California Division of Workers’ Compensation Posts Reminder for Submission of Annual Report of Inventory for Claims Reported During Calendar Year 2019 By Lonce Lamonte and the DWC Newsline - November 16, 2019 Claims administrators are reminded that the annual report of inventory (ARI) must be submitted in early 2020 for claims reported in calendar year 2019. The California Code of Regulations, title 8, Section 10104 requires claims administrators to file, by April 1 of each year, an annual report of inventory (ARI) with the DWC administrative director indicating the number of claims reported at each adjusting location for the preceding calendar year. Even if no claims were reported in the prior year, the report must be completed and submitted to the DWC Audit Unit. Each adjusting location is required to submit an ARI unless its requirement has been waived by the DWC administrative director. Read More

A new webinar will look at using cannabis to treat workers’ comp injuries and other employment topics related to marijuana use.: Property Casualty 360  November 6, 2019 What happens when marijuana comes into the workplace? Marijuana use recreationally and medicinally is on the rise, creating a variety of conflicts for employers and insurers when it comes to pre- and post-employment drug testing for workers and coverage for workers’ compensation claims. A physician cannot prescribe marijuana for a patient, and its medical efficacy is still unknown for many illnesses. In addition, product strength and its effects on the body vary depending on the method of ingestion and product strength. It has also not be recognized by the FDA as a prescribed medication.

Ergonomic Tracking Helps Cut Workers Comp Claims but Privacy Concerns Remain: Insurance Journal   November 6, 2019 Funeral director carpal tunnel not compensable: Business Insurance   November 4, 2019 Medical fee schedule applies in serious burn treatment: Court: Business Insurance   November 4, 2019

California Division of Workers’ Compensation Invites Physicians to Apply to Fill a Vacancy on the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee By Lonce Lamonte and the DWC Newsline - November 15, 2019 The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) invites California licensed physicians (m... Read More

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara Approves Ninth Reduction To Workers' Compensation Average Advisory Pure Premium Rates Since 2015 By Lonce Lamonte and the California Department of Insurance - November 15, 2019 Ricardo Lara, the California Insurance Commissioner, has Read More

Workers' Compensation Opioid Use Drops $6.5 Billion In California By Lonce Lamonte - November 12, 2019 Opioid use within California workers’ compensation lost-time cases has been cut in half over the pas... Read More

Haunted by Aliens, Secreted, and with Claims Denied By Jorge Alexandria - October 31, 2019 99 Luftballons Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All Read More

Lynda House, Veteran Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster, Enjoys Not Being Retired In Retirement. By Lonce Lamonte - November 17, 2019 Lynda House, a retired, veteran workers’ compensation claims professional, just turned 66 years of a... Read More