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NewsCalifornia 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, 2026The 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, 2026The 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, 2026The 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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California workers' compensation medical costs rise 5% in 2026 per the WCIRB
By Lonce Lamonte - September 10, 2026 The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) recorded medical service costs paid per workers' compensation increased in 2026 by 5% after rising 10% in 2024. Medical expenses were 52% of total loss payments in California's workers' compensation system during the past year.
This 2025-2026 increase showed a 4% rise in average prices paid per transaction with a 1% increase in utilization. Southern California recorded an 8% increase in per claim medical paid while Northern California remained stable.
Service categories showing higher prices drove most of the increase in Southern California. In Northern California, average lower prices offset stronger utilization growth. This left the overall paid on each claim stable with little change.
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August 27, 2026 - California's DIR, DWC release report on access to medical care in California’s workers’ compensation system August 19, 2026 - California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation releases report on Senate Bill 1160’s impact on utilization review August 17, 2026 - Robert Nagle, investigator well-known for workers’ compensation claims investigations and founder of RJN Investigations, Inc., has passed away. He will be mourned and missed. August 5, 2026 - California's Division of Workers' Compensation updates hospital outpatient department and ambulatory surgical center fee schedule to reflect additional July 2026 Medicare changes July 24, 2026 - World Cup Winner Worked in Insurance for Years July 23, 2026 - California's Division of Workers' Compensation increases mileage reimbursement rate for medical and medical-legal travel expenses  News Archive
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