consultants (Medex),

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California Cites Amity In-Home Care $2.3 Million for Misclassifying Caregivers

California Cites Amity In-Home Care $2.3 Million for Misclassifying Caregivers

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First Major Enforcement Under New Worker Protection Law February 21, 2025 – In a landmark enforcement action, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has fined Amity In-Home Care Services over $2.3 million for illegally misclassifying caregivers as independent contractors. This case marks the first citation issued under Assembly Bill 594, a law designed to strengthen

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DWC Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to Medical Provider Network and Billing Rules

DWC Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to Medical Provider Network and Billing Rules

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Regulatory Update Aims to Increase Transparency and Improve Access to Care February 14, 2025 – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on a proposed update to the Medical Provider Network (MPN) regulations and rules for medical treatment billing. This update aims to streamline the MPN review process, enhance transparency,

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