The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) are planning open forums statewide during the month of April to begin discussions about current issues in the California Workers’ Compensation system.
Improvements in the system are needed to get injured workers back to work and to remove the imbalance of costs and benefits currently in the system. The open forum format was chosen because those who are familiar with the system are more likely to be able to point out areas of focus.
Topics of discussion will include:
• Provision of appropriate medical treatment without unnecessary delay, the medical provider network (MPN), utilization review (UR) or other issues
• Enabling injured workers to return to work as quickly as medically feasible
• Adequate compensation for permanent disabilities
• Reducing the burden of liens on the system
• Identification of appropriate fee schedules
• Reducing unnecessary litigation costs
• Assessing appropriate use of opiates and other care
• Any other improvements needed
The forums will be held:
• Tuesday, April 10, 2012—West Sacramento, CA
• Monday, April 16, 2012—Los Angeles, CA
• Wednesday, April 18, 2012—Fresno, CA
• Tuesday, April 24, 2012—San Bernardino, CA
• Wednesday, April 25, 2012—La Mesa, CA
• Monday April 30, 2012—Oakland, CA
Interested parties can obtain more information about dates, times, locations, giving verbal and written testimony. Seating is limited at many of the locations and registration is required. Register for an event on the DIR website here.