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Medical service costs rising with payments and utilization in California workers' compensation
By adjustercom Staff - September 22, 2026
The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) has released its Medical Service Cost Trends Report. It looks at factors which shape medical cost growth in California's workers' compensation system.

The California workers' compensation medical service costs in California rose 5% last year on top of growth in both average payments and utilization.

Medical costs accounted for 52% of the total loss payments in the workers' compensation system. Medical service costs rose moderately in the year 2025, and the WCIRB report shows emerging trends influenced costs across the system. This included accelerating growth in certain services not subject to fee schedule reimbursements limits and increasing costs associated with cumulative trauma claims.

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California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) issues notice of public hearing on proposed evidence-based update to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule
By Lonce Lamonte, editor, editing the CA DWC Newsline news release - September 15, 2026
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has issued a Notice of Public Hearing regarding a proposed evidence-based update to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS), including a proposed amendment to California Code of Regulations, title 8, to section 9792.23.6.

The proposed update would incorporate by reference the latest guideline published by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM):

• Section 9792.23.6. Knee Disorders Guideline (ACOEM, July 8, 2026) The virtual public hearing will be held:

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California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meeting scheduled for October 21, 2026
By Lonce Lamonte, editor, editing the CA DWC Newsline news release - September 15, 2026
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Committee members will participate remotely through a virtual meeting platform. Members of the public may access the meeting remotely or at a public viewing location in Oakland.

The meeting is open to the public and may be accessed remotely or in-person.

• Remote access: Join by video conference using the P&T Meeting Link or by telephone at 1 (619) 407-9860, conference ID 837 196 803#. The meeting passcode is AV3wm3U6.

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Nicole Richardson appointed California Division of Workers' Compensation Administrative Director
By Lonce Lamonte, editor, editing the CA DWC Newsline news release - September 11, 2026
The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) announced that Nicole Richardson was sworn in as administrative director of the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) on September 1, 2026, following her appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom on August 25. Richardson previously served as DWC's acting administrative director and chief counsel.

As administrative director, Richardson will continue to oversee DWC's statewide operations, programs and services, including its administrative courts, Research Unit, Return-to-Work Supplement Program, Independent Bill Review, Independent Medical Review, Audit and Enforcement Unit, Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund and Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund.

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