WorkCompAcademy | Weekly News: Recent Episodes
Work Comp Academy
The WorkCompAcademy is a full featured online learning experience. Our faculty includes the leading practitioners in the California Workers' Compensation Community. Our online curriculum covers all aspects of Workers' Compensation Claims, from basic concepts to advanced topics of value to experienced practitioners such as senior claims executives, attorneys, and Qualified Medical Evaluators. Students can access classes any time, from any internet connected computer. Courses can be completed at an individualized pace.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Well Known Los Angeles Attorney Pleads Guilty to $4M Income Tax Fraud. Newsom's Tax Credit Proposal to Bolster California’s Sagging Film Industry. California Freelance Worker Protection Act Takes Effect January 1. Audit Documents Serious Problems With Addiction Treatment Centers. Cal/OSHA Implements Translation App to Communicate With Workers. CMS Reports Success With New Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH). Cedars-Sinai Establishes Multi-Discipline Health Sciences University. Grant Awarded to San Diego Children's Hospital for Genomics Innovation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Litigation Against Kaiser for Not Updating Provider Directory to Proceed. Portions of State Prison Workers Wage/Hour Class Action Revived on Appeal. Walmart Resolves Illegal Medical Waste Disposal Litigation for $7.5M. CHP Captain Arrested For Workers' Compensation Fraud. Fresno Vocational School Owner Faces Work Comp Fraud Charges. Southern California Dentist Charged for $900K Medi-Cal Fraud. American Airlines Penalized $50M for Its Treatment of Disabled Passenger. 82% of Healthcare Leaders See AI as Vital Amid Burnout Crisis.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Twice Convicted David Fish Faces Third Fraud Case With QME Co-Defendant. Accounting Chief at Girardi Keese Law Firm Guilty of Stealing Client Money. Fake Attorney and Associates Arrested for Insurance Fraud. CWCI Reports that the SAWW Increase Bumps California WC Benefits for 2025. Study Shows California Utilization of Medical Care for Injured Workers Declines. DWC Set 2025 Profile Audit Review and Full Compliance Audit Standards. Business Group on Health 2025 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey. Researchers Say Drug Trials Funded by Manufacturers are "Massively" Biased.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Additional Notices Not Required After Timely UR Delay Notice in Denied Case. Justice Department Sues LA Fitness for Disability Discrimination at Its Gyms. Court Decides When Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault Act Applies. Court Again Rules that EFAA Prohibits Arbitration of Entire FEHA Claim. L.A. Pair Indicted for $54M Diagnostic Testing and Hospice Fraud. Farm Labor Contractor Cited for Heat-Related Safety Violations. Andrea Coleman to Succeed Bill Mudge as WCIRB President, CEO. Stanford Medicine Now Deploys 30 AI Tools for Diagnosis & Decision Making.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Nurse Anesthesiology Association Sues for Pay Equal to Physicians. California Attorney General Sues to Avoid Closures at Bay Area Hospitals. 9th Circuit Affirms Sam Solakyan's Conviction & Reverses Restitution Order. CEO of SoCal Stem Cell Products Company Sentenced to 3 Years. California’s Addiction Treatment Regulatory System Faces State Audit. WCIRB Publishes Long COVID in the California WC System -2024 Update. 8 Technologies Drain $8 Billion in Value From Health Systems Annually. F.D.A. Appeal Successfully Shuts Down So.Cal. Stem Cell Treatment Center.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Employer's Oversight Resulted in Arbitration Waiver. $1.7 Million Settlement Resolves Kern County Wingstop Wage Theft Case. Southern California Healthcare Provider Indicted for $60M Fraud. Governor Newsom Signs WCAB Electronic Signatures Law. DWC Opens Registration for 32nd Annual Educational Conference. WCRI Studies Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Comp Payments. U.S. Healthworks Settles Unlawfully Retained Overpayments Case for $7.7M. Competitor Files Antitrust Litigation Against Largest EHR Provider - EPIC Health.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Appellate Court Expedites Injured Police Officer Through Multi-Forum Litigation. Employees Denied Attorney Fees in Employment Law Dispute. Dignity Health in Legal Battle With Orthopedic Surgeon Over His Competency. Jury Finds Treatment Center Owner Guilty of $2.9M in Body Broker Kickbacks. Newsom Signs Remote Court Reporter Technology Pilot Project. DWC Announces Closure of Virtual Eureka Office. UCSD Evaluates Surgical Use of Spatial Computing App on Apple Vision Pro. California Cannabis Industry, and State Regulator in Chaos Over Pesticides.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: After "Grant-and-Study" Order WCAB Reverses Dismissal of 1100 Liens. Court of Appeal Provides Rules for Excess Insurance Application. 9th Circuit Reverses Wage Dispute Judgment Against 353 S.F. City Nurses. DEA Takes Action After 900 Pharmacy Burglaries Across the Country. NCCI Releases WC Legislative and Regulatory Activity Report. 300 Telehealth Organization Urge 2 Year Extension of Virtual Prescribing Rule. Hospital Patient Safety Rebounds And Better Than Pre-COVID. American Medical Association Publishes 270 New CPT Codes For 2025.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court of Appeal Again Limits WCAB Jurisdiction on Reconsideration to 60 Days. Applicant Attorneys Battle Out Law Practice Sale Fee Split in En Banc Case. No Pay for Uninsured Contractor Even After Retroactive Reinstatement. After 9 Years, 3 Jury Trials, 2 Appeals - Attorney Fees are Far More Than Award. Special Shout-Out for Floyd Skeren Partner for Defense of $75M Civil Claim. Cal/OSHA Cites 9 Employers $168K For Silica Health and Safety Violations. VA Hospitals' Quality Ratings Continue to Outperform Private Sector. American Academy of Physician Associates Calls Out AMA Turf War.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Ct. Increases Scope of Discovery Sanctions in $2.5M Example. Jury Finds Infamous Plaintiff Lawyer Tom Girardi Guilty of Defrauding Clients. Appellate Case Shows Web of Entities in Biggest Comp Fraud Schemes. SoCal Federal Whistleblower Pilot Program to Flesh Out High-Level Crimes. Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Defrauding Buyers of Medical-Grade Gloves. Fresno Acupuncturist Agrees to $850,000 Healthcare Fraud Settlement. 2,325 People Died From Heat Last Year, Mostly In The Desert Southwest. Cal/OSHA Bolsters Staff to Investigate the Most Egregious Violations.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court Ends New FTC Rule Banning Employer Non-Compete Agreements. 9th Circuit Decision Continues "Judicial Hostility" to Employer Arbitration. Workers File Class Actions Against Employers for Excessive PBM Drug Costs. Separate Public Entities Exempt From Wage Order and PAGA Claims. Former CHP Officer Arrested for Workers' Compensation Fraud. SJDB School Owner and Counselors Face $1M Fraud & Kickback Charges. Huntington Beach Company Succeeds With First Artificial Heart Transplant. MIT Researchers Study Why Laws are Written in an Incomprehensible Style.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Carrier Prevails in Cal. Supreme Ct. on Pandemic Related Property Coverage. WCAB Rejects Earnings Calculated With Hotel and Meal Reimbursement. Conspiracy and Fraud Charges Added Against Bio-Lab Operator. Proposed Law Strengthens Review of Private Equity Healthcare Buyouts. New CIGA Board and WCIRB Governing Committee Members Announced. WCRI Study Identifies Key Factors Associated with High-Cost Claims. JOEM Study Show the Value and Cost-Savings of MSK Digital Care Program. NIH-Backed Research Finds Lab Tests Cannot Diagnose Long COVID.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Cal Supreme Ct. Limits Overlapping PAGA Claims Against Same Employer. WCAB Imposes an Additional $25 K in Sanctions Against the Garrett Team. Injured Worker's Failure to Cite Evidence in Record Forfeits Claim on Appeal. Ex Fugitive Ringleader of Massive $6M Insurance Fraud Pleads Guilty. Owner of 10 DME Companies Guilty of Defrauding Anthem Blue Cross of $1.7M. Travelers Publishes 2024 Injury Impact Report. RAND Report Paints Dismal Financial Picture for SIBTF Benefits. Non Comp Benefits Expanded for Disabled Persons in Need of Voc. Rehab.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Cal Supreme Court Rules Uber-Lyft Proposition 22 is Not Unconstitutional. WCAB Affirms Take-Nothing in Rare Tick Bite - Lyme Disease Case. Supreme Ct. Rules Single Racial Epithet in 14 Years Sufficient for DFEH Claim. California and Other States Restaurant Wage Mandates Cause Job Losses. Proposed Law to Fine Insurers for "Ghost" Provider Networks. California DOI Announces Changes to State’s Insurer of Last Resort. WCIRB Issues 2024 State of the Workers’ Compensation System Report. 2 SoCal Hospitals Among 8 Nationwide Leading In Antimicrobial Stewardship.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court of Appeal Affirms Worker's Fraud Conviction Based on Sub Rosa. Guidelines Specified for Severability of Unconscionable Arbitration Provisions. Biopharmaceutical Company Resolves Kickback Case for $5.5 Million. Santa Paula Doctor Pleads Guilty to $3 Million Fraud. DaVita Dialysis to Pay $34M to Resolve Allegations of Illegal Kickbacks. Riverside Chiropractor Agrees to Pay $180K to Resolve Fraud Allegations. DOI Calls for WCIRB Study of Workers' Compensation Silicosis Claims. Ransomware Takes LA Superior Court 36 Office Internal Systems Down.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SIBTF Has Burden of Proof For L.C. 4753 Benefit Reductions. SCOTUS Rules Insurers May Participate in Insured Bankruptcy Proceedings. $500 Million Severance Pay Lawsuit Against Elon Musk Dismissed. S.F. Zen Center Worker Meets ADA Discrimination Ministerial Exception. Privette Doctrine Applies to Injury Working Inside Jet Tank. Guardant Health, Inc. Agrees to Pay $914K to Resolve FCA Charges. Federal Judiciary Has Systemic Sexual Harassment Protection Failures. Doctors Face Another Medicare Pay Cut - 2.8% in 2025.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Small Claims Case Bars Injured Worker's Later Claims Against Employer. Microsoft Resolves California Leave Discrimination Claim for $14.4M. Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule to Face Legal Challenges. CWCI Reports Private Self-Insureds Have Fewer Claims But Higher Losses. FTC Releases Interim Staff Report Criticizing Prescription Drug Middlemen. DWC Schedules Next QME Exams for October 4 and 10, 2024. NCCI Labor Market Insights Report Shows Solid Employment Growth.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Sub-Rosa Justifies City of Downey's Termination of Injured Police Officer. DLSE Imposition of Labor Code Penalties on Contractor Affirmed on Appeal. 193 Defendants Charged for Over $2.75 Billion in Fraudulent Health Care Claims. American Labor Alliance Executives Convicted of $2.4M Worker's Comp Fraud. Pharmacist Charged with Submitting Over $300M in Fraudulent Claims. Former Camarillo Insurance Agent Sentenced to 16 Years for $1.2M Scam. Newsom's Budget Woes Delay Start of Healthcare Minimum Wage Hike. Cal/OSHA Adopts Indoor Heat Protection Standard With Prison Exemptions. Per-Page Fees Under New Fee Schedule Drive Med-Legal Costs Up Sharply. Workers' Comp is in a "Total System Breakdown" - For California Firefighters.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Cal. Supreme Ct. Clarifies Vertical v Horizontal Integration of Excess Insurance. Court of Appeal Reinstates COVID-19 Wrongful Death Case Against Employer. After Imposing $40K in Sanctions WCAB Seeks More Against Garretts. Amazon Cited $6M for Violating California’s Warehouse Quotas Law. CEO and President of ADHD Telehealth Company Arrested for $100M Fraud. Newsom and Business Leaders Announce PAGA Reform Agreement. CWCI Examines California's Proposed Agricultural Heat Injuries Presumption.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB En Banc Clarifies Confusion on Use of "Kite" Based CVC Rebuttal. AB 5 Survives Uber and Postmates' Constitutional Challenge. The EEOC Sued 15 Employers for Failure to File EEO-1 Report. Coalition of 36 State Attorney Generals Urge SCOTUS to Limit PBMs. Farm Labor Contracting Companies Face $30M Payroll Fraud Charges. California Chamber of Commerce "Job Killer Bills" Miss Key Deadline. DWC Sets Public Hearing for Proposed UR Regulation Changes. Watchdog Group Says Trailer Bill Insurance Rate Provisions Will Cost Billions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Affirms WCJ's Apportionment in Psyche Case. WCAB Rescinds WCJ Order to Compel Answers to Interrogatories. No Discovery of Attorney Work Product in Carrier's Subrogation Case. New Trial Ordered in Employers' Class Action Against Sutter Health. Palomar Hospital Pays $250,000 for Diverting Fentanyl. Growing Number of Female Minority Doctors in California Report Burnout. FDA Approves Traumatic Brain Injury. Rapid Test Using One Drop of Blood. Data from MRI Can Detect Who Will Get Alzheimer’s and When.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Affirms Sanctions Against Monrovia Memorial Hospital. Cal/STERS/PERS & WC Carriers Subrogation Rights in MedMal Cases. Court Proceeding Must be Stayed (Not Dismissed) When Arbitration is Ordered. Patient Coordinator for O.C. Sober Living Home Arrested for Kickbacks. 17 Prosecutors Awarded $8.55 Million to Prosecute Wage Theft. New DOL Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment. OSHA Announces Changes to the Structure of Regional Operations. WCRI Study Compares Hospital Outpatient Payments in 36 States.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Declines Subject Matter Jurisdiction Over NBA Player's Claim. WCAB En Banc Imposes Sanctions and Costs on Applicant Attorney. California Supreme Court Resolves Pandemic Insurance Coverage Dispute. L.A. Jury Awards Over $58M to Injured Palmdale Train Yard Worker. 9th Circuit Judges Hotly Divided Over Termination of Stockton Fire Chief. Janitorial Company Owners Arraigned for $2.4M Payroll Fraud. NSC Releases Research on Location Geofencing to Enhance Safety. Uber Announces Major Expansion of its Healthcare Reach.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: CHP Employee and Fourteen Others Charged in Insurance Fraud Ring. Employee Death Leads to Alleged $2M Premium Fraud Prosecution. County DA's Office Probes Internal Theft of Insurance Fraud Grant Funds. Cal/OSHA Proposes to Extend and Modify Temporary Silica Safety Standard. WCIRB Releases Fourth Quarter 2023 Experience Report. NCCI 2023 Metrics Show Continued Strength of Workers Comp System. DWC to Impose Sanctions for EAMS E-Filer User Errors. New Study Shows Diseases Linked to Night Shift Work.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Jury Awards $971K to Female L.A. County Sheriff Captain for Discrimination. Good Faith Belief of Compliance Precludes Penalties & Attorney Fees. Failure to Object to Extended Time for Arbitration Fees is Not an "Agreement". Seeking Attorney Fees in Bad Faith Action Waives Attorney-Client Privilege. County DA Sues Major Carriers for Illegal Claim Evaluation Scheme. Physician and Owner of Bellflower Clinic Pleads Guilty to $2.5 Million Fraud. Excessive Heat Increases Probability of Work-Related Accidents by 5-6%. NCCI Publishes Third Report on Future of Workplace Safety Technology. Despite California's #37 Best State Ranking, it was #6 in Health Care. GPO Drug Middlemen Blamed for Chronic Drug Shortages - Evade Senate Bill.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Resolving Contested 5500.5 Election Requires Evidentiary Record. Business Owner to Pay $688K in Restitution for Comp Insurance Fraud. Nursing Home Chain and Executives to Pay Over $7 Million. San Diego Pharmacy Pays $350,000 for Mishandling Controlled Substances. Sober Living Homes Owner Indicted for $175,000 in Kickback Fraud. 15 Telehealth Legislative Proposals Under Congressional Legislative Review. New Mandatory Autobraking Standard Should Reduce Costly Comp Claims. Walmart Announced Closure of 51 Clinics and Exit from Health Care Services. Two California Hospitals Rank "A" and Three Rank "F" in Hospital Ratings. Sedgwick Announces its Next Phase of AI Technology.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court of Appeal Affirms WCAB Application of Commercial Traveler Rule. Appellate Court Reduces Interest on Workers Attorney Fee Award. PAGA Plaintiff No Longer Required to Have an Individual Claim. Tustin Man to Serve 15 Months in Prison for Patient Brokering. DWC Updates and Posts Time of Hire Notice. Cal/OSHA Cites Construction Company $371K for Fatal Trench Collapse. Cal Hospital Association Sues Anthem Blue Cross for Authorization Delays. Accreditation Agencies Launch New Telehealth Care Standards. UFW Announces a Mini-Series Documentary on Farmworker Risks & Dangers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Managing Personnel Not Outrageous Conduct to Avoid Work Comp Exclusivity. EEOC Discrimination Form Facts Must Match Lawsuit Facts. SCOTUS Revisits Scope of Arbitration Exemption for Transportation Workers. Chiropractor Peyman Heidary to Serve 54 Years for $150M Comp Fraud. Solano County Contractor Pleads Guilty to $382K SCIF Premium Fraud. Final Defendants Sentenced in $65 Million Tricare Fraud. Omaha National Acquires California Work Comp Carrier. Private Equity Healthcare Bankruptcies Are On The Rise.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Reverses WCJ’s Rejection of Parties Stipulation to Electronic Testimony. Two Year Statute of Limitations Bars Workers Fraudulent Concealment Claim. COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force Publishes 2024 Report.WCAB Issues en bank Notice of Intent to Sanction Applicant Firm. Restaurant SIG Endorses WCIRB September 1st Rating Changes. New California Audited Financials Show EDD Financial Disaster. Is Chief AI Officer (CAIO) the Hottest Job in Healthcare? Insurance Industry Becoming Major User of Commercial Drones.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Failure to Comply With WCAB Rules Precludes Newly Discovered Evidence. Federal Judge Vacates New NLRB Joint Employer Rule. Arbitration Agreement Does Not Extend to Re-Employment Case. Emergency Ambulance Employees May Remain On-Call During Rest Breaks. Tesla-Freemont to Face Hostile Work Environment Claims in Multiple Forum. Bakersfield Sting Operation Cites 12 Unlicensed Contractors. More SoCal Poultry Processors Accused of Using Illegal Child Labor. DOL Issues New Rule on Employee Representation During OSHA Inspection. NSC Releases New Report on Safety Hazards in Crane Industry. WCIRB Reports on Impacts of Employee Tenure on Claim Frequency.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: California Supreme Court Clarifies "Hours Worked" in Wage Order 16. Significant Panel Decision Clarifies Rules on "Timely" Petition for Recon. Worker Entitled to Attorney Fees Irrespective of Amount Recovered. Fresno Restaurant Resolves Wage-Hour Case for $2 Million. U.S. DOJ Sues California Dept. of Corrections for Employment Discrimination. Well Known Los Angeles Attorney Charged in $2.4 Million Tax Case. Five San Diego Residents Face Disability Insurance Fraud Charges. Camarillo Insurance Agent Found Guilty of $1.2 Million Grand Theft.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Mariner Health Stipulates to Injunction & Pays $15.5M for Poor Care Claims. DOJ Sues Six Health Plans for Overpayments. Hi-Level S.F. City Manager Arrested for Stealing $627K in Work Comp Funds. Worker Convicted of Comp Fraud Ordered to Pay $140K In Restitution. East Bay Doctor Sentenced and License Revoked for Illegal Drug Prescriptions. California’s Chief Justice 2024 State of the Judiciary Address. Newsom Derails Indoor Heat Standard Rules Over Cost Concerns. After 3 Years 65.5% of Hospitals Non-Compliant with Price Transparency Rule. Key California Health Care Players are Divided Over PBM Regulation. Setting Reserves? US Life Expectancy Rises After 2-Year Dip.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Both Superior Court and WCAB Have Jurisdiction Over Employer's Lien. Appellate Court Reverses Nonsuit Against Zenith's Subrogation Case. Duo Sentenced to Prison in $21M DME Fraud. Fresno Sleep Clinic Owner Sentenced to 19 Months for $1M Fraud. Porterville Man Pleads Guilty of Selling Misbranded Drugs. Battle Brewing Over Ballot Measure Repealing PAGA. New EPA Rule Limits Toxic Medical Sterilization Chemicals. EEOC Recovers Record $665 Million for Workers - a 30% Increase.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Anti-SLAPP Statute Partially Protects School District from FEHA Claim. Fraudulent Catheter Claims to Medicare Could Total $3 Billion. Couple Sentenced for $125M Compounded Pharmaceutical Fraud. Doctor Sentenced to 3 Years for Illegally Issuing Telehealth Prescriptions. DOI Announces Key Insurance-Related Board & Committee Appointments. New Workers' Comp and UI Time of Hire Pamphlets for 2024. CWCI Releases Study on CT Litigated Claims. ASSP Publishes First Standard on Heat Stress in Construction.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Exclusive Remedy Ends Injured Worker's Lawsuit Against QME. Gig Hospitality Company to Reclassify Workers in $2.1M Agreement. Late Payment Ends Employee Arbitration - Justice Wiley Dissents. Two Former U.S. Marines and Nurse Practitioner Sentenced in $65M Fraud. Surveys Show California Business Climate Remains at All Time Low. The EEOC Announces Filing Deadline for 2023 EEO-1 Component 1 Data. DWC Launches Free Online Education Modules. Medical Board COVID Misinformation "Gag Law" Battles End in California. WCRI Publishes "Medical Cost Containment: A National Inventory, 2024". Change Healthcare Cyberattack Disruption Continues for Sixth Day.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court to Resolve Conflicting Decisions on ER Fees Class Actions. Court has Jurisdiction Over Employer's Assets in Premium Fraud Case. Injured Worker's $8.2M Verdict Against Alleged Employer Reversed. Fake Doctor Attempts to Open New Practice 2 Weeks After Prison Release. 7 Restaurant Industry Convictions for Insurance Fraud and Wage Theft. Bipartisan Coalition of 39 States in Support of Pending PBM Legislation. California Invests $18 Million in Grants to Prosecute Wage Theft. UCSF Launches Comprehensive Study of Long COVID.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: One Call Accused of Using Interpreters With Fake Names & Badges. Whistleblower Cases Accuse Kaiser of Massive Billing Fraud. Quest Diagnostics Pays $5M for Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal. Solana Beach Pharmaceutical Company Resolves Kickback Case for $750K. North Hills Family Arraigned in $192K Auto Insurance Fraud Scheme. Insurance Commissioner Publishes "First Wave" of Insurance Market Reforms. FTC and HHS Probe the Role of Pharmaceutical Middlemen. Cal/OSHA Toughens Rules On Workplace Lead Exposure. FDA Grants Priority Review of Psychedelic Drug for PTSD. APCIA Announces Award Winners Among 2024 Class of Emerging Leaders.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Declines to Extend Premises Line Rule for Injured Worker. Lien Claimant's Market Rate Analysis Inadequate to Justify Additional Fees. Jury Awards $1.675 Million in an EEOC ADA Discrimination Case. $1 Million Settlement for Warehouse Workers in Inland Empire. Employer Costs and Attorney Fees Awarded Only in Frivolous FEHA Cases. No Extraterritorial Application of California & Federal Whistleblower Law. $40 Million Statewide Medical Insurance Scammers Sentenced. Census Bureau Drops Controversial Disability Statistics Proposal. Report Shows Record Healthcare Sector Bankruptcies in 2023. UCSF Health To Buy Two Bay Area Struggling Hospitals.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Panel Reviews Criteria to Set Aside C&R for Incompetence. Opinion Defines When Ending Forced Arbitration Act "Dispute" Arise. Insureds May Video Record Participants During Examination Under Oath. SoCal Man Sentenced for $6M Used and Counterfeit Medical Device Fraud. Ethics Ratings of Nearly All Professions Down in U.S. NCCI Releases Q4 2023 "Upbeat" Quarterly Economics Briefing. CWCI Reports Workers' Comp Inpatient Care Declined by 51.1%. DWC Annual Report of Inventory for Claims Due by April 1. Researchers Discover Potential Non-Opioid Treatment for Chronic Pain. Pomona Valley Hospital Overbilled $1.4M For Prescription Meds.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Rejects Psychologist's Psyche Claim Against Dept. of Corrections. S.F. City Attorney Battles U.S. News & World Report Over Hospital Ranking. CEO of Whittier Health Clinic Sentenced to 10 Years for Billing Fraud. Cheesecake Factory Settles SoCal Wage Violations for $1M. Study Shows VA Healthcare More Efficient, Less Costly & Better Results. Technology Industries Dominate 2024 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. Sedgwick Introduces it's Connect 2024 Industry Trends Agenda. NSC Expands Workplace Safety Grant Programs by $260K.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Arbitration Battles Now Targeting Auto Insurance UIM Claims. Trial Courts Lack Power to Reject "Unmanageable" PAGA Litigation. NCCI Reports Workers' Compensation System is Strong and Healthy. New CMS Rules Targets Access to Health Records. Google's Articulate Medical Intelligence Explorer (AMIE) Outperforms Doctors. 32% of Academic Physicians Plan to Leave Workforce, Fueled by Burnout. Hospital and Health System Financial Pressures are Key 2024 Issue. CMS Announces Move to Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Severability and Poison Pill Clause Makes Arbitration Agm't Null and Void. 9th Circuit Revives Rest Break Class Action Against California Retailer. School District Prevails in Employee Termination for Cause Case. Plaintiff Attorney Thomas Girardi is Malingering and Competent to Stand Trial. DOL Publishes a Guide to the New Independent Contractor Test. Budget Deficit Threatens Healthcare Worker $25 Minimum Wage Law. 18 Years of Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest Taint DSM-5 Mandated by LC 3202.3. NIH Partner to Open Neural Clinical Trials Ecosystem in Bakersfield.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Farmers Senior VP of Claims Awarded $24M for Employer Retaliation. Uninsured Comp Ruling Allows Homeowners to Avoid Illegally Problems. California Workplace Indoor Heat Prevention Rules Expected in March. Understanding "Kinesiophobia" is Valuable Tool for Claims. WCIRB Releases Third Quarter 2023 Experience Report. DWC Accepting Applications for Qualified Medical Evaluator. UCLA Purchases 700,000 Sq. Ft. Space for Immunology Research Park. Prices Set to Increase This Year on Over 500 Prescription Drugs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Orders Issued More Than 60 Days After Pet for Recon are Void. Employer Excess Insurance Policies May Cover Whistleblower Litigation. 9th Circuit Vacates it's Decision on AB5 and Grants En Banc. Activision Resolves SoCal Harassment Case for $54 M. L.C. 139.32 (b) Held Unconstitutional in Applicants Attorney Prosecution. Philips Respironics Pays $2.4 Million for Giving Kickbacks to Sleep Labs. Three Charged With Fraud Tied To Insurance Company Collapse. Former WCJ David O'Brien Peacefully Passed Away at 95.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Exclusive Remedy Applies to City, and Related Political Entities. Google to Pay Workers $27M - the Largest PAGA-Only Settlement to Date. Jury Awards Ex-Kaiser Nurse $41.49 Million in Retaliation Suit. Police Officer Fired for Cause Found Ineligible for Disability Retirement. LA-area Poultry Plants to Pay $3.8M for Child Labor Law Violations. $1.1M in Wages Recovered for Workers on a Public Works Project. QME With 3,005 WCAB Liens worth $29.4 M Faces 40 Fraud Charges. New Emergency Temporary Standard to Protect Workers from Silicosis. Hospitals Failing to Comply with Price Transparency Law. Trusted Medical Records Exchange Framework (TEFCA) is Now Operational.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Felon on Probation is Not Employee of Rehabilitation Center. McDonalds Prevails in PAGA Claim Over Providing Employees Seats. Employers Sexual Harassment Defense Verdict Reversed. Culver City Man Embezzled $10.2 M From His Insurance Carrier Employer. Woman to Serve 15 Years for $24M DME Sales & Repair Fraud. DWC Announces Move of Stockton Office to Lodi. Feds Voice Concern About Quality of Foreign Manufactured Generics. CVS Plans Overhaul of Pharmacy Reimbursement Model.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Pervasive Bullying by U.C. Berkeley Women's Soccer Coach Violates Unruh Act. Cal AG Files Amicus in SCOTUS Transportation Workers' Arbitration Case. County of Ventura Prevails in Employee Overtime Pay Class Action. Exclusive Remedy Bars Suit for Worker's Fatal Injuries on Business Trip. Labor Commissioner Reaches $1 Million Settlement in Wage Theft Case. Cal//OSHA May Obtain Search Warrant but Must Show Probable Cause. DWC Proposes Changes to QME Regulations. Decline in SAWW Means No TD/PD Rate Increases for 2024. Researchers Report on Healing Potential of Living Biobots and Anthrobots. UCLA Launches New Degree in Disability Studies.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Two Former Tustin Police Officers Face $188K Comp Fraud Charges. San Joaquin County Pharmacy to Pay $1M in Civil Penalties. Nursing Facilities Owner Resolves Kickback Case for $45.6M. 32 Legislators Concerned About Insurance Commissioner. California Plans $1.2 B Overhaul of EDD Into "EDDNext". Employer’s Must Reimburse Costs of Food Handler Training. Setting Reserves? Life Expectancy for Men Continues to Decline. New Federal Rules on PBMs Backfires on Small Pharmacies. Nationwide Shortage of Physical Therapists is Especially High in California. AI is Revolutionizing The Workers’ Compensation Industry.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Indictments Unsealed in $500M Moscow Based Telehealth Fraud. Farm Owner Charged with Manslaughter for Worker’s Death. Bay Area Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to 8 Felony Counts. Second Owner of Fresno Sleep Clinic Pleads Guilty. Lawyer Sentenced for $2.2 M Kickbacks & Corrupt Litigation Scheme. Mixed Industry Reaction to President Biden AI Executive Order. DWC Audit and Enforcement Unit Publishes 2022 Audit Results. NCCI Publishes 2023 Physician Service Utilization-A Multistate Review. New Law Reins in the High Cost of Ambulance Surprise Bills. Four California Hospitals Score "F" in Hospital Safety Evaluation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Appellate Court Affirms AOE-COE Ends at Employer’s Property Line. Cal Supreme Ct. Set to Review Neutral Time-Rounding Rules. Owners of Catalina Island Businesses Indicted for $1M Wage Theft. Jury Convicts Oakland Doctor in Kickback and Fraud Case. Bakersfield Attorney Pleads No Contest in Insurance Fraud Scheme. Consumer Watchdog Critical of DOI Closed Door Deal with Carriers. NCCI Reports Robust Workers Compensation Economic Outlook. WCIRB Releases 2023 Geo Study with Interactive Map. New VA Study Shows Paxlovid Not Effective Against Long COVID. After 2 Decades of Study – Medical Errors Continue to Increase.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SIBTF Application Filed 19 Years After DOI May Not Be Too Late. Attorney Incivility During Trial Justifies Reduction in Fees Awarded. Investigation of Employee Complaints is Protected by Anti-SLAPP. O.C. Insurance Agent Faces 27 Felonies for Comp Premium Theft. Court Refuses to Reduce Employer’s Comp Fraud Felony Convictions. Sacramento Contractor to Serve 210 Days for $170K Fraud. DIR Raises Threshold for Software Employees Overtime Exemption. NLRB Publishes New Final Joint Employment Status Rule. Fresno Based TPA to Transition to Klear.ai SaaS Platform. JAMA Publishes Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Arbitration Award Vacated for Impression of Possible Bias. Silicon Valley Man to Serve 8 Years for $77M Medical Fraud. Temecula Man Sentenced For Health Care Kickback Conspiracy. Fresno Distributor Arrested for Selling Non FDA Approved Test Kits. Hyatt Regency to Pay $4.7M for Right to Recall Law Violation. WCIRB Publishes 2024 Experience Modification Data. Teamsters Condemn Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Veto Spree. Restaurant Self-Insured Group Recovers From $80M Deficit. CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid Are Closing Thousands of Stores. New Law Signed Friday Increases Healthcare Minimum Wage.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Claim Examiner Tips on Selecting Hip and Knee Replacements. Accrued Vacation Pay Immediately Due Upon Temporary Layoff. Tree Trimming Co. Charged For Premium Fraud/Wage Theft. Charges Filed Against Business Owner Under New Wage Theft Law. Gov. Newsom Vetoes CAAA Sponsored TD Extension – AB 1213. Senators Announce False Claims Amendments Act of 2023. New Law Assists Carriers to Detect Contractor Premium Fraud. Newsom Signs New Law to Reduce Pharmacy Errors. Walgreens to Launch On-Demand Virtual Care This Month. Study of 200K Claims Shows AI Reduces Legal Involvement by 15%.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Felon’s De-facto Control of Mesa Pharmacy Supports Lien Stay. Uber/Lyft Denied Arbitration in Labor Commissioner, AG Actions. Grand Jury Charges Orange County Doctor for $150M Fraud. Mobile Phlebotomy Owners Sentenced for $7.5M Fraud. Employers Face New Law for Harassment in the Workplace. Newsom Vetoes Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers. WCIRB Publishes Second Quarter 2023 Experience Report. Dept of Insurance Fines Insurtech Related Insurance Carrier $2.1M. NSC Releases New Research on Technology to Reduce Work Injury. Federal Medical Cost Reduction Initiative – 10 Year $5.4B Epic Fail.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 3M Resolves Defective Military Earplug Cases for $6 Billion. Court of Appeal Rules Against Cal/OSHA in Valley Fever Case. School District Struggles to Prove Exclusive Remedy for Volunteer. Five Wing-Stop Restaurants and Owners Cited $3M for Wage Theft. $12.7M in DOL Grants Awarded For Workplace Safety. WCIRB Releases COVID-19 2023 Claim Trends - Update. CWCI Study Shows SB 863 Cost Reductions Bottomed Out by 2015. Costly Healthcare Presumption of AOE/COE Law Failed - This Year. New Law Facilitates Physicians and Dentists from Mexico Program. Biomarkers Can Confirm Long COVID With 94% Accuracy.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Exclusive Remedy Bars Death Claim for Employer's First Aid. Allstate's Argument to Avoid Hospital Lien was "Disingenuous". 9th Circuit Applies SCOTUS Ruling to Affirm Costs in ADA Case. Dismissed Felony Results in City Worker Losing PERS Retirement. Arbitration Fees Must Be Received (Not Just Paid) by Deadline. Sleep Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to $1 Million Health Care Fraud. Palm Springs Pharmacy Resolves Fraud Claim for $925K. SCIF Alleges it was "Intentionally Mislead" by Dept of Insurance. Hospital Outpatient Costs 58% More than ASCs or Doctors Office. FTC Pushback Over Private Equity Firm's Medical Practice Buyouts.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Attorney Fees and Costs - "The Tail that Wags the (Litigation) Dog". Jury Acquits L.A. Sheriff’s Deputy of Workers’ Comp Fraud Charges. Fast Food Unions, Restaurants and Newsom Strike Last Minute Deal. DOL Proposes New Rule for Temporary Farm Worker Protections. OWC Proposes Changes to Longshore Penalty and Penalty Appeal Rules. L.A. County Health Initiative to Pay $1.3M Tt Resolve HIPAA Violations. Sutter Coast Hospital Pharmacy on Probation for "Major Deficiencies". Firefighter Death Count from Toxic Exposure Increasing 22 Years After 9/11. VR Technology Successfully Used to Train Surgeons and Treat Patients. VA Continues to Fumble Electronic Health Record Rollout.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court Rejects Longshore Benefits for Worker Injured at Yacht Club. WCJ Panel Reviews Case Authority to Rescind Stipulated Award for Error. Kaiser Resolves Illegal Disposal of Medical Waste Claim for $49m. New Law Strengthens Prohibitions Against Employee Non-Competition Clauses. Ballot Measure to Make $36B Managed Care Organization Tax Permanent. U.C. Davis Awarded $1.9M Grant to Study Lethal Cancers in Firefighters. FTC and Six States Reach Merger Consent Agreement with Amgen. Recently Retired WCJ Terry Smith Returns to Floyd Skeren Law Firm.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Nunes II En Banc Says Her Arguments Are "Unpersuasive and Inflammatory". CSU exempt from LC 3802 Requirement to Reimburse Employee Expenses. K-12 Schools May Terminate Staff For Violation of Vaccination Rules. State Farm Prevents Class Action Attempt to Circumvent Policy Terms. Farm Labor Contractor and Two Growers Cited $1.9M for Wage Theft. DOJ Announces Results of Nationwide COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Action. Doctor Pleads Guilty to Using Misbranded Smuggled Drugs on Patients. Healthcare Provider to Pay $5 Million for Alleged False Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court Has Difficulty Applying Workplace Violence Law to Work-at-Home. Employer's Evaluating Doctors Are Also "Employers" in FEHA Class Action. ERISA Allows Class Action Challenge to Health Plan Treatment Guidelines. Last Two of Seven Generic Drug Giants Resolve Criminal Price-fixing Charges. LA/OC Physician to Serve 5 Years for $20M Pharmaceutical Scam. State Auditor Moves EDD to "High Risk" List for Inadequate Fraud Prevention. CMS Updates Section 111 Reporting User Guide to Version 7.3. Business Group Publishes 2024 Large Employers’ Health Care Survey. Liberty Mutual Publishes the 2023 Workplace Safety Index. Startups and Technology Drive Explosive Growth in TPA Market.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: S&W Misconduct Increase Not Applicable to Industrial Disability Leave. 9 Years of Continuances to "Develop the Record" is Enough. RFA for Expedited UR Review Must Be Supported by Evidence of Necessity. "Brokered" Radiology Services is Illegal Unlicensed Practice of Medicine. Whistleblower Triggers Radiologist's Arrested for Illegal Opioid Prescription. City of Los Angeles Freelance Ordinance Now In Effect. Catering Company Cited for $1.2M for Post Pandemic Rehiring Violation. NLRB Sets New Standard for Assessing Lawfulness of Work Rule. CMS Updates Medicare Set Aside Self-Administration Toolkit. Blue Shield Moves Away from PBMs to Save $500M in Medication Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Used CCP 473 to Resurrect Dismissed Lien Claim. 9th Circuit Rejects Fire Chief's Discrimination Case Against City of Stockton. Contractor Sentenced for $140K Premium Fraud and $1M Wage Theft. Cal/OSHA Asks Employers to Take the Pledge for Safe+Sound Week. Cal/OSHA Increased Physical Presence and Inspections in 3 Counties. NCCI Reports Carriers Say Safety Technologies are a "Game-Changer". Modifications to California Fair Chance Act Take Effect on October 1st. New Study Supports Possible Long COVID Apportionment to the FOXP4 Gene. Senators Probe Nonprofit Hospitals Abuse of Tax Exemption Rules. Study Shows Independent Hospital Acquisitions Tied to Higher Prices.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Ordered to End Its Longstanding Illegal Reconsideration Procedure. After SCOTUS Remand, 9th Circuit Reaffirms its Denial of Employer's Arbitration. Jury Awards UCSD Physician $39.5 million in UC Whistleblower Case. Prosecutors Must Use Specific, Not General Statutes In Comp Fraud Cases. Last Two Defendants Plead Guilty in $66M San Diego Pharmacy Scam. CEO of Whittier Clinic Pleads Guilty to $5M Health Care Fraud. CWCI Study Shows IMR Volume Increased in First Half of 2023. July 2023 Hospital Analysis Shows Continuing Tight Financial Margins. Bipartisan Law Allow States to Recruit Foreign Doctors to Fill Shortages. California Short 36,000 Nurses - But Nursing Schools Are Full.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Represented Worker Not Required to Repeat QME Procedural Steps. Arbitrator Has No Power to Cure Employers Late Payment of Arbitration Fees. 9th Circuit En Banc to Rule on Student/State Bar ADA Accommodation Dispute. Owners of Bakersfield Construction Co. Face $4M Payroll Fraud Charges. New Form 1-9 and Remote Verification Process Announced. WCIRB 2023 State of the System Report is Essentially Good News. Workers Compensation National Insurers Show Strength and Profitability. Researchers Say DWC Data Shows 20,000 Annual Heat Related Injuries. AHA Reports Massive Dissatisfaction With Insurer Healthcare Practices. 16 Hospitals Line Up for California Distressed Hospital Loan Program.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court Says CMA May Proceed Against Aetna for Unfair Competition. Arbitration of Individual Claims Does Not Preclude Concurrent PAGA Litigation. $6M Punitive Damages Justified by Employer's "Despicable" Conduct. WCAB Rejects Vocational Apportionment Noting Recent En Banc Decision. Allianz Unit Fined $5 Billion for Multi-Billion-Dollar Fraud Scheme. Applicant Attorney Robert Slater's Conviction Affirmed. San Jose Roofing Contractor Faces $460K Premium Fraud Case. CHSWC Reporting Delays Cause Another Extension of Debit Card Sunset. 64% of 2000 Hospitals Non-Compliant with 2021 Price Transparency Law.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Lawsuit Blocks Enforcement of New Calif Privacy Protection Agency Regs. Court Clears PAGA Action Over Non-Payment of Employee At-Home Expenses. 1996 Finance Agreement Binds Disneyland to a 2018 Living Wage Ordinance. Pain Clinic Chain to Pay $11.4 Million to Resolve False Claims Act. Lawyers Must Report Rogue Lawyers Under New State Bar Rule. Nine Pending Congressional Bills Heat Up PBM Wars and Caustic TV Ads. California Legislature Resurrects Dormant Industrial Welfare Commission. Studies Show Continued Growth in National Healthcare Expenditures. Governmental Immunity Does Not Protect Counties From Unpaid ER Bills. Bankruptcy Court Approves Beverly Community Hospital Sale.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Top Court Says Employers Not Liable for COVID Spread to Family Members. Stay of Litigation Mandated During Appeal of Denial of Arbitration Motion. Cal/OSHA May Amend Citations Before, During and After ALJ Hearings. Money Launderer Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Premium Fraud Scheme. SoCal Chiropractor Among 78 Charged in $2.5B in Health Care Fraud. Bay Area Construction Companies Charged with Premium Fraud. Jury Convicts San Jose Doctor For Illegal Opioid Prescribing. Jury Finds DME Company Owner Guilty of $24M in Fraudulent Claims. Cal/OSHA Cites The Two Employers of Seven Mass Shooting Victims. 2023 Survey of 18,000 Nurses Shows 30% Leaving Career.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB En Banc Rejects "Vocational" Theory of Apportionment. Caregiver Injury During Transit Not Barred by Going and Coming Rule. Chamber of Commerce & Others Sue Government Over Drug Pricing Plan. Riverside Nursing Facility Resolves Doctor Kickback Case for $3.8M. CWCI Reviews California Private Self-Insureds' 2022 Claim Experience. UCSF Study Shows Calif ER Demand Increasing as ER Facilities Decline. Is the New Tenth Annual FDA Report on Drug Shortages Accurate? Biden Suspends VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 6th Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport Rejects CTE Causation. U.S. Opioid Settlements Now total Over $50 Billion. NLRB Reverses It's 2019 Trump Era Independent Contractor Standard. 9th Circuit Finds Co-Worker Sexist/Racist Music-Blasting Actionable. Comp Case Manager Prevails Against Liberty Mutual on Discrimination Appeal. O.C. Doctor to Serve 12½ Years for Illegal Opioid Prescribing. New Book Says EDD Failures Emblematic of Antiquated Governmental Tech. California Proposed Change to TD Cap Will Have Nominal Impact. Congress and FTC Deepen Inquiry into PBM Business Tactics. Studies and Surveys Show VA Hospitals Outperform Private Hospitals.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Courts Imposing Limits and Sanctions on Lawyers Use of AI In Litigation. Vile Emails Force LA Employment Law Defense Firm Founders to Resign. 5th Try for Five Guys Restaurants $1.2M Wage/Hour Settlement Approval. High Number of Americans Think Insurance Fraud Is Not a Crime. Hackers Demand Cash After Penetrating Mission Community Hospital. NSC Kicks Off 27th Observance of National Safety Month. WCIRB Publishes Update on COVID-19 Claims and Long COVID. WCIRB Publishes New Experience Modification Estimator Spreadsheet. Prop 107 Forces Insurance Companies to Quietly Flee California Marketplace.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: AI Used to Discover New Antibiotic for Deadly Superbug. U.S. Supreme Court Deals Another Blow to Labor Unions. 9th Circuit Limits Application of LC 2810.3 Protections For Farm Workers. Trilogy of WCAB Decisions Find Valley Fever Presumptively AOE-COE. Invidior Resolves Suboxone Pricing Scheme For $102.5 Million. DHS Ends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility on July 31, 2023. 4th Largest Drug Distributor Suspended From Controlled Substance Sales. CPT Codes Silent About Amazing Advancements in MRI Equipment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: AI Device Restores Function So Paralyzed Patient Can Walk. Sunnyvale Company Announces AI Underwriting for Work Comp. California Supreme Court Expands Employee Whistleblower Protections. Santa Clara Jury Awards $2M to Deaf Package Handler for Discrimination. Worker's FEHA Action Rejected in Case Arising Out of Flu Vaccine Refusal. Handy Technologies Resolves Misclassification Claims for $6M. NSC Publishes Research on Improving Workplace Safety with Robotics. CWCI Studies Low-Volume - But High-Cost Driver Drugs. FTC Targeting Drugmaker Mergers and PBM Industry Middlemen. Arbitrator Awards Humana $642M in Walgreens Pricing Dispute.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Clarifies Employer's Right to Depose Roommates in COVID Claim. Hotels & Restaurants Face Massive Litigation Over Tip Distribution. LAUSD Prevails in Injured Worker Failure to Accommodate Claim. FEHA Arbitrator Decisions are Final and Not Ordinarily Reviewable on Appeal. California Man Convicted for $28M Health Care Kickback Conspiracy. Employer Agrees to Resolution of $1.7M Premium Fraud & $437K Wage Theft. NY 2022 Annual Workers' Comp Fraud Report Shows 30% Increase. WCIRB Releases Fourth Quarter 2022 Experience Report. Newsom Signs New $150M Emergency Bill to Bail Out Failing Hospitals. 2022 IMR Medical Dispute Resolution Requests Hit Record Low.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Silicon Valley AI Company Makes InsurTech Top 100 List. Screenwriters Union Fighting Off Industry Wide AI Adoption. Specific Findings Required for Ordering One Carrier to Pay CT Benefits. SJDB Voucher Not Required in Total Disability Case. Rise in Occupational Silicosis Triggers 17 L.A. Lawsuits and Cal/OSHA Action. Former Modesto Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Prescribing Opioids. NLRB Reverses Discipline Rules for Egregious Protected Activity Misconduct. Proposed Amendments to QME Regulations in Final Stages. $22M Donation to UCSD Health for AI Healthcare Launch. Rochelle Walensky Abruptly Resigns as C.D.C. Director.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: CorVel Announces AI Powered Claim Processing Initiative. Google AI Technology Passes US Medical License Exam. WCAB Finds Rule 10133.31(c) is "Antithesis of Substantial Justice". Court Reinstates Billing Class Action Against Modesto Hospital. 187 Tow Truck Employees Recover $2.9M in Wage Theft. Beverly Hills Surgeon Resolves Fraud Claims for $24 Million. Merced Family Charged in $2.1M Payroll Fraud Schemes. NFL Faces CA/NY Attorney Generals Hostile Workplace Investigation. OSHA Announces Program to Reduce, Prevent Workplace Falls. AMA and 100 Provider Groups Fight Cigna Fee Schedule.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Failure to Prove Regulatory Compliance Ends Employer Medical Control. Arbitration Agreement Legalese & Unreadable Fine Print Is Not Unconscionable. Toluca Lake Man Accused of Impersonating a Doctor for Several Years. Bakersfield Pain Management Physician Sentenced for Tax Evasion. $1.47M Settlement Resolves Poultry Processor Wage Theft Citations. New Federal Workers Comp Program OIG Audit Shows Epic Failure. LA Metro Union Station Resolves "Long List" of ADA Violations. Legislature Seeks to Lower Burden of Proof to Discipline Physicians. ChatGPT Answers Beat Physicians in JAMA Internal Medicine Study. Sedgwick Launches OpenAI GPT-4 Tools for Work Comp Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Communications With QME About Depo Fees Cannot Be Ex-Parte. NFL Successfully Defends Players' "Painkiller Culture" Lawsuit. 9th Circuit Rejects Arbitration of Amazon Spying-on-Drivers Case. Hearst Resolves 56 Misclassified Employee Class Action for $1M. Cal/OSHA Pursues Criminal Prosecution Following Confined Space Deaths. Beverly Hills Surgeon Sentenced to 7 Years for $355M Insurance Fraud. Owners of Fresno Security Business Accused of $1.6M Premium Fraud. Orange County Doctor Arrested for $153M Insurance Fraud. Pharmaceutical Mergers and Acquisition Activity Leads to Higher Prices. JAMA Study on Telehealth Triggers Support From CDC.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: O.C. Restaurant Loses Battle For COVID Closure Insurance Coverage. L.C. 515.7 Limiting Wage Statement Claims is Not Retroactive. San Diego Surgeon Faces Murder Charges following Patients Death. 12 Suspects Face 110 Felonies in Disability Insurance Fraud Scheme. Five Defendants Face WorkComp Premium Fraud Charges. California Chamber of Commerce Published 2023 List of "Job Killer Bills". Auditor Suggest State Bar Improve Integrity of Attorney Probes. Is New CRISPR Technology Drug Cost Effective at $1.9M for a Single Dose? Aggressive Marketing Pays Off For Specialty Drugmaker. Newsom v Walgreens - Walgreens Seems to Be Winning (So Far).
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Homeowner is Employer of Uninsured Licensed Contractor's Worker. WCAB Panel Affirms WCJ Discretion to Deny PD Overpayment Credit. Judge Allows L.A. Ballot Initiative to Cap Hospital Executive Pay. Co-Employee Named in Tort Action Can Exercise Employer's Arbitration Rights. Garden Grove Pharmacist Resolves Fraudulent Billing Claims for $4M. California Nurses Association Sponsors A.B. 1156 Presumed Injury Law. VA Delays Rollout of Troubled $16B Electronic Medical Records System. The Joint Commission Annual Review Shows 19% Sentinel Event Increase. Telehealth Utilization Increased Nationally in January 2023. Labor Department Survey Shows Reduction in Telework.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: MSP Manual Update Requires Providers to Identify and Bill MSAs. City of L.A. Retail Industry Fair Work Week Ordinance Starts April 1. Carson CA Facility Closes After $838,800 Cal/OSHA Citations. WCIRB Study Shows Experience Rating Improves Workplace Safety. San Diego Doctor Pleads Guilty to $2M Insurance Fraud. Congressman Seeks to Plug Fraudsters "Shocking Loophole". Evidence in 17 YouTube Videos Leads to Insurance Fraud Arrest. Burned Out Healthcare Workers Considering Leaving the Industry. P&C Insurers 2022 Underwriting Losses Soar and Net Income Shrinks. GPT-4 AI Technology Easily Passed the Multistate Bar Exam - What's Next?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: CMS Pursues Law Firm for Conditional Payment Reimbursement. 9th Circuit Revives Uber Constitutional Challenge to AB-5. National Firefighters Union Battles Cancer Causing Protective Gear. Executive/Owner of 100 Insurance Companies Faces $2B Fraud Indictment. Court Affirms $8.2M Restitution Calculation in Premium Fraud Case. O.C. Pharmacy Director Sentenced to 9½ Years for Kickback Scheme. WCAB Ends COVID Special Rules in New En Banc Decision. CWCI Study Shows Medical Treatment Patterns Have Stabilized. Bay Area CompScience Startup Inks Deal to Bind Insurance in 10 States.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Insurance Carrier Resolves Policy Dispute Class Action for $6.2M. Covid Misinformation Law Entangled in Conflicting Lawsuits. No Liability For Off Worksite, Weekend Sexual Misconduct Between Friends. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash Prevail in AB 5 - Prop 22 Appeal. PEO Owners Plead Guilty to $54M Insurance Fraud Scheme. CSLB Stings Show Abundance of Unlicensed and Uninsured Contractors. Probes Reveal Decades Long State Bar Unethical Conduct. No ACOEM/MTUS Adoption Yet of New CDC Opioid Guidelines. Nurses Across the State Protest Working Conditions. Feds Move to Rein In Health Insurance Prior Authorization Rules.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Orders Bifurcated Trial in NFL Contested Jurisdiction Case. Good Faith Belief of Compliance Precludes Penalties & Attorney Fees. PAGA Penalties Expanded to Include Sick Pay Act Violations. No Equitable Contribution Between Employer's GL and Comp Carriers. Jury Convicts Orthopedic Surgeon for Kickbacks After Six-Day Trial. Home Health Care Provider Cited for $9M for Employee Misclassification. Santa Ana Recovers $96K From Police Officer Convicted for Comp Fraud. Fraud Resulted in Doctors Implanting Fake $16,000 Pain Devices. Insulin Pricing Controversies Move From Drug Makers to PBMs. JAMA Study Shows Increasing Surgical Procedures in Outpatient Settings.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Carrier and Defense Firm to Face Applicant Fraud/Slander Lawsuit. NLRB Limits Confidentiality & Non-Disparagement Severance Agreements. Employer Fined $27K For Water Not Close Enough to Workers. California COVID-19 State of Emergency Ends February 28th 2023. DEA Proposed Rules for Permanent Telemedicine Prescribing. Anti-Inflammatory/Anticonvulsant Drugs are Significant Comp Cost Drivers. WCIRB Publishes New Industry Profile Series on Healthcare. Amazon closes $3.9B Buyout of Health Company One Medical. Walmart, Best Buy, Dollar General Announce Health Care Expansion. $2.6B in Major Hospital Construction Under Way in Sacramento Area.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Interpreter Must Show Evidence of Fees in Same Geographic Area. SCOTUS Rejects J&J's Appeal of $302M Deceptive Marketing Penalty. SCOTUS Clarifies FLSA’s Salary-Basis Test for Highly Paid Worker. So. Cal. Chiropractor and NBA Players Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud. California Legislature Proposes 2,600 New Laws This Year. Section 111 Claim Reporting - Civil Monetary Penalty Rulemaking Delayed. Companies May Now Use Federal Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy. Expanded Authority for Nurse Practitioners Effective on January 1.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Commercial Traveler Rule Applies to Workers Assisting Firefighters. Employment Law Arbitration Cases Queue up in Cal Supreme Court. Ninth Circuit Strikes Down California Ban on "Forced Arbitration". "Yellowstone" actress Q'orianka Kilcher's Comp Fraud Case Dismissed. Estimated EDD Fraud Losses Increased to Nearly $40 Billion. Pharmacist Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison For Faked Prescriptions. Supermajority of Physicians Now Employed by Corporate Entities. Half of California Hospitals Are in the Red, - Some Are Closing. WCRI Says Work Comp Medical Outcomes Worse than Other Payors. 350 MDs Lobby Congress for AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Retired NFL Players File Class Action Over Rejected Disability Claims. Privette Doctrine Exceptions Save Injured Worker's Tort Action. No Total Immunity for County Hospital's Employee PAGA Case. SCOTUS Raises the Bar for Opioid Pill Mill Doctor Criminal Convictions. Silicon Valley Online Pharmacy Startup Resolves Fraud Cases. EEOC Updates Employer Guidance on the ADA and Hearing Disabilities. NCCI Reports on Inflation and Work Comp Medical Costs. COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations Now in Effect. New Contracts Awarded as Centene Pays $596M to 13 States for Overbilling. CMS Lets Health Plans Keep Billions of Dollars in Excess Payments.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Awards SJDB Benefits Despite Successful RTW. Court Rejects "Offset" to Injured Firefighter's Disability Retirement. Safeway Stores Still Litigating Same Wage Hour Claims - for 21 Years. California and 19 States File as Amicus Against OSHA Rights Challenge. Grand Jury Indicts Disbarred Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Tom Girardi. Central Valley Medical Provider Agrees to $26M Settlement. Prosecutors Say Pharmaceutical Makers Are Victims of $1B Fraud. CMS Rule to Collect $4.7B in Penalties to "Hold Insurers Accountable". WCRI Reports - 7% of Workers with COVID-19 Develop Long COVID. Congress Reluctant to Fully Embrace Telehealth Care.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Federal Judge Enjoins Controversial California COVID Misinformation Law. Dept of Corrections Immune From Prisoner-Nurse Based FEHA Claims. Instacart Resolves City of S.F. Worker Misclassification Case for $5.25M. Santa Ana Man Convicted for $152M Tainted Prescription Drug Sales. CDI Fraud Action Against Encino Hospital was "Vast Overreach". San Francisco Adopts Military Leave Pay ACT with PAGA Enforcement. 2023 Brings Higher OSHA - and Much Higher Cal/OSHA Penalties. Cal/OSHA Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Due on 2/1. DWC Proposes More Amendments to QME Regulations. Agile Occupational Medicine and Pinnacle HealthCare Announce Merger.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: NLRB Substantially Increases Damages For Labor Law Violations. Appeal of Labor Commissioner Award Requires Specific Surety Bond. KCRA-TV Fraud Documentary Triggers EDD Congressional Inquiry. DWC Posts Reminder for Submission of Annual Report of Inventory. Department of Insurance Appoints Three CIGA Board Members. Sedgwick and DMEC Report on Long COVID Solutions "Think Tank". High Volume Orthopedic Surgical Practice Has Better Outcomes. Kaiser Health News Says Smartphone May Become Next Doctors' Office.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Panel Clarifies WCAB Limits for Vacating Stipulations of Parties. Court Rejects Constitutional Challenge to Medical Malpractice Recovery Limits. California/Illinois Attorney Generals Sue Drugmakers for Price Gouging. Major McDonald’s Franchise to Pay $2 Million to Settle EEOC Lawsuit. Girardi Lawfirm CFO Denied Bail in $10 Million Client Theft Case. SoCal Man Pleads Guilty of Selling Used and Counterfeit Medical Devices. Owner of Home Health Care Agencies Sentenced for $31M Fraud. State Bar Streamlined Disciplinary Proposal Raises Oversight Concerns. Fatal Occupational Injuries Increased 8.9% in 2021. The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company Expands Social Mission.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Says Injured County Inmate on Work Program is an Employee. Judge Issues Order Stopping the DIR From Implementing Fast Food Act. California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) Now Applicable to Employers. CWCI Study Shows WC Hospitalizations Continue to Decline. NIH Launches Pilot Telehealth Research Program. Hospital Closure Triggers Central California Emergency Declarations. Study Shows Robotic Knee Surgeries Reduce Bone and Soft-Tissue injury. Researchers Find Good Knee and Hip Surgery Outcomes in Patients Over 90.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Orders Attorney to Identify Name of Employer per Rule 10390(a). NLRB Says USC Student Athletes are USC, Pac-12 and NCAA Employees. NLRB Reinstates Off-Duty Employee Rights to Access Employer's Property. San Diego Pain Management Doctor and Office Manager Indicted. Fake Doctor Charged for 2nd Offense of Illegal Botox Injections. Labor Commissioner Collects $1.3M for Bakersfield Contractor Violations. WCIRB Reports Premiums Up 7% - But Combined Loss Ratio is 111%. Private Equity Firms Invest $206B In 1,400 Healthcare Acquisitions in 2021. Hospital Size and Teaching Status Produce Better Orthopedic Outcome. Factoring Decline in Life Expectancy When Reserving Lifetime Awards.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Health Net Loses $14.4M Jury Verdict Over Surgery Delay. Timely Arbitration Request Required by Employer in Multiple Forums. Neurosurgeon to Serve 5 Years for $3.3 Million Kickback Scheme. California Joins 17 States in Employment Definition Classification Battle. New California Law Mandating Bereavement Leave Starts January 1. OSIP Reports Public Self-Insured Claim Volume and Losses Soared. NCCI Surveys Top WC Industry Concerns Heading Into 2023.WCIRB Studies Medical Characteristics of Cumulative Trauma Claims. CMS Expected to Be More Aggressive With WC Payers in 2023. Study Shows 7.4 Million Diagnostic Errors Annually in Emergency Rooms.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court Rules on "Contentious" Med-Legal Associates Litigation With QME. Proof of "Prejudice" Required for Laches to Bar 20 Year Old Lien. Unused Portion of SJDB Voucher Expires 2 Years After Issuance. Employer's Arbitration Motion Fails for Poor Documentation. Twice Convicted SoCal Insurance Agent Sentenced for Theft. Dignity Health and Tenet Healthcare Agree to Pay $22.5M for False Claims. Essilor Laboratories Resolves Kickback Case for $23.8M. DWC Opens Registration for 30th Annual Educational Conference. Environment, Health & Safety Conference Set for January in Long Beach. Six Major Pharmacies Settle WC Prescription Overcharge Claims for $16M.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Failure to Admit Medical Records Dooms Employer's Apportionment. Carriers Not Required to Notify Insured of WCIRB Classification Changes. City Immune from Suit for Bad Advice to Injured Police Officer. School District COVID Vaccination Mandates Preempted by State Law. O.C. Pharmacist Guilty of 22 Felonies for $11M Insurance Fraud. DIR Sends Employers Notice of More Than $1.5B in 2023 Assessments. Oregon Report Says California Has 3rd Highest Comp Rates in Nation. American Bar Association Lowers the Bar to Law School Admission. Low Back Pain Study of 17,326 Records Has Sobering Conclusions. Pharmacy Cutbacks Cause Big Delays for Customers in Bay Area.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Employer Cannot Refuse to Hire Worker on Medical Examination Alone. Attorney General Sues Team Owner & NFL for Hostile Workplace Cover-up. Temporary Total Disability Rates for 2023 to Increase by 5.16%. WCIRB Releases Multibureau Evaluation of COVID-19 Claims & Costs. Former DIR Director Critical of Cal/OSHA's COVID Regulations. EK Health Announces New "Billtelligent" Medical Bill Review Technology. Amazon Plans New Virtual Care Offering Based on Messaging. Industry Leaders Share Ideas at Healthcare Conference in Las Vegas.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Defines "High Velocity Eye Injury" Required for Extended TTD. DOI has Jurisdiction to Invalidate Carrier "Unfiled" Side Agreements. Walmart Sues 45 National Carriers For Opioid Settlement Costs. Santa Rosa Neurosurgeon Convicted for Opioid Prescriptions. NCCI Publishes Update to 2021 State of the WC Line Report. WCIRB Releases- 2022 Geo Study with Interactive Map. Orange County Cities Consider Protections for Hospitality Workers. Walgreens VillageMD to buy Summit Health for $9B.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Carrier Cannot Disqualify Multiple WCJ's in Dec'd Defense Attorney Case. Growers SIG Sues Grower for $3M Cost of Post-Termination Claims. L.C. 432.6 Nullifies Employer's Postlitigation Proposed Arbitration Agreement. Opposing Party Prejudice Not Required for Arbitration Waiver. Epic Failure of $370M Fraud Detection Tech System in California & 7 States. Merced County Doctor Indicted for $53M Insurance Fraud Scheme. DWC Publishes 2021 Audit Report of Audit of 40 Entities. CDC Updates Opioid Clinical Treatment Guidelines. Nine California Hospitals Given Specialty Excellence Awards. Database of Hospitals Penalized By Medicare for Re-admissions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Rules on Procedure for County to Recover L.C 4850.4 Advances. FLSA Mandates Call Center Employees be Paid for Booting Up Computer. Applicant Attorney Jon Woods to Serve 4 Years for Comp Fraud. San Jose Father and Son Arrested for $12M Premium Fraud. 3 Bay Area Restaurants Settle Wage Theft Case for $6M. U.S. DOL Recovers $202K From SoCal Car Wash for Wage Theft. EEOC Releases Updated "Know Your Rights" Mandated Poster. Few California DAs File Charges for Wage Theft - But That May Change. Science May Support Apportionment of Musculoskeletal Disability to Smoking. AM Best Reports WC Profitability "Unmatched" by Other P/C Lines.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Lawyers Union Sues California Over How it Hires Lawyers and Judges. Business Name Issues Are Problems for Enforcing Employee Arbitration. Cross Examination Required in Hearing on Workplace Violence Orders. Highest Paid UCLA Doctor Convicted of Patient Sexual Assaults. Staffing Problems Plague Labor Commissioner's Wage Theft Efforts. PBMs Battle With Several States over State Rights to Govern Them. California to End COVID State of Emergency in February. New Definition of "Close Contact" and "Infectious Period" for COVID. Sutter Health Pays $13M for Billing for Lab Tests it Did not Perform. NCCI Reports WC Medical Costs Increasing Less Than Inflation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Fresno Trucking Business Owners Face $2.5M Payroll Fraud Charges. Tustin Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling 120K Opiod Pills. Cal/OSHA Investigates Tree Trimmer Death After Fall into Wood Chipper. WCIRB Publishes COVID-19 Workers' Compensation 2022 Update. DWC Announces Deactivation of Inactive E-Filer Accounts. U.S. DOL Announces Proposed Rule on Worker Classification. Feds Publish Blueprint to Guide Employer Use of AI Technology. NY Times Says Insurers Exploited Medicare for Billions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Panel Rejects Provisions of Unapproved 3rd Party Settlement. Attorneys Awarded $280K Fees for $15K Settlement of Rest Break Case. New Law Facilitates Recovery of $282K Wage Theft From Car Wash Owners. SoCal Attorney to Serve 37 Months for Forged Court Judgments. Highlights of New Worker's Compensation and Employment Law. DWC Proposes Remote Health and QME Scheduling Regulations. WCIRB Reports Lower Premium and Higher Combined Loss Ratio. Lawsuit Filed Against New California "Medical Censorship" Law. New Rules Give Patients Unfettered Access to Digital Health Records. Initiative Process to Allow Voters Decide Health Care Workers Wage.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Judicial and Regulatory Health Care Disruptions Expected Soon. DA Drops Charges in Premium Fraud Case - in 4th Week of Jury Trial. Home Health Care Agencies Cited for $2M in Worker Misclassification. SoCal VR School Executives Arrested for $1.7M Voucher Fraud. DWC Suspends 178 Medical Providers for Fraud Crimes in 2022. LA/OC Physician Pleads Guilty to $20M Pharmaceutical Scam. Pressure Building for Another Decennial Workers' Comp Reform. State Bar Investigating LA Attorneys Disbursement of Class Action Funds. Proposed Regulations to Allow Unsupervised Care by Nurse Practitioners. Simply Business Partners with biBERK to Offer Comp Coverage.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Weedwacker Injury Not a "Violent Act" for Psyche PD Add-On. PAGA Case Proceeds Despite Arbitrator Finding Against Employee. Long Beach Dockworkers Fraudulently Bill Health Plan $2.1M. New Law Prohibits Employer Discrimination for Off the Job Marijuana Use. Newsom Signs Law Inspired by Comp Carrier's $2M CDI Lobby Scandal. Mandatory Weekly Testing for Unvaccinated Workers Roll Back. WCIRB Publishes 2022 Interactive Industry Stats Report. WCIRB Publishes Aggregate Medical Payment Trends 2021 Update. California Uses the AMA Guides 5th Edition - Which is Two Decades Old. NEXT Partners with Intuit For Comp Insurance in Quckbooks Ecosystem.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Prevailing in WCAB 132a Claim is Not Res Judicata in FEHA Case. Employers Must Set "Date Certain" for Emergency Leave Ending. S.F. Contractor Faces Multiple Felony Charges for Premium Fraud. NICB Partnerships Intensifies its Focus on California Insurance Fraud. Newsom Signs SB 1242 Adding Premium Fraud Reporting Provisions. Newsome Signs Law Extending Time to Study UR. Cal/OSHA Posts Guidance on Protecting Workers from Monkeypox. 61% of 6.2 Million Disabled People are Episodic and Not Permanent. Telehealth Utilization Fell 4% Nationally in June 2022. Hartford and Yale Team Up to Treat Injured Worker Addictions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Class Action Claims Amazon 8' Warehouse Pods Violate FEHA. Johnny Depp's Attorney Hired to Defend High Profile Comp Fraud Case. Jury Convicts Silicon Valley Man for $77M COVID Test Kickbacks. Newsom Signs Fast Food Standards and Accountability Recovery Act. CDC Reports Alarming Surge in Construction Worker Suicides. State Fund Reports 82% Reduction in Opioid Use since 2014. Scripps Performs First ACL Reconstruction-Alternative Repair. Boeing, Concentra, Shutterfly Join NSC Pledge to Reduce Work Injuries.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court Declines to Restrain "Rude and Aggressive" Workplace Customer. Employer Cannot Discover Immigration Status in Wrongful Termination Case. Judge Dismisses DAs' Case Against Law Firm for $5M ADA Shakedown. Re-Hearing Revives Legality of Employer Arbitration Agreements. LAPD Officers Hired by Film Maker for Traffic Control Not Employees. Neurosurgeon Pleads Guilty to Accepting $3.3M In Kickbacks. So Cal Chiropractor Sentenced to 14 Months for Kickback Scheme. International DME Maker to Pay $25 M to Resolve Kickback Case. How the Great Resignation Impacts Workers' Compensation. Workers’ Comp Benchmarking Study Releases 9th Annual Report.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Says New and Further Disability Must Occur Within 5 Years of DOI. WCAB Rejects Claim of Employment at Time of Fatal Car Crash. Judge Approves $30M Apple Security Check Pay California Class Action. Court of Appeal Rejects Staffing Agency's Comp Policy Dispute. Study Finds U.S. Annual Insurance Fraud at Record $308.6 Billion. EDD Trust Fund $20B Deficit is More Than All Other States Combined. DHS Invites Comments on Employer Virtual I-9 Review Proposed Rule. Petitions Place So/Cal Healthcare Workers' Minimum Wage Hike On Hold. SEIU Offers Delay of 2030 Hospital Seismic Retrofit for Higher Pay. Sedgwick Reports on Future Expectations for WC Claims Administration.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Belligerent Truck Driver's Misdemeanor Conviction Ends Comp Award. Ventura County Providers Pay $70.7M to Resolve FCA Allegations. O.C. Lawyer's Victory Lap Turns Med-Mal Jury Trial Victory into Defeat. Randy Rosen MD Pleads Guilty in Orange County Fraud Cases. Stockton Doctor Resolves Neruro-Stimulator Fraud Claims for $2M. Gavin Newsom Appoints Applicant Attorney Joe Capurro to WCAB. CPWR Investigates Underlying Causes of Falls From Heights. WCIRB Updates Loss Elimination Ratios and Advisory Plan Tables. Congressional Proposal to Quadruple OSHA Fines Loses Support. Half of Doctors Considering Leaving Medicine Over Insurer Headaches.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: California and U.S. Supreme Courts Face Off over Employer Arbitration. Injured Worker Fails to Prove an "Adverse Employment Action" After RTW. WCAB Panel Says - What Is In The File is Not What Is In Evidence. San Francisco Prevails in 11 Week Opioid Trial Against Walgreens. Is Zantac Litigation a Heads Up for Compensable Consequence Claims? NCCI Publishes New Countrywide Court Case Update. Orange County Man Arrested for Impersonating a Physician - for Years. Legislature "Suspends" Bill Triggered by Insurance Commissioner Scandal. Inflation Reduction Act Funds CMS to Negotiate Drug Prices. DWC Announces Return to In-Person Walk-Throughs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Affirms Apportionment and Clarifies Hikida Rule. WCAB Has No Duty to "Rescue" Applicant From Take Nothing. Attorney General Lawsuit Says CVS Health Abuses its Market Power. Website Only Businesses Exempt from Disability Access Laws. Applicant Arrested Following Surveillance and Social Media Posts. OSHA Repeatedly Cites 1,600 Store Retailer for "Flagrant" Violations. Insurance Commissioner Sues Carrier for Illegal Marketing Tactics. Medicare Reverses Plan To Limit Hospital Safety Data Next Year. City Sues Feds to Keep 150 Year Old 700 Patient Rehab Hospital Open. Major California Employer Places Employee Well Being First.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court of Appeal Denies Injunction Classifying Lyft Drivers as Employees. Settlement of Individual Suit Does Not Bar Employee's New PAGA Suit. Court Reviews Employer's Requirement to "Provide" Employees Seating. Right to Arbitrate Ends When Employer Fails to Timely Pay Fees. Teva Resolves Nationwide Opioid Cases - Including California - for $4.25B. Home Health Care Owner to Serve 18 Months for Kickback Scheme. WCIRB Publishes 2022 Quarterly Experience Report. Self-Insured Total Incurred Losses Increased 13.1% Last Year. CWCI Says SB 1127 Reduction of Claim Investigation Time is Unrealistic. Hanover Launches Wearable Sensor Program to Reduce Injuries.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Uber Resolves Claims for Overcharging People With Disabilities. Trial Set in Insurance Commissioner Lara "Pay-to-Play" Controversy. FBI Recovers Hospital's Ransomware Payment to North Korean Hackers. Dozens Charged in $1.2 Billion Health Care Fraud Takedown. S.F. Voters Pass New Paid Emergency Leave Effective October 1. EEOC Updates Employer Mandatory COVID Testing Guidance. 400 Truckers at AB5 Protest Shut Down Port of Oakland. CDI Adopts Advisory Rate Lower Than Requested by WCIRB. DWC Clarifies Provider Directory Requirements for MPNs. Amazon Dives into Medicine - Agrees to Acquire One Medical for $3.9B.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Business Owners Allowed to Proceed Against Carrier for COVID Losses. Job Applicants Not Employees When Tested for Drugs. Two Defendants Settle for $54M as SF Opioid Trial Enters Closing Arguments. Arguments Made in 14th Year of Jan-Pro California Wage Theft Case. "Yellowstone" Television Series Actress Faces Comp Fraud Charges. DWC to Re-Adopt Emergency Med-Legal Telehealth Regulations. Orthopedists Increase Use of Orthobiologics Over Surgical Intervention. COVID-19 Returns to Top Five Telehealth Services Nationwide. CHHSA Meets AB 133 July Deadline For Health Data Exchange Network. Controversial New City of LA Healthcare Worker $25/hr Minimum Wage.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Panel Grants Applicant's Appeal of IMR Determination. Second Suit Follows Unclear Wording of First Suit Settlement Agreement. Federal Judge Gives Opioid Drug Distributors Another Rare Win. Physician's Wife to Serve 8 Years for Role in $44 Million Insurance Fraud. New ML Fee Schedule Increased Fees More Than Expected. Employers Fail to Keep Food and Farm Workers Safe From COVID. Robert Howell to Run Against Ricardo Lara for Insurance Commissioner. Scripps Makes Merative Top Health Systems List for 6th Time.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCOTUS Declines Review of California AB 5 - Few Cases Remain. WCAB Notes Procedural Errors in Affirming Home Health Care Award. COVID Is Not a "Natural Disaster" Exempt From WARN Act Notices. Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Accountant to Serve 15 Months. LAPD Officer Arrested for Altering PTP Treatment Notes. July 1 Starts National Game Changing Healthcare Cost Disclosure Rules. WCIRB Annual Report Shows Med-Legal as Largest Cost Increase. Proposed RAMP Act Targets MSP Private Cause of Action Law. DOL Announces $100M Workplace Safety Training Grants. W.R. Berkley to Focus Coverage on Large California Businesses.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCOTUS Overturns Washington State Workers’ Compensation Law. Supervisors' Diverse Practices Do Not Rule Out PAGA Class Actions. Lodi Orthopedic Surgeon Convicted for Fraud After 2 Week Jury Trial. EDD Announces Recovering $1.1B in Fraudulent Benefits. NCCI Publishes COVID-19 National Presumptions Update Insight Report. Google/Amazon Spending Billions Developing Healthcare Technology. WCRI Study Finds Telemedicine Utilization Will Remain High. Samuel Hale LLC Announces $50M Captive with Arch Insurance.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCOTUS Enforces California Employee Arbitration Agreements. Federal Rules Shortens Time to File Koby Bryant Subrogation. Comp Carriers Prevail in Alleged Claimant Data "Hacking" Claim. Northridge Physician to Serve Time & Pay $9.5M Restitution for Fraud. Owner of Limousine Company Arraigned for Payroll Fraud. Cal/OSHA Proposes Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Expansion. Single-Payer Healthcare Proposals Consider Including Workers' Comp. Comp Treatment Faces Shortages of Physicians, Drugs, and Supplies. CalFire Fire Fighters Struggle with Increasing Fatigue PTSD & Suicide. Bay Area Telemedicine Startup Faces FTC & Congressional Scrutiny.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court - Missed-Break Premiums Are "Wages" With Penalties. Rite Aide Resolves California Employee Class Action for $12M. Employer is Illegally Uninsured Despite "All States Endorsement" Policy. Most California Vaccine Mandate Legislation Withdrawn for the Year. California Last in 2022 Best and Worst Business Climate CEO Survey. Innovative Robotic Spine Implant Lab Opens in Carlsbad. California Loses 263,000 People and $17.8 B Taxable Income in 2020. Palo-Alto "Pay As You Go" Comp Insurance Grows 20% Monthly.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court - Missed-Break Premiums Are "Wages" With Penalties. Rite Aide Resolves California Employee Class Action for $12M. Employer is Illegally Uninsured Despite "All States Endorsement" Policy. Most California Vaccine Mandate Legislation Withdrawn for the Year. California Last in 2022 Best and Worst Business Climate CEO Survey. Innovative Robotic Spine Implant Lab Opens in Carlsbad. California Loses 263,000 People and $17.8 B Taxable Income in 2020. Palo-Alto "Pay As You Go" Comp Insurance Grows 20% Monthly.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Workers With Mild Symptoms of COVID May Not Be Protected by FEHA. Apportionment Mandatory When Disability Caused by Two CT Periods. Agoura Hills Physician Sentenced Under New Anti-Kickback Law. EDD Faces Another Wave of 47,000 Potentially Fraudulent Claims. Tustin Podiatrist Sentenced After Conviction for Treatment Fraud. Bay Area Rheumatologist Pays $1M For Using Not FDA Approved Drugs. WCIRB Reports Lowest Premium in Decades and Higher Combined Ratios. Vaccine Fail - Moderna Throws Away 30M Doses "Nobody Wants". Drug Shortages Feared After Closure of Contaminated Irvine Plant. City of San Diego Comp Claims 17% Higher Than Similar Agencies.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: California is Losing Legal Battles Over Corporate Director Diversity Laws. Murderer Serving Life Sentence is Lead Defendant in $2M EDD Fraud. O.C. Physician Assistant Sentenced for Selling Blank Opioid Prescriptions. Three Face Charges for $128K State Fund Premium Fraud. Multiple Carriers to Share $2.4M Restitution Order After Fraud Conviction. Inflation Triggers Increase in California Minimum Wages. Cal/OSHA Fines Companies $1.75M for Confined Space Fatality. WCRI Studies Chiropractic Care for Workers with Low Back Pain. Probation ends Nurse’s Controversial Conviction for Medication Error. Sedgwick Acquires Orchid Medical a National Care Service Provider.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Correctional Officer S&W Award Calc Includes Enhanced IDL Benefit. QME Rules Allow Claimant to Select QME He Previously Struck.Stanford Professor Testifies Against Walgreens in S.F. Opioid Trial. San Mateo Hemp Farm Owner Sentenced for Lack of Comp Coverage. NCCI State of the Line Report Shows WC is "Strong and Healthy". Cal/OSHA Approves Updated COVID-19 Temporary Standards. Cal Chamber of Commerce Updates 2022 Legislative Job Killer List. Anti-Inflammatory Medications May Increase Long Term Disability Risk. Flu Vaccine May Also Provide Some COVID-19 Protection. Hospitals Face Nationwide Shortage of Contrast Media for CT Imaging.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Workers Seek Order Prohibiting WCAB "Grant and Study" Recon Orders. Walmart Avoids $504K in Photo Shoot Model Late Pay Penalties. Temecula Physician to Serve 8 Years for $12M Medicare Fraud. Ruling in Kaiser Fraud Case Illustrates Sophisticated Upcoding Strategies. Biden Signs Law Limiting Employer Arbitration Mandates. Travelers Report Says 35% of Injuries Occur During First Year on Job. Physicians Combine Virtual Reality and Robotics For Safer Surgeries. California Opioid Addiction Physicians Struggle with Sublocade Solution. UCSD Smartphone App Screens for Neurological Disease. New Safety Standards Helps Organizations Prevent Workplace Injuries.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Privileges Protect CIGA and TPA From PTP Defamation Action. WCAB Reverses AOE/COE Using Substantial Medical Evidence Rules. 9th Circuit Reverses Prison Guard Vaccination Order. Californians Involved in Nationwide Health Care Fraud Takedown. $3.8M in COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Violation Citations. Torrance Car Wash Cited for $800K Wage Theft. GAO Audit Finds "Political Interference" With CDC and FDA Findings. Med-Malpractice Payout Limits to Increase in Deal With Legislature. Cal/OSHA Board Approves New COVID Rules Starting in May. WCRI Publishes Workers’ Compensation Laws as of January 1, 2022.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court to Resolve Employer's Liability for Take-Home COVID. WCAB Panel Finds California Jurisdiction for Professional Athlete's Claim. Court Broadly Construes "Employment" for Exclusive Remedy. So.Cal. Chiropractor to Serve 6 Years for $2.2M Fraud. Proposed Department of Insurance Ethics Law Ends Without Vote. WCIRB Advisory Premium Rate to Increase 7.6% in September. California Closes Troubled COVID-19 Lab and $1.7B Contract. Carlsbad Startup Developed 3-D Printed Titanium Spinal Implants. Battle Lines Drawn Over California Deal With Kaiser Permanente. DFEH Lawyer Quits in Protest of Newsom's Meddling in Activision Case.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Law Firm Accused of $5M ADA Shakedown of Small Businesses. San Francisco Scheduled to Start Opiod Lawsuit Trial. Interest Calculation Clarified in Uninsured Employer Restitution Order. After 8 Years of Litigation, Major O.C. Comp Fraud Case Dismissed. Santa Clarita Contractor Arraigned for Premium Fraud. Audit of California State Bar Discipline System Confirms Epic Failures. NSC Helps Employers Build Business Case for Safety Innovation. Largest Hospital Systems Ignoring 2 Year Old Price Transparency Law. Sedgwick Publishes Commentary on Long COVID Claims. AF Group Announces Acquisition of AmeriTrust Group.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Orthopedist Lacks Expertise to Add vs Combine Internal Disabilities. Truck Driver Hit by Train Was "Sudden and Extraordinary". Court of Appeal Clarifies Time for Service for Out-of-State Administrator. Injured Worker Has Two Years to File Wrongful Termination Claim. NFL Teams Sue Two Players Over California WCAB Jurisdiction. Uber Settles California Classification Class Action for $8.4M. Managing Drug Costs - What Can Go Wrong With That? Workers' Positive Drug Tests Hit Two-Decade High. Telehealth Utilization Growth Continues for Third Straight Month. Nurse's Conviction for Medication Error is Demoralizing the Profession.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Failure to Properly Serve UR Determination Ends Ongoing RFAs. State Auditor Finds Large-Scale Hospice Fraud in Los Angeles County. EDD Faces New Scammers Sending Fake Text Messages. Ventura Farm Labor Contractor Pleads Guilty to Premium Fraud. Former O.C. Cop Pays Over $5.2M Restitution for Premium Fraud. CMS Releases WCMSA Reference Guide Version 3.6. Increase in Pharmacist Prescribing Privileges Heats Up Turf War. Gabapentinoid Abuse May Replace Opioids In Industrial Claims. New National Study Shows 7,060% Increase in Telehealth Utilization. 2022 Comp Trends Report Shows Increased Use of Technology.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Calif. Supreme Court Clarifies L.C. Whistleblower Protections. Carriers Exempt From Insurance Frauds Prevention Act Liability. Insurance Survey Says Fraud Accounts for 10% of Claims Cost. IMR Reviews Hit All Time Low in 2021. CHSWC Annual Report Estimates COVID Costs at $1.25 Billion. California "Test to Treat" Facilities May be COVID Game Changers. Modesto Wastewater Surveillance Key to Early COVID Detection. Scientists Unsure if BA.2 Variant Will Cause Another U.S. Surge. Experts Say Drugmakers Influence Clinicians One Meal at a Time. State Fund Announces $55M Dividend to 2021 Policyholders.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Panel Clarifies Requirements for Reopening an Award. WCAB Panel Reviews Case Law Allowing Minor Pleading Errors. 9th Circuit to Rule on Federal Preemption of California Sick Pay Law. After Ten Years of Litigation - Jury Clears Sutter Health of Antitrust Claim. Pain Clinic Chain with 20K Patients Abruptly Closes Under Investigation. Judicial Council Votes to Rescind Covid-19 Superior Court Rules. Newsom Proposes New Office of Health Care Affordability. Scientists Report on the Pandemic Related Research Sliver Lining. Researchers Study Use of Plastic Barriers On COVID-19 Transmission. Google Announces New Technology For Electronic Health Records.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Judge Allows Insurers San Francisco Antitrust Suit Against Drugmakers. Santa Paula Doctor and Patient Recruiter Arrested in $30M Fraud Case. White House Announces Help for EDD Fraud Prosecution. Sports Medicine Director Charged With Sexually Assaulting Athletes. RAND COVID-19 Presumptions Study Shows Challenges & Confusion. WCAB to Reopen for Trials on Monday March 21. OSHA Fines Pauma Valley Zip-Line Attraction $25K for Worker Fatality. Luxury Resort Fined $3.3M for Pandemic Re-Hire Rule Violations. CWCI Study Shows Consistent Acceptable Access to Medical Care. CorVel Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Program in City of Beverly Hills.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Request for New QME Panel for Late Report Must be Timely. Drugmakers Finalize $26B Nationwide Opioid Settlement. Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family Agree to $6B National Settlement. Sutter Health Risks $1.2 B in Price Gouging Class Action Trial. Sim Hoffman M.D. Acquitted of Comp Fraud After 10 Years of Litigation. WCIRB Report Focuses on COVID-19 Claims and Long COVID. Newsom Signs Order to Update Workplace Mask Rule. Arthroscopic and Open Rotator Cuff Repair Have Similar Results. Scripps La Jolla Earns Top-Tier Trauma Certification. NAIC Report Shows Travelers Has Largest Comp Market Share.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCOTUS to Consider Controversy Over Workers' Comp Cannabis. WCAB Panel Says OMFS Does Not Apply to V.A. Lien. JPMorgan Chase Sues California for $5.9M Over N95 Mask Fraud. First Prison Inmate Pleads Guilty in $25M EDD Fraud. SEIU Accuses HCA Healthcare of Medicare Fraud. Single-Payer Health Care Initiatives Fail Nationwide. Politicians Object to Facial Recognition Used to Combat EDD Fraud. 25% of Healthcare Workers Likely to Leave Workforce.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 9th Circuit Sends Lyft Drivers A.B. 5 Class Action to Arbitration. Expect Increases in Telemedicine and Healthcare Digitization Fraud. Contracting Company Owners Get Jail Time for $1M Comp Fraud. Last Guilty Plea Wraps Up Fraud Case Involving SUI Investigator. COVID "Misinformation" Wars Reach California Legislature. West Covina Bolts From LA County Dept. of Public Health. DWC Posts Annual Report of Inventory Reminder. WCIRB Releases Multi-Bureau COVID-19 Analysis. Vaxx Wars Heat Up as Kern County Recruits 4K Unvaxxed LA Sheriffs. Survey Shows Fading Enthusiasm for Hybrid Work From Home.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Insurers 1997 "Full Satisfaction" Stips Ends CIGA Other Insurance Recovery. Political "Doorknockers" Litigate For AB-5 Exemption. Psychiatrist With Criminal & Disciplinary Record - Sentenced for WC Fraud. Orange County Medical Fraud Fugitives Ran - But Could not Hide. Illegal Insurance Agent to Serve 4 Years for $1.4M Comp Fraud. EDD Employee to Serve 63 Months for $4.3M Benefit Fraud. DWC Posts Proposed Amendments to QME Regs. California Indoor Mask Mandates Ending - Except for LA County. Hartford Survey Shows 61% Workplace Pandemic Burnout Rate. Bipartisan Synthetic Opioid Commission Publishes Alarming Report.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Opioid Settlements for 400 California Cities, Most States and Tribes. WCAB Panel Clarifies DOI in Continuous Trauma Cancer Case. Cardinal Health to Pay $13.1M to Resolve Kickback Case. Sam Solakyan Sentenced to 5 Years and $30M Restitution. Deal Reached on COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave. Few Hourly Workers Compensated for Shift Cuts Required by Law. Push for California Single Payer Health Abruptly Ends. Gov. Newsom Announced New EDD and Cal/OSHA Leaders. Scripps Claims Omicron Surge Winding Down by Early March. Mitchell, Genex and Coventry Publish 2022 Predictions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Will Workers’ Comp Exclusive Remedy Protect Alex Baldwin? Follow-up on 2019 CDI/Applied Underwriters Pay-to-Play Scandal. Food Processing Co. Owners Face $1.7M Premium Fraud Claim. EDD Says 98% of 27,000 New Providers Likely Fraudulent. Simi Valley Roofing Contractor Guilty of $1.6M Premium Fraud. Fake COVID Test Sites Complicate Adjudication of Comp Claims. DWC Proposes Copy Service Fee Increase From $180 to $230. OSHA Officially Withdraws Vaccine Mandate After SCOTUS Ruling. RAND Reports on COVID Effects on Worker's Comp Industry. New "Stealth Omicron" Variant BA.2 Found in at Least 40 Countries.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: S.D. Pharmacy Resolves "Red Flags" Opioid Case for $105K. Retired San Jose Cop to Serve 3 Years for $1.1M Premium Fraud. DWC Posts Emergency Med-Legal Evaluation Telehealth Regs. CWCI Opens Registration for 2022 Annual Meeting. COVID Comp Claims Increased 172% in December. Study Shows WCMSA Funds "Robust Tracking System". California Omicron Wave Shows Signs of Slowing. Swamped San Diego Hospitals Close Doors to New Patients.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCOTUS Rules Against OSHA Vaccine Mandate. Court Affirms CAL/OSHA Citation for Freeway Construction Injury. UC San Diego Health Resolves Medicare Billing Suit for $3 Million. EDD Suspends 345,000 Suspected Fraudulent SDI Claims. COVID Outbreak Returns WCAB to Telephonic Hearings. Omicron Surge Forces Closure of Northern California Courts. Budget Proposes $4.9 B to Overhaul California Courts. HHS Mandates Insurers Cover At-Home COVID Tests. No Quarantine Requirement for California Healthcare Workers. Study Says Common Cold T-Cells Provide COVID-19 Protection.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Has Sanctions Jurisdiction After Withdrawal of Lien. Drugmaker Faces Undisclosed Side Effects California Class Action. New WCAB Rules of Practice and Procedure Now in Effect. Cal/OSHA Updates COVID FAQs on Isolation and Quarantines. NCCI Evaluates Various Drug Formulary Implementations. U.S. Postal Service Says it Can't Comply With OSHA Mandate. UCLA Study - Fast Food Workers at High Risk of COVID-19. California Essential Services Disrupted by COVID Resurgence. Insurance Fraud Detection Market to Reach $12.8 Billion by 2027. Applied Underwriters Announce 2022 Growth Plans.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Top Court Sets Jan. 7 Oral Argument in Vaccine Mandate Appeals. Landmark Tort Claim by Spouse of COVID Infected Worker Affirmed. DCA Clarifies IFPA "First-to-File" Rule in Published Decision. WCAB Panel Rejects Claim of CRPS Total Disability. Lien Claimant Must Meet CCP 473 Criteria for Relief From Default. Secret Service Says Cost of COVID-relief Funds Fraud is $100 Billion. Marketers of Beverly Hills Surgery Companies Guilty of $355M Fraud. Mileage Rate Will Increase to 58.5 Cents Per Mile in 2022. RAND Study Shows 21% Decline in Opioid Prescribing. Global TPA Market to Reach $514.98 Billion by 2030.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: U.S. Top Court to Rule on California Arbitration Agreement Limits. Supreme Court Declines Another Vaccine Mandate Review. WCJ Awards S&W Benefits Against State Agency in Fatality Case. Drugmakers Settle Price-Fixing California Class Actions for $10M. EDD Detects Wave of Health Provider Credentials Fraud. Farm Labor Contractor Charged With $1.8 M Premium Fraud. Public Self-Insured Claims Decline - But Cost of Claims Increase. 2022 Ballot Initiatives Resurrect Malpractice "Tort Wars". Pfizer Buys Pharma Rival Arena In All-Cash $6.7 Billion Deal. Among County Workers - O.C. Sheriffs Have More COVID Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Roundup Maker Prevails Again - in SoCal Jury Verdict. Federal Court Ends California Generic Drug Price Law. Retired WCJ Correro Clarifies Limits on Developing the Record. Price Gouging Drugmaker Resolves Antitrust Case for $40M. Owner of Multiple Bay Area Clinics Admits Fraud Charges. LAUSD Fires Hundreds of Employees Over Vaccine Mandate. Vaccine Mandate Forces 113 L.A. City Firefighters Off Duty. DWC Updates QME Educational Offerings. FDA Reports 111 Critical Drug Shortages. MEMIC Selects ClaimsPay Platform to Reduce Frictional Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court Denies Review of $86.7M Roundup Award. FOIA Lawsuit Seeks Expedited FDA Release of Vaccine Documents. Healthcare Vaccine Mandate Now Blocked Nationwide. Jury Verdict - Pharmacies Held Liable for Opioid Distribution. O.C. Sheriff's Captain Charged with $17M Premium Fraud. East Bay Doctor Found Guilty of Illegally Prescribing Opioids. S.F. Disbarred Attorney Faces Insurance Fraud Charges. DWC Updates Low Back Treatment Guideline. Advocacy Group Claims PBMs Increase Healthcare System Costs. WCIRB Reviews Frictional Claim Cost Trends.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: OSHA Ordered to "Take No Steps" to Enforce Vaccine Mandate. OSHA Vaccine Mandate Cases Consolidated in 6th Circuit. Texas Sues CMS Over Healthcare Worker Vaccine Mandate. O.C. Disneyland Cast Loses Minimum Wage Class Action. SoCal Family Sentenced for $20M COVID Relief Fund Fraud. Santa Clarita Man Sentenced for $1.8M COVID-Relief Funds Fraud. Double Dipping Santa Rosa Injured Worker Convicted. City of Oroville and Other Governments Reject COVID Mandates. Drug Overdose Deaths Hit Record High During Pandemic. Company Awarded Patent for Exaggerated Injury Detection AI.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Federal Court of Appeals Stays OSHA Vaccination Mandate. Court of Appeal Clarifies Math of Subrogation Recoveries. Opioid Drugmakers Prevail in Second Case This Month. Feds Sue Uber for Overcharging the Disabled in California. LAPD Chief Takes Tough Stance on Officer Vaccination. Angelenos Fight Back Over Strict COVID Rules. Feds Say "Most Truckers" Can Avoid OSHA Vaccination Mandate. California COVID-19 Cases on the Rise Again! New Study of Vaccination Outcomes of 780 Thousand Veterans. Elimination of Pre-authorization For PT Improves WC Outcomes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Orange County Judge Hands Opioid Makers First Victory in Nation. NCCI Releases Countrywide Court Case Update. Jury Finds SoCal Doctor Guilty of Sales of Unapproved Drug. Unlicensed Agent Arraigned for Stealing $1.4 M in Comp Premiums. Las Vegas Woman Pleads Guilty to $176 K EDD Fraud. OSHA Posts Vaccination Rules for Employer's of 100 or More. City of LA to Implement Toughest Venue Vaccine Verification Rules. WCIRB Updates COVID-19 Impact Report. FDA Scheduled to Review Merck COVID Pill This Month. Vaccination Mandate Meltdown Increasing Coast to Coast.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Exclusive Remedy Ends Wrongful Termination Case. Court Orders State Prison Staff to be Vaccinated. L.A. County Pursues Restaurants for Dining Ban Violations. EDD Fraud Loss Estimate Increased from $11B to $20B. Drywall Company Cited for $7.2M in Wage Theft Violations. DWC Announces 13.5% Increase in 2021 TTD Rates. Biden Abandons Plans to Limit Drug Pricing. San Diego Researchers Seek Better Coronavirus Vaccines. Hartford Ranks First in Digital Capabilities. Employers Holdings Announces Record Breaking Performance.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCOTUS Declines to Hear Maine Vaccination Mandate Case. WCAB Reverses AOE-COE Finding for LAPD Basketball Injury. Jury Awards Pharmacist $27M in Walmart Wage Theft Case. Calabasas Physician to Serve 14 Months for $800K in Kickbacks. Construction Company Cited for $1.7M Wage Theft. 148 Elder-Care Workers Prevail in $8.3M Wage Theft Case. Another Former NFL Player Pleads Guilty to EDD Fraud. OSHA Suspends Adverse COVID Vaccination Effects Reporting. WCRI Publishes New Report on Medical Payment Trends. AB-5 May Soon Add to National Supply Chain Problems.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 500 L.A. Firefighters File Suit Over Vaccine Mandate. Southwest Airlines Pilots Seek Injunction Against Vaccine Mandate. Self-Referral Prohibition Does Not Apply to Same Office Facilities. Head of California’s Largest Union Indicted for Tax Fraud. Comp Fraud Charges Dismissed in COVID Self-Quarantine Case. DWC Posts 2020 Audit Unit Report. DWC Updates the QME Online Education Module. New Law Bans Discrimination Settlement Non-Disclosure Clause. NASI Report Shows National Employer WC Costs Top $100.2 Billion. Mitchell, Genex and Coventry Create "Enlyte" as New Parent Brand.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 9th Circuit Rejects Constitutional Challenge to AB 5. Employer's Constitutional Challenge to Safety Citation Rejected. 18 Ex-NBA Players Arrested for $4M Health Care Fraud. Corona Pharmacist Sentenced for $13M Compound Med Fraud. Fraud Case Dismissed Against Turlock Physician After Full Restitution. Improving Outcomes for Work-Related Concussions. Pfizer Vaccine Protection Declines to 47% by 5 Months. USCF and Scripps Research Neuroscientists Awarded Nobel Prize. Work Comp Costs for Workplace Diseases Face Projected Increases. AM Best Reports WC Highly Profitable Compared With P/C Lines.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Plaintiff Attorneys in Subrogation Action Can Settle and Switch Sides. Major SoCal Gaming Company Resolves EEOC Claims for $18M. Bizarre Premium Fraud Conviction Appeal Continues for 18 Years. Car Wash Owners Face Premium Fraud Charges. SoCal Woman Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Medical Fraud. Gov Newsom Vetoes Limitations on Apportionment. Newsom Signs Law Extending CIGA Authority to Borrow $1.5 Billion. CWCI Finds IMR Volume Continued to Decline in 2021. WCIRB Reports Lowest Written Premium Since 2012. California Business Exits to Other States Doubled in 2021.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Modified Work Not Required After Discovery of Undocumented Status. Drugmakers Pay $453M to Resolve Pay-For-Delay Price Fixing. Understaffed Psychiatric Hospital Resolves Suit for $2.85M. 138 Defendants Charged in 1.4 Billion Healthcare Fraud Busts. Contractors Charged with $5 Million Premium Fraud Scheme. Global Fraud Prevention Market Growing 25% Annually. DWC Withdraws Setting of TTD Rates for 2022. WCRI Study Claims Early Manual Therapy Lowers Med Costs. Comp Drug Costs Decreased by 38% in Ten Years. NCCI Analysis Shows WC Costs More than Group Health.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: California Supreme Court Affirms Privette Rule - Again! Darden Restaurants Defeats Minimum Wage Challenge. 9th Circuit Reverses Injunction on Employer Arbitration Ban Law. 6 LAPD Officers File Lawsuit Over COVID Mandate. Visalia Employer Arraigned on $2.5M Insurance Fraud. TD and PD Rates Remain Unchanged for 2022. The "Approved" COVID Vaccine is Not Yet Available in U.S. DWC Seeks Extension of Emergency QME Regs for 90 More Days. COVID Doubled WC Death Claims Last Year. California COVID Prevalence Rate Now Lowest in Nation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 2 Inch Leg Shortening is "Amputation" for 240 Week TD Cap. Convicted Claimant Pleads Guilty to 2nd $1.6M EDD Fraud. NFL Players Plead Guilty to Nationwide Healthcare Fraud Scheme. Pain Doctor Pays $200K to Resolve Opiate Overprescribing. WCIRB Multiple Enterprises Rule Changes Effective 9/1/21. HHS Announces Plan to Directly Negotiate Drug Prices. WHO Says COVID-19 is "Here to Stay". Mu COVID Variant Spreads to 49 States.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court of Appeal to Decide Landmark COVID Exclusive Remedy Issue. Ninth Circuit Rejects Medical Marijuana Legalization Case. Sutter Health to Pay $575M to Resolve Anticompetitive Claim. 19 Guilty Pleas in SoCal Substance Abuse Facility $18.5M Fraud Case. DWC Announces Return of In-Person Hearings. NCCI Finds No Pandemic Related Access Delays for Comp Care. WCIRB Publishes Annual Medical Trends Report. International Overdose Awareness Day Focused on Societal Approach. Lawmakers Seek Proof of Vaccination Law to Enter Public Spaces. COVID Comp Claims Remain Well Managed.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court Clarifies and Limits Privette Doctrine. Judge Declares Gig Employer Prop 22 Law Unconstitutional. When is a Roommate a Partial "Dependent" for Death Benefits? WCAB Panel Rejects VR Total Disability Citing Hegglin Rule. SuperCare Health Resolves Fraud Claim for $3.31M. Jury Convicts SoCal PI Lawyer for Stealing $3.9M Settlement. Pharmacy Owner to Serve 3 Years for $1.8M Fraud. WCAB Considers New Rules of Practice and Procedure. Stakeholders Continue to See Benefits in Telemedicine. Study Claims Majority of Workers Favor Remote Work.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court Applies Borello Standard in Appeal of Criminal Conviction. States Face August 21 Deadline to Accept $26B Opioid Settlement. So. Cal Telemedicine Doctor Arrested for Opioid Prescriptions. S.F. Restaurant Resolves Wage and Tip Theft Case for $1.6M. Neurosurgeon Acquitted in Pacific Hospital Kickback Case. State Audit Shows $72B Covid Funding Mismanagement. New Low Back Guideline Supports Benefits of RTW. CMS Finds Dangerous Patient Care at Good Samaritan Hospital. COVID Comp Claims Spiked to 2,581 Cases in July. Musk Announced "Teslabot" Humanoid Worker by Next Year.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB to Decide 4850.4(f) Disability Overpayment Jurisdiction. Court Elaborates Rules for Insurer Bad Faith in $26M Judgment. WC Air Ambulance Fee Schedule Preempted by Federal Law. Court Rules Against Amazon in COVID Safety Case. Plaintiffs' Prevail in $87M Roundup Cancer Case Appeal. San Mateo County Medical Center Resolves Fraud Claim for $11.4M. California Orders Teachers to be Vaccinated or Tested. Employer Mandated Vaccinations Face Union Headwinds. Telehealth Services Added to OMFS and CMS Fee Schedules. MRNA Experts Claim COVID Herd Immunity Unlikely.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Feds Pursue Kaiser Permanente For Fraudulent Claims. Bay Area Startup Raised $85M to Combat EDD Fraud. Annual Healthcare Fraud Report Shows $3.1B in Recoveries. Landscaper Earns $450K While Claiming TD Benefits. Cal. Medical Board Takes Heat for Lax Physician Discipline. DIR Awarded $10M Apprenticeship Program Grant. WCIRB Updates Advisory Plan Tables. California Employer and 32 Others Receive NSC Safety Award. COVID Cases Surge in Vaccinated SF Hospital Staff. Survey Shows 61% Physician Pandemic Related Burnout.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:No Jury Trial In Superior Court Comp Coverage Dispute. Pfizer Legal Battle Over Anti Kickback Law Heats Up. Correctional Officer's Off-Duty Weight lifting Not AOE-COE. 11 Skilled Nursing Facilities Resolve Fraud Claims for $2M. Organized International Crime Behind Fraudulent UI Claims. WCIRB Report Shows First Combined Ratio Over 100% Since 2012. DWC Sets Hearing for Copy Service Fee Schedule Updates. Grocery Chain Cited for $115K in COVID Sick Pay Violation. California Restrictions Tighten as New COVID Wave Spikes. Mandatory Drug Monitoring Databases Reduced Opioid Use.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Cal. Supreme Court Defines Correct Pay for Working Through Lunch. Purdue Pharma Threatens California With “Colossally Idiotic” Sanctions. Pharmacies Remain Opioid Litigation Targets in California Cases. Prime Healthcare Resolves California Kickback Claims for $37.5M. Injured Landscaper Pleads Guilty in Exaggerated Injury Case.DWC Restores Limited Services in Local Offices. CDI Lowers WC Advisory Premium Rates for 11th Time.Claim Frequency Increasing for Cal. Private Self-Insureds. WCRI Study Shows No Pandemic Related Treatment Delay. New Award Recognizes Injury Prevention through Design.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Physician Not Protected by Anti-SLAPP in Allstate's Fraud Action. Pfizer to Pay $345M to Resolve Price Gouging Claims. Napa Doctor Arrested for Fake COVID Vaccination Cards. Prison Inmate to Serve 5 More Years for EDD Fraud.Orange County Man Indicted $3M Fake Protective Gear Scam. Owner of Trucking Companies Faces PPP Loan Fraud Charges. L.A. County Reinstates Mask Mandate After 700% COVID Increase. NCCI Publishes 2nd Edition of Medical Trends Dashboard. UCSF Brain Implant Allows Paralyzed Man to Speak. CDC Reports 45.9% Increase in California Drug Overdose Deaths.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Clarifies 20 Day Time Limit to Schedule Medical Appointment. 15 States Withdraw Objections to $4.2B Purdue Opioid Settlement. Solakyan Guilty of $250M Comp Fraud After 8 Day Trial. B of A Abruptly Ends Lucrative Debit Card Deal with EDD. Santa Ana Presiding Judge Announces Limited Office Access. Study Shows MTUS Low Back Pain Guideline Improves RTW. LA County COVID Cases Increasing Over Last Two Weeks. Vaccinated Countries Safer as WHO Declares a "Two-Track Pandemic".
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Exclusions to Comp Policy Requires an Explicit Endorsement. NY Resolves Opiod Litigation With J&J for $230M. Second-Largest CA Nursing Facility Pays $450K in Fraud Claim. L.A. Jury Convicts Four Defendants For COVID Loan Fraud. WCIRB Reviews Medical Cost Trends at Actuarial Meeting. NCCI Reports $6000 Average COVID Claim Costs in 38 States. DWC Updates MTUS Drug List. 3M Healthcare Information Systems Improves Patient Care. Delta COVID Variant Spreading in California's Unvaccinated. Drugmakers Target Parkinson's and Alzheimers in $2.2B Deal.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against California Union Organizers. Injury While on Personal Errand in "Mobile Office" is AOE-COE. Riverside County DA to Lead EDD Fraud Task Force. Convictions Show EDD Fraud a Decade Before Pandemic Began. Owner-Builder Requires Contractor License and WC Insurance. San Francisco First City to Mandate Employee Vaccinations. Employers Face "Hairball" of Post Pandemic Safety Rules. California Approves 100M Bailout for Failing Cannabis Industry. Research Shows New COVID Variant Spreading in US. Poorly Organized Ortho Surgical Trays Drive up Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Medical Evidence Required to Add Rather Than Use CVC. Texas Trucker Loses 5th Circuit Battle Over Cal/OSHA Jurisdiction. Indictment Adds Details to Illegal Comp Referral Prosecutions. Spine Device Makers Resolve Sunshine Act Kickback Cases. Fresno P-D Unit to Review Long Term Industrial Claim Absences. Feds Sue Vacaville Nursing Facilities for Illegal Kickbacks. Relaxed Cal/OSHA COVID Standards Effective Today. California Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Jump 2100% in 5 Years. Experts Petition FDA to "Slow Down" Full Vaccine Approval. NSC and, Amazon Team Up to Address Workplace Injuries.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Psyche Symptoms Before Award Does Not Preclude Reopening. Waiver Signed Injured Worker on Volunteer Job Limits Liability. New WCAB Tool - "Commissioner's Settlement Conference." Ninth Circuit to Decide Fate of DEA 49 Year Old Cannabis Ban. Jury Convicts Chiropractor for $2.2M Health Insurance Fraud. Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of 24 Year Old for $600K EDD Fraud. Cal/OSHA Abruptly Withdraws COVID Safety Standards Phase Out. Consumer Interest in Telemedicine Increased From 11% to 76%. Merck's COVID-19 Treatment in Phase 3 Trials.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Lyft Employee Classification Suit Favors State Over Federal Law. WCAB Panel Allows New QME to Review Retired QME Reports. Jacoby & Meyers Referral Attorney Faces 26 Counts of Insurance Fraud. 7 Businesses Cited for $1.4M Wage Theft From 107 Workers. Owner of Construction Co. Faces $25M Premium Fraud Charge. No End in Sight to EDD Fraud Prosecutions. 7 Defendants Face $330K SJDB Fraud and Kickback Indictments. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Expand in California.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Reversed for Ignoring Supreme Court COLA Case. Federal Judge Rejects $2B California Roundup Cancer Case Settlement. Injury by Unauthorized Homeless Person Conflict Compensable. WCAB Declines Jurisdiction Over UR/IMR Dispute. California Leads Nation in COVID Civil Litigation Claims. So.Cal. Orthopedist to Serve 15 Months for $623K In Kickbacks. DOJ COVID - Health Care Fraud Coordinated Law Enforcement Actions. Cal/OSHA Delays Changes to Emergency Temporary Standards. Foster Farms and Staffing Agencies Cited for COVID Violations. Physician Dispensed Pain Dermatologicals New Cost Driver.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 9th Circuit Affirms $25M Roundup Pesticide Award in California Case. Worker's Injury Suit Against Employer Dismissed. Flooring Co. Owners Face $3.8M Premium Fraud Charges. California Black Market Drugs Sold to Prescription Drug Customers. San Diego County Targets Employers for Labor Violations. New Medical-Legal Fee Schedule Predicted to Cost $270M. WCIRB Quarterly Report Mostly Good News Despite Pandemic. WCRI Releases 13th Edition of Medical Price Index. Alabama Becomes the 37th Medical Marijuana State. SCIF to Install 150 Solar EV Charging Stations at 7 Facilities.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Sexual Exploitation by PTP Causes New Compensable Injury. See’s Candies Wins Meal Break Class Decertification Victory. Laguna Hills Assisted Living Facility Pays $159K For Wage Theft. New CDC Relaxed Mask Mandate Frustrates and Confuses Employers. CWCI Analysis Critical of SB 335 Shortened Denial Time.WCIRB Publishes September 1, 2021 Experience Modification Estimator. NCCI Reports Insurers Have Profitable Year With 87% Combined Ratio. DWC Adds Anxiety Disorders to MTUS. WCRI Reports on Rising Hospital Outpatient Costs. Travelers Wellness Survey Shows Pandemic Resilience.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Central Valley Employer Faces $1M Premium Fraud Charges. Bay Area Contractor Gets Jail Time for Comp Fraud. Santa Ana PD Officer to Serve Six Months for Comp Fraud. Pharmaceutical Company Resolves Kickback Charges for $12.6M. Claimant Caught Working as Bartender While on TTD. Newsom Reappoints Katherine Zalewski as WCAB Chair. Comp Underwriting Profitability Remains Stable During Pandemic. 3D Printed Pills on Future Pharmaceutical Landscape. NSDUH Recommends Routine Screening for Cannabis Use. NCCI Economic Briefing Predicts End of COVID Recession.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Federal Appellate Court Orders Trucking Companies to Comply AB-5. Owner Pleads Guilty for $31M Home Health Care Kickback Scheme. DWC Posts Proposed Amendments to the QME Regs for Comment. DIR Publishes Annual IMR Report. DWC Posts Zoom MLFS Questions and Answers Sessions. D-I-R Launches New Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Navigation Tool. New COVID-19 Cases Fall 16% in U.S. FDA Approves New Spine Surgical Robotics. Precision Medicine Initiative Takes On Trauma Patients. NWCDC Panelists Discuss Inappropriate Use of Off-Label Drugs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Former EDD Employee Pleads Guilty to $200K EDD Fraud. Farm Labor Contractors Charged for $1.42M Premium Fraud. Sacramento Welder Faces Two Felonies for Fake Head Injury. H.R. 1996 Protects Carriers From Prosecution for Pot Industry Coverage. CSU and UC Systems to Mandate COVID Vaccinations for RTW. Cal/OSHA Cites Employer $108K for Fatal Injury. Merck Drug Shows "New Hope" for COVID Treatment. RIMS LIVE 2012 to Discuss Virtual End-to-End Care. Rapid Expansion Ahead for SmartPay Pay-As-You-Go Comp. New Mitchell Comp Survey Supports Telemedicine Adoption.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: San Jose Employer Faces 20 Premium Fraud Felonies. SoCal Chiropractor Sentenced for $6.6M Comp Kickback Scheme. Residential Care Facility Owner Indicted for $1M Premium Fraud. Simi Valley Contractor Pays SCIF $152K for Premium Fraud. DFEH Publishes Guidance on Employer Mandated Vaccinations. DWC Moves Eureka Office Permanently Online. NCCI Surveys Employer Post-Pandemic Workplace Plans. WCRI Study - California Claim Costs "Mostly Stable". CMS Publishes Section 111 Reporting Guide Version 6.3. Industry Leaders Oppose Statewide MPN for WC Treatment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Employers Sued for Not Reimbursing Home COVID Expenses. Health Net Pays $97M to Resolve Inflated Charges Claim. Employers/Carriers Recover Fraud Investigative Costs. Firefigher - Iron Man Triathlete - Owes $198K Fraud Reimbursement. Even Rhode Island Fraudsters Easily Steal EDD Cash. Ojai Gardner Admits $30.5 K Comp Premium Fraud. Worker’s Comp Legislative Conflict "Heating up Again". DWC Updates COVID MTUS Guideline. CWCI Reports IMR Request Volume at All-Time Low. Applied Underwriters Featured in New TV Series.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Orange County Recovery Center "Body Broker" Arrested. Santa Clarita Employer Pleads Guilty to $1.8M SBA Covid Fraud. Pharmacist Sentenced to Only 6 Months for $200M Comp Fraud. Covid Cases Surge in Silicon Valley. South Coast Gymnastics Cited for 1.3 Million Dollar Wage Theft Violations. Experts Say Long Term Covid Health Effects Difficult to Predict. New Med-Legal Fee Schedule Effective April 1. New Law Requiring Additional Covid Sick Leave Now in Effect. California Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.5%. 2017 Insurance Start-Up Expands Rapidly in Comp Market.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Retailers Face Class Actions for Unpaid Worker Screenings. Landscaper Faces Fraud Charges for Faked Symptoms. California/Washington Disclose as Oregon Hides EDD Fraud. Bay Area Pair Indicted for $300M uBiome Healthcare Fraud. San Jose Physician Indicted for Illegally Prescribing Opiates. CWCI Says COVID Comp Claims Subsiding to Lowest Level. DWC Adjusts Hospital Outpatient and ASC OMFS Fees. Amended DEU Regs Include 5% Commutation Increase. Demands for "Hero Pay" Rapidly Increasing Across Sectors. 27 States Suddenly Show Uptick in New COVID Infections.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Exclusive Remedy Does Not Require Actual Receipt of Benefits. Privette Rule Limits Installer's Action Against Homeowner. Two Counties Sue Handy.com For Worker Misclassification. AG and 5 Counties Sue 10 Skilled Nursing Facilities for Fraud. Fresno Farm Worker Faces Two Felonies for Comp Fraud. OSHA Announces Higher Resource Focus on COVID Safety. CHSWC Releases 2020 Annual Report. Congress Proposes Solution for Unemployment Insurance Fraud. NCCI Tracking U.S. COVID Workers' Compensation Legislation. DEA Schedules 20th Drug Take Back Day for April 24.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Exclusive Remedy Ends Suit for Employee Suicide. Court of Appeal Affirms Prison Nurse Conviction for Comp Fraud. 212 Year Sentence for Hawthorne Man's "Diabolical" Insurance Fraud. Double Dipping Firefighter Faces Four Felonies for Comp Fraud. DA Files Felony Charges for OSHA Violations in Deadly Injury. Amazon.com Cited for $6.4M So. Cal. Delivery Driver Wage Theft. HHS Health Record Information Blocking Rules Apply April 5. CWCI Study Shows 63% Decline in Opioid Filled Prescriptions. Eli Lilly FDA Approved Drugs Cut COVID Hospitalizations and Death. Employer COVID Plans Shown in National Survey.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Employer Groups Lose Bid to Stop Cal/OSHA COVID Regs. Employer's Vendor Has No Duty to Injured Worker. Merced Claimant Faces Fraud Charges for False History. Hawthorne Physician Settles Kickback Case for $215K. Prison Inmate and Accomplice Indicted for EDD COVID Fraud. How Medicare Rates Overpay Physicians. Cal/OSHA Cites More Employers for COVID Safety Violations. DEA Says California Leads Nation on Illegal Fentanyl Seizures. NAIC Reports Top 6 Comp Carriers Have 36% Market Share. Yale Researchers Use Stem Cells to Repair Spinal Cord Injuries.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Supreme Court ends Practice of Rounding Time Clock Punches. Grocers Association Seeks "Hero Pay" Ordinance Injunction. Suit by COVID Infected Wife Against Husband's Employer Fails. Sun-Maid Growers Faces Labor Law Class Action. 5 Year Sentence for Dr. Grusd Office Administrator Affirmed. California Father/Son Team Sentenced for $27M Healthcare Fraud. Farm Labor Contractor to Serve 6 Years for $2.5M Premium Fraud. SoCal Worker Arraigned for Fraudulent COVID Comp Claim. 2019 Ethics Advisory Committee Upholds Charges for 2 WCJs. NCCI Reports 2020 "Not a Bad Year" for Comp Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Foster Farms Fights "First in Nation" COVID Court Injunction. McKinsey & Co. Pays $600M to Resolve 49 State Opioid Claims. Federal Trucking Law Preempts More Stringent CA Break Law. Lawsuit Claims Amazon Violated COVID-19 Safety Measures. Drywall Contractor Cited for $2M Wage Theft From 472 Laborers. Another $500K EDD Fraud Perpetrator Pleads Guilty. L.A. McDonald's Cited for Retaliation and Labor Law Violations. Feds Launch Telehealth Audits Following $6B Takedown. So Cal Corona Variant Spreads Throughout the State and Six Countries. New Problems with Reserving for Lifetime Awards.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCJ Rejects Mesa Pharmacy Challenge to L.C. 4615 Stay. Gig Workers File Second Challenge to Proposition 22. Brentwood Pharmacist Guilty in $4.5M Kickback Scheme. Bakersfield Nurse Assistant Faces 24 WC Fraud Felonies. Biden Picks Julie Su - Head of CA Labor Agency as Labor Deputy. Cost Impact of California’s Drug Formulary - Two-Year Checkup. DWC Updates OMFS Practitioner Services Fees. DWC Extends QME Emergency Regs 36.7 and 46.2. Long Beach Supermarkets Close Over City "Hero" Pay Law. DWC Opens Registration for Educational Conference.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Supreme Court Denies Union Effort to Invalidate Prop 22. 132a Not Released by Civil Settlement Without WCAB Approval. EHR Vendor Resolves Kickback Case for $18M. Last Physician Sentenced in $154M Surgical Fraud Case. Claimant Faces Fraud Charges for False History of Prior Injuries. Cal/OSHA Data Significantly Undercounting COVID-19. Cal/OSHA Cites Two State Prisons and Others for COVID Issues. California Legislators Seek "Reboot" of Failing EDD. Hearing on COVID-19 MTUS Canceled Pending ACOEM Updates. Congress Investigating Meatpackers for High COVID Deaths.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Sub-Contractor Lacks Standing to Challenge Privette Doctrine Dismissal. EDD Fraud Losses Now Estimated at $11B. Feds Pursue Pharmacist for Carelessly Filling Opioid Prescriptions. O.C. Healthcare Group Resolves $40M Respirator Fraud Claim. CA DOJ Launches Worker Rights and Fair Labor Section. DWC Adjusts OMFS - Pathology and Clinical Laboratory. Cal/OSHA Form 300A Summary of Illnesses and Injuries Due on Feb 1. NAIC Study - PC Insurance Premium Increase as Losses Flat. Study Shows Healthcare Lab Workers at Highest COVID Risk. Officials Say 33% of L.A. County Residents Were COVID Infected.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Supreme Court Rules Dynamax Decision Applies Retroactively. Lowe's Faces Class Action for Sick Pay Miscalculation. 5,000 California Prison Inmates Filed Fraudulent Unemployment Claims. Fresno Construction Worker Charged With Comp Fraud. Former Firefighter to Serve 90 Days and Pay $130K for Comp Fraud. NCCI Economic Briefing Shows Slow Comp Premium Growth. DWC Reviews IBR Performance of 2018-2019. Gallagher Acquires Atlas General Insurance Services in California.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Union Asks Supreme Court to Invalidate Prop 22 Gig Measure. Staffing Company Sues for Fraudulent Comp Insurance. WCAB Significant Panel Decision Evaluates Remote Trials. Man Arrested for $3.5M N95 Mask Fraud with Bay Area victims. Camarillo Insurance Brokers Face $687K Premium Fraud Charges. Public Hearing Set for Adoption of COVID-19 Treatment Guideline. CWCI Report Shows COVID Comp Claims Tripled Prior Months. April QME Examination Now In-home by Computer. California COVID Vaccine Distribution Faces Logistical Issues. Martin Brady Appointed CHSWC Chair for 2021.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Unapproved Comp Policy Arbitration "Side Agreements" Unenforceable. PhRMA Loses Challenge to California Drug Transparency Law. Ohio AG Claims OptumRX Knowingly Overcharged State. Irvine Diagnostic Lab Pays $358K to Resolve False Claim Charges. Union Head to Serve 12 Years for Stealing Health Plan Funds. DWC Allows Walk-Through Documents at Local Offices. Workplace Deaths (Non-Pandemic) Rose 2% in 2019. L.A. and San Francisco Order $5/hr "Hero Pay" for Grocery Workers. Cal-SARA - a New Non-Profit - Seeks Staffing Agency Reform. SCIF Says Happy New Year With $39M Dividend.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Injured Worker $575K Discrimination Jury Verdict Affirmed. EDD Remains Easy Fraud Target - Even From Prisoners. Sacramento Cleaning Company Owner Faces Premium Fraud. Surgeon Facing $29M Fraud Released After Positive COVID Test. Cal/OSHA Targets Meatpacking and Food Processing Employers. 2021 Mileage Reimbursement Rate Declines to 56 Cents. Virtual 28th Annual DWC Educational Conference Date Set. Gig Companies Launch "Prop 22" Type Initiatives in Key States. Feds Approve "Surprise Medical Bill" Ban. Duration of COVID Vaccine Immunity Remains Speculatory.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: U.S. Supreme Court Allows States to Regulate PBM Drug Prices. WC Claim, and CalPERS Retirement Defeats FEHA Claim. WCAB En Banc Limits Walk-Through Orders. Riverside Woman Learns $500K EDD Fraud Scheme on YouTube. 16 Pharmacies Admit Health Care Fraud Schemes. Pain Medicine QME Pays $153K to Resolve Opioid Charges. Mitchell International Releases 4th Quarter Comp Trends Report. DWC Responds to Increasing COVID Infection Rates. New NCCI Report Tracks COVID-19 Impact on Comp Claims. OSIP Publishes Public Self-Insured Annual Summary.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Constitutionality of California Employer Arbitration Ban Argued. Applicant Attorney Arrested For Adelante Interpreting Inc. Scam. Former Ventura County Firefighter Guilty of $148K Comp Fraud. Simi Valley Contractor Convicted for $176K Premium DIR, DWC Publish IMR 2019 Annual Review Progress Report. OSHA Announces $2,851,533 in Coronavirus Violations. New CMS Final Rule "Modernizes" Anti-Kickback" Law Implementation. Feds Approve Telemedicine Opiate Prescribing - For Now. "V-Day" - First Person Now Vaccinated for COVID. Hackers and Anaphylactoid Reactions Tarnish Vaccine Launch.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: "Equitable Tolling" Doctrine Applies to Appeal of Cal/OSHA Citation. Another COVID-19 Employee Tort Case Pending Against Cal. Employer. Sheriff's Failure of Fitness-for-Duty Test Not a Psychological "Injury". Oxnard Roofer Faces 5 Felonies for $4M Premium Fraud. Ventura Farm Labor Contractor Faces Comp Fraud Charges. 14 Charged in So. Cal. $22M SJDB Fraud Scheme. So. Cal. Edison Electrician Charged with 63K Comp Fraud. Cal/OSHA Emergency COVID-19 Regulations Now in Effect. CDI Decreases 2021 Advisory Pure Premium Rate by 19.4%. Lack of Surgical Implant Price Transparency Doubles Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:California Leads the Nation in COVID-19 Civil Lawsuits Filed. Compromise and Release Resignation Letter Bars FEHA Claim. Huntington Park Clinic Owners Face $2.5M Fraud Charges. CMS Webinars Clarify WCMSA Appeal Process. CMS Reports Aggressive Efforts Reduce Fraud by $15 Billion. DWC Corrects Outpatient/Ambulatory Fee Schedule. CDC Research Grant to Study Industrial Robots for Better Safety. Remote Workers Less Likely to Take Sick Time When Sick. Amazon Launches Game Changing Online Pharmacy. Pfizer Starts COVID Vaccine Pilot Delivery Program.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: October Workers' Comp COVID-19 Claim Count Dwindles. Opioid Drugmaker Pays $2 Billion to Resolve Criminal Charges. Claimant Faces Felonies for Lying About Pain History. Woman Sentenced to 2.5 Years for $374K EDD Fraud. NCCI MPN Cost and Outcome Study - Not All Good News. CWCI Study Shows 36.2% Drop in Hospitalizations. Employers Increase Deep Cleaning and Sanitizing Stations. COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate 90% Effective in Phase 3 Study. Stunning Public Mistrust in COVID Vaccine May Limit Protection. Travelers Launches Global Companion Plus+ for Foreign Risk.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:App-based Rideshare Companies Win Exemption from AB5. Comp Policy Rates Cannot be Altered by Oral Prior Assurances. Fraudulent Drug Treatment Program Owners Plead Guilty. Owner of Janitorial Service Faces $2.5M Fraud Charges. DME Company Resolves Fraud Claims for $566K. Memorial Health Services Resolves $31.5M Overbilling Dispute. DWC Posts 2019 Audit Report. WCIRB Publishes 2020 Geo Study. Benefit Rates Set to Increase in 2021. 1 in 5 California Comp Spine Surgeries Require Readmission.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Court Sustains Gardena PD Service Officer Fraud Conviction. SCIF Claims Adjuster and Chiropractor Face Fraud Charges. San Diego Internist Convicted for Illegal Opioid Prescribing. Technical Training School Owner Sentenced for $30M Fraud. DWC Sets Zoom Hearing on Changes to Med-Legal Fees. National Battle Heats Up Over Future of Gig Economy. WCAB Reinstates 5 Rules in 2 New En Banc Decisions. DWC Adds 11 New Telehealth Codes Into OMFS. Is Agili-C the Future of Joint Repair? COVID-19 Vaccine Likely by End of Year.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Purdue Pharma Agrees to $5.5B Criminal Fines and Penalties. Applied Risk - CDI Conservatorship Battle Goes to Federal Court. Daly City Injured Worker - Triple Dipper - Sent to Jail. Trucking Company Owners Face Premium Fraud Charges. Rapper Arrested for $1.2M EDD Fraud - Exposed on YouTube. LA Clinic Prescribes and Buys Back Opiates for Black Market. CMS Releases New WCMSA Reference Guide (Version 3.2). CWCI Examines 2019 Geographic Adjustment Factors in the OMFS. WCRI Compares 18 States Medical Cost Trends. Marsh Reports COVID-19 Claim Costs Less Than Expected.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB Rules Tree Trimmer Amputation "Sudden and Extraordinary". California Joins in Antitrust Litigation Against AbbVie. Another Opioid Drugmaker Files for Bankruptcy Protection. Santa Monica Woman Guilty of Price Gouging 20,000 N95 Masks. Mitchell Launches Data Explorer to Combat Fraud. NCCI Reports Most COVID Claims are "Small Dollar". QME Emergency Regs 36.7 and 46.2 Extended to 2021. DWC Adjusts OMFS Pathology Lab Fees, Hospital and ASC Fees. Digital Health Startups are Disrupting Healthcare System.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: LC 5500.5 Contribution Can Be Timely Initiated by DOR. Successor Corporation Not Insured by Existing Comp Policy. Historic Fed Takedown of 345 Healthcare Providers for $6B Fraud. San Diego Lab Pays $3M to Resolve Kickback Case. Sedgwick Launches COVID-19 Reporting Portal. WCIRB Reports 11% Reduction in Premium. Labor Unions Disappointed at Newsom Employment Law Vetoes. Uber and Lyft Face $392M Annual Payroll Taxes if Prop 22 Fails. FDA Approves New Cervical Disc Replacement Design. Next Insurance Expands to 24 Additional States.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCJ Dismisses Michael Barri Liens Worth $18M. TD Required if Modified Work Limited by COVID Restrictions. Hospital Self-Referral Law Violation Settlements Continue Nationwide. Nursery Worker Arraigned for Insurance Fraud. New Law Allows Workers' Compensation Remote Depositions. Cal/OSHA Cites So. Cal. Groceries for COVID-19 Violations. Cal/OSHA Cites So. Cal. Groceries for COVID-19 Violations. New Law Launches Cal Rx - The State Generic Drug Label. DWC Proposes Changes to Copy Service Fee Schedule. Updated Formulary Indicates New Exempt Anti-Depressants. Gallagher Bassett "Restarting" Systems After Ransomware Attack.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Suit by Restaurant Server Encouraged Drink Limited by Exclusive Remedy. Court Rules Exclusive Remedy Applies to COVID-19 Civil Action. Gilead Sciences Resolves Kickback Case for $97M. Fraudulent EDD Debit Cards Flood Beverly Hills Luxury Shops. Redding Forestry Technician Faces Comp Fraud Charges. Central Valley Farm Worker Faces Felony Comp Fraud Charges. Physicians Sentenced in $65M Compound Meds Fraud Case. Cal/OSHA Cites Police Department for COVID Safety Violations. CWCI Reports 2020 IMR Requests Fell Sharply. Travelers Launches Virtual Ergonomic Assessments.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: California Recovers $11.8M From Novartis $729M Kickback Case. Agoura Hills Psychiatrist Pleads Guilty in Kickback Case. Agricultural Company Charged for $2.5M Premium Fraud. L.A. Deputy Sheriff Arrested for Comp Fraud. Newsom Signs COVID-19 Presumption Law. AB-5 Exemption for Franchising in CA - Rejected. CWCI Reports on Impact of 20 Years of Medical Reforms. Cal/OSHA Cracks Down on COVID-19 Safety Violations. WCIRB Reports Decline in Overall Medical Payments. Remote Work Incentives Encourage California Exodus.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Ben Affleck Challenges Chubb Over COVID Coverage. "Non-Profit" AARP Criticized for Massive Insurance Profits. Another Kickback Case in Sacramento Facility. EDD Alerts Public on Recent Scams and Fraud Attempts. California "Urgently" Walks Back AB-5 Employment Test. Political Back Story to Gig Worker Law Walk Back DWC to Resume Lien Trials September 14. WCRI Study Shows Early PT Effective in Spine Injury.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Summary Judgment in Power Press Case Reversed. CEO of Fresno Rehab Group Home Convicted for Fake Bills. No. Cal. Employer Convicted for $2M Premium Fraud. Legislature Passes Retroactive COVID-19 Rebuttable Presumption. Study Reveals Surge in "Mega" Comp Claims Over $3M. WCIRB Reports Declining Premiums, Increasing Loss Ratio. California State IT "Litany" of Failures Include EDD. Walgreens and VillageMD to Open Primary Care Centers in 700 Stores. Telemedicine Enhances Access to Palliative Care. SCIF Declares $75M Mid Year Dividend.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Couple Injured While Assisting Sheriff Limited to Workers' Comp. Ascertaining the "Date of Injury" in a CT Case Matters. So. Cal. Compounder Sentenced for Kickbacks in $62M Fraud. L.A. Chiropractor Sentenced for $4.8M Fraud. Mountain View Contractor Gouged NASA for Comp Costs. CMS Webinar on First Level Appeal of Demand Determination. DWC Posts Updates to MTUS. New SIU Regulations Effective on October 1. Liberty Mutual Receives Innovation Award. Telecommuting New Normal for Comp Industry.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Uber and Lyft Avoid Shutdown With Last Minute Stay. Teva Pharmaceuticals Kickback Case Settled for $3.5M. National Law Review Highlights COVID Litigation Risk. OC Comp Attorney Arrested for Investment Fraud Scheme. Trump Signs Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020. Mostly Positive News for California COVID-19 Developments. 31,612 California COVID Comp Claims - So Far! Proposed Law Targets Garment Industry Wage Theft. Duke University Studies COVID Mask Effectiveness. 3.8 Billion Views of Misleading Health Info on Facebook.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Uber and Lyft Ordered to Classify Drivers as Employees. Daly City Restaurant Resolves Wage Theft Claim for $2.6M. Construction Worker Faces Fraud Charges for False Statement. Man Arrested for Selling Fake COVID Medication. Each New Drug Costs $2.6B and Takes 15 Years! WCIRB Suggests 2.6% Rate Increase for 2021. WCAB Expands Hearing Options with LifeSize Video. Conference Call Public Hearing Set for MTUS Update. Surgical Specialties Fees Reduced in 2021 Medicare Fee Schedule. Safeway Store Janitors Protest Limited COVID-19 Safety Gear.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Abbvie Resolves CDI Insurance Fraud Act Claim for $24M.DOL Accuses Uber and Lyft of Wage Theft. Floyd Skeren Firm Outlines COVID-19 Defense Strategies. Indictments Say 10 ChiroMed Operatives Ran "Sham" Clinics. San Jose Cop Faces $18M Payroll Fraud Charges. Claimant Convicted for Forging Medical Reports. CWCI Tracking Tool Reports 14,470 COVID-19 Claims So Far. Healthcare Workers at High COVID-19 Risk Despite PPP. Coventry Workers' Comp Services Sale Closes. Liberty Mutual Reports $320M Q2 Loss From COVID-19.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Failure to Warn Teacher Supports Serious and Willful Award. Contra Costa Contractor Convicted for $2M Payroll Fraud. Six NFL Players Charged in Superseding Healthcare Fraud Indictment. San Diego Laboratory Pays $49 Million For Fraud and Kickbacks. California Hospitals Appear on Best Ortho Hospital List. Ergonomics a Big Problem for Workers at Home. CMS Announces Webinar on New NGHP Reporting User Guide. DEA Closes and Fines Yreka Pharmacy for Multiple Violations. 4000 Federal COVID-19 Comp Claims Strain Resources. Lawmakers Consider List of COVID-19 New Workplace Protections.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: California Class Action Claims TeamHealth Inflates ER Charges. MSP Reimbursement Not Time Barred 6 Years Post Settlement. Mandated COVID-19 Vaccinations Clash with Employee Rights. DWC Announces New Ethics Committee Appointment. At Least 13 States Considering COVID-19 Liability Limits. Congress Begins Permanent Medicare Transition To Telehealth. AG Approves Sale Of St. Francis Medical Center to Prime Healthcare. Study Says Household Exposure Most Likely Source of COVID-19. Researchers Report on Effectiveness of COVID-19 Masks. Independent Physicians Face Financial Pressure from COVID-19.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB En Banc Rescinds Some Suspension Orders in September. Mobile Wash New Target of AB-5 Misclassification Suit. San Diego Psychiatrist to Serve 21 Months for Fake Treatment. 27 So. Cal. Nursing Facilities Pay $16.7M for Inflated Medical Bills. Claim Volume Declines as Insurance Fraud Storm Arrives. Major Carriers Report Massive Q2 COVID-19 Losses. WCIRB Expects $1.2B in COVID Comp Claims. Complex Matrix of National Requirements for Job Re-Opening. Smoking or Vaping are COVID-19 Complications Risk Factors. FDA Approves Device Reducing Disc Reherniation Risk.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Judge Rules OSHA Injury Report Form 300 is Not Confidential. Court Jurisdiction in Subrogation Action Ends When Case Dismissed. Privette Doctrine Tested Again in Roofer Fall Claim. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Resolves Kickback Case for $51M. Bay Area Woman Sentenced for Filing $9.5M Fraudulent SDI Claims. Monterey County DA Reports Two Premium Fraud Cases. CASISF Approves 2020-21 $6.5B Alternative Security Program. New Reporting Forms Required for Public Self-Insureds. Smartphones Cause Uptick in Motor Vehicle Accident Comp Claims. Blood Type Research May Support COVID-19 Apportionment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Tort Claim Rejected for SCIF Refusal to Pay WCAB Order. Texas Supreme Court Approves Limits on Air Ambulance Costs. Injured Worker Mail Order Pharmacy Settles Opiod Suit for $11M. Beverly Hills Doctor Arrested for $52M Insurance Fraud. Telemedicine in Workers' Comp - New Normal or Fraud Opportunity? California Workers' Compensation - Where Did $16.1B Go? Researchers Alarmed by Muscle Relaxer Prescription Increase. CSHWC Publishes 2019 Annual Report.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: $1M Fees and Costs Awarded in FEHA Claim Following Industrial Injury. En Banc WCAB Adds Disabilities for SIBTF Calculation. L.A. Pharmacist Charged with Price Gouging KN95 Masks. PBS Documentary Investigates Opioid Drugmaker Corruption. 25 Year Veteran CHP Officer Arrested for Comp Fraud. Santa Ana Police Officer Faces Comp Fraud Charges. Three Guilty in $65M Compound Med Fraud Scheme. DWC Proposes Increased Fees for Med-Legal Evals. DWC Sets Online MTUS Public Hearing for July 23. WCIRB Expands Classification Inspection Report Program.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCIF Sent Back to Trial After a 15 Year Premium Collection Effort. S.F. District Attorney Files DoorDash Misclassification Case. Five Charged in Sober Living Facility Insurance Fraud. Global Insurance Fraud Detection Market to Grow 22% Annually. Emergency Regulations Mandate Recalculation of Comp Premiums. COVID-19 Distancing Rules Becoming a "Political Hazard". DWC Posts Draft Revisions to the Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule. Contracting Industry Injuries Highest in Opioid Use. WCRI Reports on Workers’ Compensation Prescription Regulations. ACOEM Studies Employer Costs for Opioid Use Disorders.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Stipulation to "Upper Extremity" Includes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Workers Sue Amazon Over COVID-19 Working Conditions. 3M Sues California Company Selling Fake N95 Masks. California Agricultural Industry Braces for COVID-19 Claims. Head of Las Gatos Testing Lab Charged with $69M Hoax. Reopenings Continue Despite COVID-19 Hotspots. EU Regulators Join FTC Efforts Against Drugmaker Pay-for-Delay Deals. Fake Hydroxychloroquine Study Retracted by Lancet and NEJM. Workers' Comp Trails Commercial Lines Growth.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 5000 COVID-19 Workers' Comp Cases Filed in Calif. Carriers Sue CVS Health for Fraudulent Overcharges. Law Firm Class Action Seeks Damages for Court Closures. Hollywood Producer Arrested for Paycheck Program Fraud. Sudden Turnaround - Payrolls Unexpectedly Rise by 2.5M in May. Employer Group Argues Against Additional COVID-19 Presumptions. Experts Unsure About Downturn Comp Claim Frequency. ICN Estimates 450K Healthcare Workers Infected With COVID-19.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court of Appeal Clarifies Hikida Limits on PD Apportionment. Insurance Agent Who Stole .5M in Premiums Faces 9 Felonies. Four More Convicted in $199M Illegal Prescription Drug Conspiracy. Uber/Lyft AB-5 Initiative Qualifies for November Ballot. WCIRB Estimates Costs of COVID-19 Executive Order at $1.2B. CWCI Reports on Effects of COVID-19 Presumptions. Hollywood Spawns New Cottage Industry - COVID-19 Consultants.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Trial Lawyers Predict COVID-19 Legal Battles “Most Expensive” in History. Encino Opioid Ring Conspiracy Ringleader Sentenced. Secret Service Reports Large-Scale Unemployment Fraud. Palo Alto Cardiologist Indicted.53 of 58 CA Counties Assess Reopening. California Bar Examination Pass Rate Hits All Time Low. IMR Determination Letters Fall by 11.3%. CA Employers Deploy Contact Tracing Systems. DWC Cancels Educational Conference in Los Angeles.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Says 5814 Penalties Inapplicable to Timely UR, Newsom Faces Several Lawsuits Over Reopening Plan, CVS Subsidiary Pays $15.3M for Illegal Opioid Dispensing, SBA Payroll Loan Fraud Rates Estimated at 10 – 12%, Tesla CEO Musk Defies Lockdown Order, DWC Updates OMFS for Telehealth Services, Sense of Touch Restored in Severe Spinal Cord Injury, COVID-19 Tests Now Available for Workplaces.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Wave of COVID-19 Lawsuits Hit State and Federal Courts, California Sues Uber and Lyft to Enforce AB-5, Court Order Halts Sale of $45M Counterfeit N95 Masks, Scams and Fraud Involving CARES Act Economic Payments, Scams and Fraud Involving Fake COVID-19 Cures, Executive Order Creates COVID-19 Compensability Presumption, California Legislature Re-Convenes With Major Comp Issues, COVID-19 Triggers Increase in Opioid Deaths.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lack of Overlap no Justification for Adding Disabilities, Non-utilization of Comp Admissible to Limit Damages in Tort Case, 3rd WCAB En Banc Decision Suspends 20 Day Filing Rule, Court Order Prohibits Fake "Ozone Therapy" for COVID-19, Bay Area Victims Duped by Non-Existent $40 N95 Masks, San Diego Psychiatrist Resolves Opioid Case for $145K, FDA Raises Safety Concerns Over Ethanol Hand Sanitizers, DWC Authors New Regulations for QME and AME Evals, Telemedicine Will Have "Big Impact" on Comp in Next Five Years, Insurers Say Decline in Elective Surgeries Offset COVID-19 Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. L.A. Class Actions Claims Banks Defrauded Employers, VR Expert Opinion Justifies Total Disability Award, WCAB Panel Elaborates on SIBTF Eligibility Requirements, Penalty for Failure to Carry Comp Insurance Affirmed, WCAB and DWC Allow for Limited Email Filing, Business Groups Push Back at Newsom's Expansion of Comp, Much Controversy Surrounds COVID-19 Antibody Tests, DWC Reports 1,542 COVID-19 Coded Claims - So Far, WCIRB Estimates Cost of Conclusive COVID-19 Presumption, SCIF Announces $165 Million in Additional COVID-19 Support.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. En Banc WCAB Invalidates AD Rule 10133.54 on SJDB Jurisdiction, Carmel Valley Physician Charged for COVID-19 "Miracle Cure", FBI Says Sale of 39M N95 Masks in California was Fraud Scheme, DME Operator Charged in Telemedicine Kickback Scheme, WCIRB Considers COVID-19 Regulatory Changes, DWC Modifies OMFS to Provide for Telehealth Fees, California First Responders Alarmed by COVID-19 Risks, Scientists Study Cause of COVID-19 Relapse, New Direct-to-Business Carrier Launches in California, Comp Industry Survey Shows COVID-19 Disruption Patterns.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Class Action Filed Against Cigna and Viant, Medicare Sues Lawfirm to Challenge Jurisdictional Issues, WCAB Orders Additional Emergency Filing Rules En Banc, COVID-19 Fraud Task Force Organizes in Arizona, OSHA Issues Respirator Interim Guidance, WCIRB Responds to COVID-19 Rating Issues, U.S. Plans to "Ease" Back to Normal.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Reverses Two Concurrent 100% Awards to Same Worker, Negligence in Obtaining Green Card not Barred by Exclusive Remedy, OSHA Declares Coronavirus to be a Recordable Event, CDI Extends Insurance Policy Cancellations, SCIF Moratorium on Policy Cancellations and Late Penalties, DWC Emergency Measures for Med-Legal Evaluations, WCAB Transitions to Free Teleconference Hearings, Thousands of Payroll Bail Out Loans Fund on First Day, AM Best P/C Downgrades Exceed Upgrades.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Suspends Rules, U.S. Attorney's Office Tracking COVID-19 Scams, San Francisco Acupuncturist Sentenced in Fraud Case, EEOC - Employers May Now Take Employee Temperatures, DWC Announces QME Telehealth Policy, Policy Approaches for Economic Fallout from COVID-19, At Least two States to Provide Corona Virus Comp Benefits, DWC Closes Headquarters and Three WCAB Offices.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Feds Pursue Another Spinal Implant Company for Kickbacks, L.A. Restaurant Fined $2.1M for Wage Theft, Stanislaus Poultry Worker Convicted in Comp Fraud Case, SB 1039 Claims "Binary" Classification of Workers is "Outdated", Cal/OSHA Interim Guidelines for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), NCCI Reports on Effects of COVID-19 in WC Industry, Coventry Outlines Benefits of a Pharmacy Nurse, Governor Newsom Appoints New DIR Director, Zurich Selects Santa Barbara Company for Fraud Assessments, Updated FAQs For Employers On The COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $3M Subro Lien Not Defeated by "Virtual Admission" of Employment, Owner of Studio City Sleep Clinic to Serve 3 Years for $11.5M Fraud, San Mateo Physician Faces 20 Years for Illegal Prescribing, Serial Claimant Arrested After 6 Different Fake Claims, Santa Rosa Physicians Face $3.9M Fraud Charges, Novato Uninsured Contractor Arrested - For the Third Time, Coronavirus: Factors for the Insurance Industry to Consider, Spine and Joint Pain Most Costly Health Problem in U.S., DEA Describes the Opioid Supply Chain "Shell Game", Mitchell | Genex Acquires Coventry Workers' Comp Services.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $1.6 Billion Global Settlement with Opioid Manufacturer Mallinckrodt, 18 States File Lawsuit Challenging Limits to Joint Employer Liability, No Time Limit for Recovery Suits Against Secondary Payers, Judge Issues AB-5 Injunction Against Instacart, Hollywood Pharmacy Owners to Serve 12 Years for $11.8M Fraud, Jury Convicts Manhattan Beach Physician of $700K Fraud, DWC Posts Changes to MTUS and OMFS, FDA to Use Claims Data to Confirm Drug Clinical Trials, 24 Companies Join Blockchain Group to Limit Counterfeit Meds.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Rules Workers Must be Paid for Security Checks, WCAB Allows Non-Comp Evaluations Into Evidence, Sandoz Executive Pleads Guilty in Drug Price Fixing Case, GEICO Uses RICO Statutes to Combat Vendor Fraud, IHOP Cook Arrested for Fraudulent Comp Claim, CMS Implements Penalty Provisions of Rule 111 Reporting, Researchers Improve Design of Robotic Surgery Controller, Coventry Reports Better Claim Outcomes with Nurse Triage, NAIC Lists Top Ten Comp Carriers by Market Share, National Safety Council Launches " Work to Zero" Safety Report.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. AG Suit Claims OptumRX Illegally Gouged Comp Claims, Another California "New-Law-Fail" in Federal Courts, Lawsuits Claim AARP Cheats Policyholders, More AB-5 Unintended Consequences, San Diego Musicians Play Blues Tunes Over AB-5, DWC Announces Online Doctors First Report Pilot Program, Single Point of Failure - Pharmaceutical Roads Lead to China, CWCI Study Shows Decline in Medical Treatment Counts, Disability Discrimination 2nd Highest EEOC Claim, Mike Hessling New Gallagher Basset CEO.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Awarded $350M in Suit Against Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens Settles Fake California Pharmacist Case for $7.5M, New O.C. DA Drops "Manufactured" Charges Against Orthopedist, So. Cal. Acupuncturist to Serve 30 Months for $7.1M Fraud, Santa Clara Cop Faces Fraud Charge, SCIF Recovers $159K in Criminal Premium Fraud Case, 215 Biopharma Leaders Pledge to Do a Better Job for Patients, "90210" Star Fights State Farm Claim - and Breast Cancer.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Specifies Requirements for 4903.8(d) Lien Declaration, WCAB Claim Tolls Statute of Limitations for FEHA Action, Arch Health Partners Resolves Kickback Allegations for $3M, Convicted Surgeon Extradited from Israel to Serve, Bay Area Medical Device CEO Convicted, Charges Filed in $20M Comp Treatment Kickback Scheme, Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Annual Summary, Looking Back at the Validity of NFL Concussion Claims, Non-Opioid "Stem Cell" Pain Treatment Provides Relief, Insurance Industry Reports Varying Results With Data Analytics.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Substantial Evidence Standard Applies to OSHA Appeals, C&R Resignation Resolves Wrongful Termination Claim, Arrests Made for $3.2M Sober Living Fraud, Convicted Long Beach Hospital Owner to Serve 15 Months, L.A. Sheriff Faces Fraud Charges After Fake Sniper Claim, 7th San Diego "Pill Mill" Doctor Pleads Guilty, Study Shows Early PT Reduces Opiate Use and Lost Time, TRISTAR Acquires Aspen Risk Management Group.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. En Banc WCAB Struggles with AD Over SJDB Jurisdiction, Second Restraining Order Against AB5 Remains in Place, No "Work-Spawned Risk" for Auto Accident After RTW, So. Cal. DME Maker Pays $37.5M to Resolve Kickback Claims, U.S. Attorneys Recover $105M Last Year, Reactions to AB5 Differ in Gig Worker Industry, SCIF Rejects OC Register Suggestion to "Privatize", Sedgwick Outlines Claim "Conversation Threads for 2020", Doctors Average 16 Minutes on Record Keeping for Each Patient, Common Myths Make Back Pain Worse.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Rules Truckers are Exempt from AB-5 ABC Test, Employer's Delay in Interactive Process Supports FEHA Claim, Rehab-Recovery Mogul Pleads Guilty in $175M Fraud Case, Palmdale Internist Sentenced to Two Years in Kickback Case, Gov. Newsom Announces Plans to Enter Drug Business, New York Considers Passing AB-5 Gig Employment Law, SCIF Salaries - Including $732k Annual CEO Pay - Under Scrutiny, O.C. Register Calls for Privatizing the SCIF, Santa Monica Reports 23% Increase in Comp Claim Costs, Study Claims 1/3 of Healthcare Costs are Insurance Co. Overhead.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Judge Signs AB-5 Restraining Order for Truckers, Sutter Health Resolves Anticompetitive Class Action for $575M, Mileage Rates Drop to 57.5 Cents in 2020, Reserving Lifetime Medical Award is Getting More Difficult, Drugmakers Start New Year by Jacking Up Prices on 330 Drugs, Tramadol - The Other Opioid Crisis, FDA Issues Nerve Pain Meds Safety Warning, Antibiotic Drugmaker Bankruptcies Spark Crisis, California Pharmacies Fail Drug Take-back/Disposal Study, Canadian Drug Suppliers Decline to Sell to U.S.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. More Lawsuits and Layoffs Follow Passage of AB-5 Employment Law, Privette Doctrine Precludes Security Guard's Suit, 10 NFL Players Charged with Health Care Fraud, Attorney Lee Mathis Pleaded Guilty - Sentenced to Lompoc, Mid-Wilshire Doctor to Pay $3.4M to Resolve Fraud Claim, Fake Doctor in Fake Long Beach Clinic Sentenced, East Bay Men Arrested for Fake Oxycodone Sales, The Broken FDA Drug Recall System, DWC Updates MTUS Drug List, WCIRB Quarterly Report Shows Escalating Premium Decreases.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Resolves WCAB Concurrent Jurisdiction Issue, Insurers Tell Supreme Court Obamacare was "Massive Bait-and-Switch", Tort Claim Removable to Federal Court Until Employer Intervenes, San Joaquin County Doctor Indicted, Amador County Staffing Company Owner Sentenced for Premium Fraud, FDA Rapidly Approving Breakthrough Drugs, ACOEM Concerned About Cannabis Legalization and Safety, Apple, Amazon and Google to Take Over Healthcare by 2030, Newly Unsealed Court Records Bad News for Opioid Industry, Sedgwick Institute Book Ponders Future for Work Comp Systems.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Jury Verdict May Bankrupt Strongest Longshore Union, Hospital Groups Sue to Stop Price Transparency Rule, LA Basin Home to Half of Indicted Medical Providers, Drugmakers to Invest $2B in Gene Therapies, Access to Care Threatened by Rural Hospital Closings, Hey - Not So Fast! Treatment Guidelines are Often Wrong, Healthcare Spending Increasing After Recent Declines, WCIRB Finds LA Basin Claims Highest in State, Actuary Finds Self-Insurance Saves 21%, CMS Reporting Threshold Unchanged for 2020.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Failure to Request Second Review Limits Award to Lien Claimant, No Jurisdiction for Applicant Civil Case Against WCAB, WCJ and SCIF, WCAB Decides Objections Not Waived by Failure to Raise in EOR, Daniel Capen Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison, Contractor Sentenced to 10 Years in Premium Fraud Cause, Sutter Hospitals Pay $46M to Resolve Referral Claims, State Auditor Critical of QME Process, IMR Applications Increase for Sixth Consecutive Year, Medical-Legal Fee Schedule Amendments Update, State Agencies Paid $20M Too Much for SCIF Insurance.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. ABC Employment Test Limited to "Wage and Hour Laws", California Trucking Association Challenges AB-5, Police Officer Fraud Conviction Affirmed Despite Trial Error, Were the NFL Dementia Claims Scientifically Valid, New Rule to Mandate Disclosure of Hospital Charges, Dept. of Insurance Seeks $2B From Opioid Makers for Premium Increases, Bipartisan PAID Act to Resolve MSP Uncertainty, CWCI Reports Opioid Use Declines, Google Collects and Analyzes Patient Health Data in 21 States, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks Distributor Moving HQ From Irvine to Texas.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Extends Litigation Stay for Purdue Pharma, California Insurance Company Placed in Conservatorship, 5 Year Sentence in Merced $6M Medical Fraud Case, China and US Announce Rare Fentanyl Crackdown, DEA Warns: "Mass Quantities" Counterfeit Pills, Air Ambulance Ride to UCLA Cost More than Lung Transplant, Response to AB-5: California Freelancers "Need Not Apply", Courtroom Secrecy Hides Public Safety Information, 4 in 10 Deal With Weekly Burnout Caused Health Issues, NASI Report - Decreasing Comp Benefits are Inadequate.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. No WCAB Exclusive Jurisdiction Over AOE-COE in CIGA Case, Insurance Fraud Leads to Murder Conviction, Grand Jury to Review Opioid Drugmaker Litigation, Enough Fentanyl Seized to “Wipe Out” Entire State of Ohio, Data Analytics Busts La Jolla Physician, San Diego Military Doctor Signs off on Fake Insurance Claims, Researchers Say Lack of Evidence on Medicinal Cannabis, Researchers Criticise Scientific Basis of Psychiatric Diagnosis, Ride-Share Companies Launch AB 5 Ballot Initiative, New CWCI Study Shows 94.1% UR/IMR Approval Rate.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. School District Recovers Interest, but not Attorney Fees from JPA, Cal/OSHA Sets "Uncertain" Footwear Standard for Home Depot, Another SJDB Voucher Fraud Arrest, South Bay Physician to Serve 2 Years in Prison, Owner of Roofing Company Faces Fraud Charges, Researchers Take Second Look at Chiropractic Care, Employers Use Proactive Approach to Musculoskeletal Distorders, CDI Rejects Berkshire Sale of Applied Underwriters, FAA Approves CVS to Deliver Pharmaceuticals by Drone, Workers’ Compensation to Be Transformed by Technology.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $18B Offer on Table Before Landmark October 21 Opioid Trial, Purdue Obtains Brief Litigation Stay to Pursue Opioid Settlement, Orthopedist, Timothy Hunt M.D. Sentenced to Two Years, Acupuncturist Pleads Guilty to $3.8M Fraud, Another LAPD Officer Charged with Comp Fraud, California Outlaws Mandatory Employment Arbitration Agreements, Newsom Vetos 4850 Time for School Police, Researchers Discover Disc Damage Blocking.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th DCA Rules CIGA Need Not Reimburse Medicare, 9th Circuit Sets Higher Standard for ADA Liability, DWD Unit Must Show No Dependents Exist, Drugmaker Hit With $8B Jury Verdict with 13,400 Similar Cases Pending, So. Cal. Physicians Pay $6.65M to Resolve Fraud Claim, Foremost Shockwave Solutions Waives Liens, New MPN Provisions Apply Over Next Few Years, DWC Orders Three Changes to OMFS, WCRI Reviews Non-Pharmacologic Services for Pain Management, Interactive Policy Year Stats Report - 2019 Now Online.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another Opioid Case Settles Before Trial, Filing Comp Claim Not Necessarily a FEHA "Protected Activity", Requirements for SIBTF Benefits Unchanged After SB 899, $2.1B Genetic Testing Fraud Takedown - Largest Ever Charged, Patients Drove 16 Hours for Opioid Prescriptions, Newsom Signs First Responder PTSD Presumption Law, Heart Disease Linked to Pesticide Exposure at Work, CVS Drug Pricing Plan Gains Little Traction, CWCI Reports Steady Decline in Spinal Fusions, NCCI Reviews Air and Ground Ambulance Fees.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Unsigned Policy Limiting Endorsement was "Equitable", Aliso Viejo Drugmaker Resolves Kickback Claim for $116M, Cardiologist with 25 Year History of Crime - Charged Again, Stolen DEA Numbers Used to Buy Opiates for Darknet, Genetic Testing "Next Big Frontier" in Healthcare Fraud, Adjuster with Multiple Revoked Licenses - Sent to Jail, New Opioid Controls for Injured Federal Workers, DWC Amends DMEPOS Section of Fee Schedule, CIRB Publishes 2020 Plans and Manual, Research Now Shows AI Equal to Human Medical Experts.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. City Atty Sues Instacart Using ABC Employment Test, Opioid Drugmakers Seek to Recuse Federal Judge, Feds Arrest 25 So. Cal. Health Care Professionals, Illegal Pharmaceuticals Openly Sold Across So. Cal., Jury Convicts Prison Worker for Comp Fraud, Benefits Approved for O.C. Deputies Injured in Las Vegas, Governor Signs AB 5 - Gig Workers Become Employees, TTD Rates to Increase 3.84% Next Year, WCIRB Publishes 2019 Quarterly Update, DWC Launches Free Course for Physicians.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. TD Not Required for Medical Appointments After RTW, Saturday is Not a "Working Day" for UR Time Limits, WCAB Panel Circumvents CA Fitzpatrick Rating Standards, Purdue Pharma $12B Settlement Offer Moves Ahead, Man Accused of Premium Fraud Now Faces $30M Tax Evasion, ABC Employment Test Passed by Legislature, New Law Provides California Benefits to Out-of-State Film Workers, SB 731 Limits to Apportionment Remains in Committee, Panel Discusses New Safety Regulations, Insurance Commissioner Under More Ethical Scrutiny.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drugmaker Resolves Kickback Case for $15.4 Million, 30 Bay Area Defendants Face Health Care Kickback Charges, WCIRB Study Shows Drug Formulary is Effective, AB 5 Moves to Senate With 10 Days Left in Session, DWC Updates MTUS and OMFS, Feds Award $2 Billion in Grants to Fight Opioids, Sackler Family Wealth Survives Proposed $12B Opioid Settlement, League of California Cities Hires Comp Advocacy Group.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Says "No Alternative Track" to Dispute UR, Opioid Drugmaker Loses First Opiate Trial, Authorities Grab 52,000 Pounds of Illegal Fentanyl, "Oxygod" Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Fake Pills, O.C. Physician Assistant Indicted in Opioid Case, $90M Ballot Initiative Against ABC Employment Test, OxyContin Maker Tenders $12B Settlement Offer, Opioid Drugmakers Open New Markets in India, SCIF Declares $105 Million Dividend, UR Process "Ripe" for Automation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. More Opioid Drugmakers Settle Claims, Panel Affirms 132a Award and Clarifies "Lauher" Standard, Conviction Illustrates Dark Web and Drugs, Charges Against 4 Doctors Dismissed in Orange County, Owners of Sushi Restaurants Guilty in Premium Fraud Case, Oxnard Field Worker Convicted in Fraud Case, Patients Over Paperwork Initiative Targets $39B in Costs, WCAB Proposes Regulation Changes, NCCI Reviews Medical Marijuana and Workers' Compensation, Task Force Suggest Physicians Screen for Illegal Drugs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Is Health Care Fraud Really This Easy???, Victorville Pharmacist to Serve 5 Years in Prison, Roofer Sentenced in $1M Premium Fraud Case, Generic Drugmakers Accused of Stonewalling Price Probe, Canada Forces $10B Reduction in Drug Prices, Employer Supports Surgeries in Foreign Hospitals with US Physicians, Few Patients Benefit from Meniscus Surgery, Scientists Report Emerging Role of Schwann Cells in Neuropathic Pain, Opioid and Cannabis Co-Use Increases Anxiety and Depression.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Opioid Settlement Negotiations - $45B Demand and $10B Offer, Victorville Physician Convicted for Illegal Opioid Prescriptions, Another SJDB Vendor Under Investigation, School Bus Driver Convicted in Comp Fraud Case, NCCI Reports on Regulatory and Legislative Trends, DWC Proposes Increases to Med-Legal Fees, WCIRB Proposes 5.7% Rate Reduction, California Written Premiums to Drop by $1B, RAND Reports on Firefighter Musculoskeletal Disorders, Officials Warn: "Fentanyl Crisis Raging in San Diego".
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Disability and Wage Loss Not Inconsistent in Discrimination Case, Angel Transportation Loses Claim for $1.2M in WCAB Liens, So. Cal. Trucking School Submits $4M Fake Training Claims, Spinal Implant Company and CEO Face Fraud Claims, Director at Cedars-Sinai Faces Child Porn Charges, Proposed Regs Increase Copy Service Fees, Surgical Risk of Death Highest After Going Home, Insurance Commissioner Faces Ethics Investigation, Self-Insured Program Frees up $6B in Working Capital, 2018 WCJ Ethics Committee Finds Four Violations.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $2B Roundup-Cancer Jury Verdict Reduced to $87M, $13.4M Restitution Affirmed in Largest Premium Fraud Scam, Drobot to Plead Guilty - Faces 50 Years - in NEW Case, Patient "Recruiter" Pleads Guilty in $65M Case, Man Convicted of Stealing Medicare Set Aside Funds, Truck Driver Jailed for Comp Fraud, Chief Judge Says "Degradation of Civility" at WCAB, Applied Underwriters Fined $3 Million for Side Agreements, Self-Insured Employers Claim Frequency Increasing, Study Reviews Side Effects of Short Term Opiates.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Releases DEA Records on 76 Billion Opioid Pills, Employer Escapes SCIF Premium Default Judgment, Pharmaceutical CEOs Now Face Criminal Prosecutions, Dolphus Pierce D.C. Comp Fraud Conviction Affirmed, Couple Convicted of Manufacturing Fake Oxycodone, Feds Say San Diego "Gateway for Fentanyl", CDC Reports Drop in Overdose Deaths, Presidential Candidates Plan to Lower Drug Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Blocks HHS Drug Price TV Ads Disclosure Rule, Drugmaker Pays $1.4 B to Resolve Fraud Claims, $6M Fraud Verdict Against "Sham" Attorneys Affirmed, LAPD Officer Pleads No-Contest to Comp Fraud, Feds Withdraw Proposed Drug Rebate Rule, Congress Pressures FDA for Cannabis Regs, Cal/OSHA - $68K in Fines for Confined Space Violations, Psychiatric Diagnosis are "Scientifically Meaningless", Sedgwick to Acquire York Risk Services.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Ends Disgruntled Claimant's 13 Years of Litigation, West Hollywood Doctor Faces Fraud Charges, Senior Care Facility Cited for $708K Wage Theft, Uninsured Security Company Owners Convicted, "Mini" MRI Under Development, 48% of Doctors Considering Career Change, Nurses Suffer Chronic Sleep Disorders, United Insurance Named as Applied Underwriters Buyer.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Encompass Health to pay $48M to Resolve Fraud Claim, Bankruptcy Judge May Halt Opiate Trials, Statewide Sweep Nabs 169 Illegal Contractors, Attorney Pleads Guilty in Oxycodone Sales Case, Gig Companies Adapt to ABC Test, Wearable Technology WorkComp Game Changer, WCIRB Submits 2020 Regulatory Filing, Claims Data Links Opioid Prescriptions as Family Risk Factor, "Non-Profit" Hospitals Report Massive Profits, Major Cannabis Research Industries Collaborating.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Ronald Grusd M.D. Office Manger to Serve 5 Years, Arrests Made for $120M Fake Insurance Scheme, Santa Ana Psychiatrist to Serve 57 Months in Prison, Truck Driver Pleads Guilty to Comp Fraud, School Custodian Sentenced for Fraud, Executive Order Forces Healthcare Price Disclosure, "ABC" Test "Doomsday Scenario" for Hollywood, Solar Company Cited for Worker's Fall from Roof, FDA Launches Pilot Blockchain Technology Project, Sale of Applied Underwriters to Close in 2019.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Approves Marijuana - In CA Prisons!, Jury Convicts Doctor and Recruiter, Dentist Faces 75 Charges for 600 Fake Root Canals, Drugmaker Settles Kickback Case - Then Files Bankruptcy, Double Dipping Business Owner Sentenced, Medical Marijuana No Help for Opioid Crisis, Patients Happier in Small Hospitals with Amenities.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CA AG Belatedly Files Limited Opioid Litigation, Another Opioid Manufacturer Pleads Guilty to Kickbacks, L.A. Dentist Sentenced for $3.8M Fraud Scheme, So. Cal. Contractors Cited for $600K Wage Theft, VA Promotes Telehealth, and E-Record Systems, Ohio BWC Drops Oxycontin from Formulary, HHS Publishes Pain Management Best Practices, Mild Brain Injury Can Cause Lasting Effects, SCIF Launches Real-Time UR Approval, Quest Diagnostics Records Hacked.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Apportionment Limits Passed by CA Senate, One Defendant Remains in First Opioid Trial, Oklahoma Opioid Trial Highlights Marketing, School Officials Convicted for SJDB Voucher Fraud, ABC Test Proposed Law Adds Exemptions, Wellness Program Regulations Delayed - Again!, FDA Approves World's Most Expensive Drug, Money Does Not Buy Better Comp Outcomes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. States Pursue Strategies Against Purdue Bankruptcy, USC Surgeon Faces Insurance Fraud Lawsuit, Disability Attorney/Serial Plaintiff Indicted for Tax Fraud, Chiropractor Convicted of Insurance Fraud, Welding Fumes Linked to Lung Cancer, Diabetic Drug Greatly Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain, Startup Disrupts Pharmacy Business Model, WC Drug Costs and Utilization Improved in 2018, Officials Claim Purdue Misled World Health Organization, CompWest Announces California Expansion.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. En Banc WCAB Defines "Catastrophic Injury", California Jury Stunning $2B Cancer Verdict, 44 States Claim 20 Drugmakers Fixed Prices, Jurisdiction Over Home Health Care Limited to UR/IMR, Findings in WCAB Psyche Case Binding in FEHA Claim, LAPD Officer Charged with Comp Fraud, Insurance Agent Allegedly Steals Premiums, USDOL Opposes ABC Employment Test, Comp 83% Combined Ratio Lowest Since 1930s, Opioid Crisis Spreads to Canada and Europe.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. "ABC" Dynamex Employment Test is Retroactive, 15 Chiropractors Face Fraud Changes, Med-Legal Evaluators Face Fraud Charges, Convicted Vexatious Comp Litigant Arrested Again, HHS Finalizes TV Ads - Drug Price Rule, CHSWC Special Report on PQME Process, Reserving Lifetime Awards - It's Complicated!, WCRI Panelists Predict Paradigm Shift to Telemedicine, Antidepressants Increase Case Closure Time, CMS "Physician Compare" Website Unreliable.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another Settlement in State Opioid Litigation, Another Drugmaker Accused of Kickbacks, Hesperia Pharmacist Pleads Guilty in Opioid Case, Broker Prosecuted for 73 Bogus Policies, Counterfeit Oxycodone Online Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty, 90% of Patients Satisfied with Video Visits, Obscure Drug Committees Gain Power, Chamber of Commerce Publishes 2019 Job Killer List, CMS Announces New Payer Recovery Portal, WCRI Study Shows Stable Comp Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. FTC Sues Surescripts for Illegal E-Prescription Monopoly, Two More Drugmakers Resolve Kickback Charges for $125M, LC 5814.5 Attorney Fee Requires Specific Award, First Prosecution of CEO and CCO of Large Drug Distributor, Fresno Pharmacist Arrested, CEO of Fresno Drug Treatment Home Indicted, FDA Approves Generic Naloxone Nasal Spray, WCIRB Report Shows Major Decrease in Opioid Use, E-mods Used to Prequalify Contractors for Bidding, Travelers Beats Wall Street Estimates.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drugmaker's Unorthodox Bid to Protect Patents - Epic Fail, Sutter Health Resolves Inflated Risk Score Claims for $30M, $100K in Cal/OSHA Penalties for Fatal Injury, Two Employers Fined $300K For Finger Amputation, Car Wash Issued $2.36 Million in Wage Theft Citations, 60 Arrested in National 32 Million Pain Pill Bust, Ringleaders of Sham Clinics Plead Guilty, U.S. Physical Therapy Inc., Acquires Third IIP Company, SCIF Suffers $460M Underwriting Loss - No Dividends.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employer Has Burden to Obtain Physicians RTW Form, Nurse Indicted for "Darknet" Sales of Opioids, Cannabis Shops - Illegally Uninsured and Tax Evasion, Sutter Medical Center Neurosurgeon Arrested for Comp Fraud, DWC Posts First Report on IBR Since SB 863, Mostly Good News From WCIRB Report, WCIRB Sees No Need for Mid-year Filing, More Gig Workers Seek Exemption from ABC Test, ICD 11th Edition to Include Chinese Medicine, Injured Tesla Workers Claim Foul Play.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Issues Narrow in First Opioid Trial, First Lawsuit Pursues Owners for Purdue Pharma Damages, WCAB Rejects AD Limits on Documents Sent to IMR, Fresenius Medical Care Resolves Corruption Claims for $231M, Monterey County DA Convicts Two Uninsured Employers, Employer Coalition Speaks Out on Dynamax Case, New Mexico Says "Yes" for Cannabis as Opioid Replacement, Employers Must Post New Notices on April 1, DWC Proposes More Changes to MTUS, Travelers Reduces Opioid Use by 40%.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Historic $270M Settlement in First Opiate Trial, Second State AG Investigating PBMs, San Jose QME and Pain Physician Convicted, Stockton Man Convicted for EDD Fraud, HHS Spends $1.4B for State Opioid Response Programs, Cal/OSHA fines Construction Co. for Valley Fever Cases, DWC Adjusts ASC Section of MTUS, WCRI’s 2019 Annual Report Now Online, CHS - An Acute Illness From Cannabis Use, Electronic Health Records - "Death By 1000 Clicks".
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Prosecutors Recover $317M Including $65M from Prime Healthcare, Pain Clinic Resolves Fraud Claim for $860K, California Cannabis Industry Plagued by Corruption, Legislative and Judicial Developments vs Fighting Fraud, DWC Updates MTUS, U.C. Berkeley Claims Gig Economy Workers are "Exploited", Cannabis and Psychosis: Review of the Evidence, CWCI Reports on Drug Formulary, Surgical Outcomes Inconsistent Across Hospitals, Brown & Brown Acquires MEDVAL LLC.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. C & R Only Releases Items Listed in Paragraph One, WCAB Rules "De Facto" Ownership Triggers 4615 Stay, Almaraz-Guzman AME Faces Multiple Court Battles, Covidien Settles Kickback Case for $20M, NH Supreme Court Rules on Comp Cannabis, Uber Settles Classification Suit After 9th Circuit Victory, So. Cal. Compounding Pharmacy Owners Convicted, Los Gatos Clinic Owner Faces Fraud Charges, San Fran Acupuncturist Indicted For Fraudulent Billing.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCOTUS Taxes Railroad Compensation Benefits, WCAB Says UR Time Limits are Mandatory. Feds Prevail in Another Compounder Case, Hesperia Man Arrested for Transporting $150M in Opioids, Compounders Can Be Cheaper Than Drugmakers, Knee Surgery Does Not Help Everyone, Facing It’s First Trial - Purdue Pharma Explores Bankruptcy, Drugmakers Cave Under Relentless Price Pressure, Comp Startup Rides Wave of Global Dealmaking, CNA Adopts AI Fraud Detection Solution.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Rejects Combined Ratings, Massive So. Cal. Comp Fraud Ring Sentenced, Agent Prosecuted for Theft of Comp Premiums, Two So. Cal. Insurance Agents Face Premium Theft Charges, FBI Seeking Victims of Comp Policy Fraud Scheme, Another Attempt at “Medicate for All” Gets Underway, Researchers Develop Targeted and Precise Drug Delivery, Berkshire Hathaway to Exit Comp Market?, SCIF Launches SafeAtWorkCa Web App, Employers Face March 2 Deadline for Form 300A.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCOTUS Rejects Maryland's Drug Pricing Law Case, SCOTUS Allows Generic Suboxone, Ohio Comp Sues PBM For Being "Hosed", Physical Therapy Clinics Resolve Fraud Claims For $450k, DEA Operation "Hypocritical Oath" Nets Southland Doctors, CWCI Reports: "NSAIDS Overtake Opioids", CMS Actuaries Project Unending Increases In Health Spending, High Group Deductibles Cause Higher Comp Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Rules "On-Call" Scheduling Requires 2 Hours Pay, Worker Must Prove Injury in Uninsured Employer Tort Claim, So. Cal. Bio Lab Resolves Fraud Claims for $2M, Small Pharmacies Sue Major PBM for "Secret Rebates", Beverly Hills Orthopedist Pleads Guilt to Comp Fraud, CDI Arrests So. Cal. Podiatrist for Comp Fraud, Cal Employers Face FEHA Expansion, Study Claims Surgery is a Leading Cause of Death, UK Funding AI to Detect Insurance Fraud, UCLA Reports on Emerging Transportation Injury Risks.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCOTUS Affirms Employers Arbitration Rights, Carriers Sued for QME Sexual Misconduct, OCDA Recovers $1.6M for Unsafe Workplace, Bay Area Doctor Arrested for SDI Fraud Schemes, Congress Questions a Once Free Drug, Now $375k a Year, MTUS/ACOEM Guidelines Now Free and Online, TV Ads to Include Drug Price Transparency, Novartis and Eli Lily Support end to PBM Rebates, CorVel Reports on 10,000 Telehealth Visits, Study Shows No Value to Topical Compounded Pain Creams.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th Circuit Clarifies Employer Liability Provision of Comp Policy, Fake Companies and Employees Filed 725 Fake Claims for $5M, Tawdry Marketing Details Emerge in Drugmaker Trial, Tuolumne County Worker Sentenced, Feds Move to End Drug Rebates, Feds Hold First Hearing on Drug Prices, DWC Published the 2018 Annual Audit Report, CVS, Aetna and Apple Launch "Attain" Health App, WCRI Publishes Opioid Dispensing Study, Insurance Prime Target for Technology Investment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employment Terminated for Violation of DIR Gift Policy, Walgreens Settles Fraud Claim for $269M, So. Cal. Attorney Arrested For Trafficking Opioids, OCDA Charges Max Matos M.D., and Jeff Catanzarite D.C., Eight Indicted in $123M Compound Med Fraud, Cal Med Board Investigating 450 Physicians, Political Battle Over ABC Employment Test Heats Up, Insurers Form Blockchain Network With IBM.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drobot Forfeits Plea Agreement Benefits, Feds Indicted CompOne and Officers for Fraud, Double Dipping Business Owner Pleads Guilty, Hearing Set For MTUS Updates, DWC Posts Several OMFS Changes, House Launches Drug Pricing Investigation, Walgreens and Microsoft to Create Digital Ecosystem, 44 Percent of Physicians are Burned Out, Slow Adoption of WC Telemedicine.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Arbitration Agreement Must Explicitly Include FEHA, GoPro Footage Convicts Correctional Officer, Owners of San Ramon Companies Face 14 Felonies, Prices Increased on Hundreds of Drugs, Focus Group Studies Medical Costs, Drug Marketing Costs Increased to $20.3 Billion, CDI Publishes Drug Transparency Report, Newsom Tackles Drug Prices on First Day, WCIRB Publishes California Terrorism Risk Assessment, New Brown Appointments on Last Days in Office.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Comp RICO Fails in California Federal Court, Irvine Physician Arrested for Prescribing Opioids, Opioid-Murder Conviction of LA Physician Affirmed, Sheriff's Lieutenant Arrested for Comp Fraud, Jury Convicts Uninsured Restaurant Owner, Study Finds 20% Annual Health Crimes Increase, A.B. 5 Seeks to Codify New "ABC" Employment Criteria, Unlicensed Comp Carrier Fined $4M, Early Physical Therapy Reduces Opiate Use, Comp Rates Decrease in 2019 - Except at the Race Track!
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Apportionment of PD on Pathology Affirmed, Background Check Insufficient to Support FEHA Claim, O.C. Physician Faces Compound Med Fraud Charge, WCIRB Publishes 2018 Experience Report, OSIP Proposes Changes to Reporting Rules, WCRI Reports ASC 40% Less than Hospitals, CMS to Prioritize Reporting Penalties in 2019, FDA Continues Tough Stance Against New Opioids, RAND Finds QMEs Work for Management Organizations, Bioengineered Discs to End Back Pain.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Vanguard Dismisses Lien Stay Law Challenge, CVS/Aetna Proposed Merger Faces Court Scrutiny, Uwaydah Connected Chiro Pleads Guilty, Drugmaker Pays $360M to Resolve Kickback Case, Medical Device Makers Plead Guilty in Kickback Case, Jury Convicts Advanced Radiology Administrator, Charges Dropped in Applicant - Hit Man Case, Florida Urged to Adopt California IMR Process, EU Agency Says Evidence "Thin" on Medical Marijuana, California Startup Wins FDA Pain Device Challenge.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Calif Joins 32 States in Supreme Court Drug Pricing Case, Claimants Failure to Respond Dooms FEHA Case, Privette Doctrine Ends Civil Death Claim, Fake Drugmaker Gets 10 Year Sentence, Nurse Practitioner Convicted in $65M Compound Med Fraud, Drugmaker VP of Sales Pleads Guilty in Kickback Case, Psyche QME Disciplined For Gross Negligence, Insurers Concerned About New Privacy Laws, New Comp Carrier Approved in Calif, New Drug Costs $4 Million per Patient.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Insurance Fraud Has No Limits Anymore!, Applicant Hires Hit Man to Kill Attorney, Robert Caton M.D. Takes Plea Deal, Fake Medical Researchers Indicted, Bar Owner Pleads Guilty to Premium Fraud, Cal/OSHA Fines Oakland Contractor $141K for Fatal Injury, SEAL Procedure Helps Failed Back Surgery, Pfizer Increases Prices on 41 Drugs, Walmart and Home Depot Join Employer Drug Cost Battle, Express Scripts Creates New Competitive Dynamic.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Los Gatos Psychiatric QME Disciplined, Convicted Ortho Dupes California UR Providers, BLS Report Shows Decrease in Work Injuries, Ricardo Lara Likely Next Insurance Commissioner, CDI Approves Comp Rate Lower Than WCIRB Suggests, WCIRB Reports Overall Reduction in Medical Costs, Cal/OSHA Adopts Emergency Form 300A Regs, DWC Announces 26th Annual Educational Conference, Travelers Explores Wearables for Improved Job Safety, FDA Has 200 Submissions for Non-Opioid Pain Products.
John Castro is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another Drugmaker Settles Kickback Case, Judge Reduces Monsanto Roundup Verdict, Chiropractors and Cappers Charged in Phase II of OC Case, Comp Fraud at UCLA Housing Project, Fraudulent Medical Research at Harvard, Contractor Fined $225K For Nail Gun Safety Violations, WCRI Says California Medical Costs Declining, Cannabis Research - Does it Help You or Hurt You?, Injured Workers Have High Odds of Opioid Addiction, A Sense of Alarm as Rural Hospitals Keep Closing.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Provides Guidance on QME Process, Exclusive Remedy No Protection for Uninsured Employer, Written Consent Required for Comp Attorney Referral Fee, EquityComp Arbitration Agreement is Unenforceable, Court of Appeal Denies Tristar Lien Law Challenge, Drug Pricing to Follow "International Pricing Index", DWC Publishes 2017 Audit Report, WCIRB Reports Payments to Indicted Providers Declines, Outcomes Not Tied to Hospital Accreditation, FDA Approves Smartphone Urine Testing.
John Castro is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. PD Apportionment Has Two-Prong Burden, Uninsured Subcontractor Must Repay Contract Payments, First Comp Providers Finally Join Opioid Lawsuits, San Jose PQME Indicted for Fraud and Illegal Prescribing, LETF Targets Unsafe Car Washes, WCIRB Data Shows So. Cal. Has CT Epidemic, California Comp Costs Moves One Step From Worst, DWC Proposes Revisions to WCIS Implementation Guide, Apple Develops Knee and Hip Replacement Monitoring App, DEA Approves Importing Cannabis for Medical Research.
John Castro is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CVS/Aetna Must Divest Aetna’s Part D Prescription Drug Plan, Convicted Claimant Residence Restrictions Overbroad, Riverside Jury Convicts Former QME for $90K Fraud, Online Dealer Indicted for Fake Oxycoodone Pills, Dairy Worker Sentenced for Faking Injury, NCCI Tracks Key WC "Hot Topics", Prepaid Debit Cards for California Comp are Not New, Coventry Reports on Topical and Specialty Drugs, Researchers Consider Non-Drug Therapies Over Opioids, Drugmaker Faces Uphill FDA Battle on New Opioid.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. MSP Class Action Rejected in Court of Appeals, Employer Has Only 30 Days to Appeal DOSH Citation, 5 Doctors and 4 "Body Brokers" Face Fraud Charges, MRI Operator Sam Solakyan Indicted for $284M Fraud, So. Cal. Restaurant Workers Recover $1M for Wage Theft, AmerisourceBergen Settles Fraud Case for $625M, DWC Amends Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule, DWC Adds New Chapters to MTUS, Congress Passes $8.5B Opioid Addiction Package, New Injection Stops Knee and Spine Osteoarthritis.
John Castro is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Must Follow Rating Schedule Steps, Claimant Sentenced for Working While on TTD, Hospital Chain Settles Fraud Case for $260M, BBSI Pays $1.5M Penalty -CFO Faces 20 Years in Fraud Case, CDI Streamlines Adjuster Licensing Process, DWC Adopts Geographic Practice Cost Index, Meeting Set to Discuss Med Legal Fee Pushback, Governor Brown Signs and Vetoes Work Comp Bills, Paraplegic Walks With Mayo Clinic/UCLA Implant, Medical Malpractice Now 3rd Leading Cause of Death.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Applicant Waived Right to New Panel for Untimely QME Eval, Unlike NFL Players - 53 Pro Wrestlers Lose CTE Case, UCSF Surgeon to Serve 41 Months in Prison, CDI Files Largest Fraud Case in its History, Prominent Newport Beach Ortho Faces Rape Charges, El Centro Task Force Seizes 20,000 Fake Oxycodone Pills, 15 Workers Recover $450K in Wage Theft Case, California Tightens Cal/OSHA Reporting and Transparency, Death of Driver Run Over by Own Truck Triggers $46K in Fines, Coca-Cola Considering Cannabis Drinks - "For Pain".
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. County of L.A. Pre-Employment Physical Case Settles for $.5M, Discrimination for Refusal to Hire Medical Marijuana Home User, Surveillance Convicts Nursing Assistant, Man Sentenced for Pharmaceutical Trafficking, Senators Want the VA to Prescribe Marijuana to Vets, New Concept - High Impact Chronic Pain (HICP), RAND Says 1/3 of Opioid Prescriptions Unjustified, Scientists Re-generate Wound Tissue, Person Behind Opioid Epidemic Patents Addiction Treatment, New Study - Why Do Some Feel More Pain?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Cal Chiropractic Association Sues One Call Medical, Popular Ortho AME to Serve 7 Years for Child Pornography, Six L.A. Garment Contractors Fined $.5 Million, DIR Reports IMR Efficiently Resolves Disputes, WCIRB Quarterly Update - Mostly Good News, Anti-Anxiety Drug Abuse Overtaking Opioids, 2018 Drug Prices Fell 5.8% in Second Quarter, 14% of Pharmaceuticals May Be Fake.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employers Favor Kavanaugh for Supreme Court, Two Arrested in Decade-Long Underground Economy Fraud Scheme, Employer Fights Bizarre Fraud Conviction for 15 Years, Saratoga Physician Sentenced to 63 Months, Ethics Committee Publishes Report of WCJ Investigations, Congress Again Attempts MSA Reform Bill, California Hospital Chain Files for Bankruptcy, Gabapentin (AKA "Gabbies") Addiction Abuse Rising, Compound Med Costs Continue to Decline, Atlas General Now Covers California Cannabis Industry.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CompPartners Prevails in California Supreme Court, 100% Awards Increasing with VR Experts, Lack of "Animus" Evidence Defeats FEHA Claim, Operators of So. Cal. Staffing Companies Face Fraud Charges, Jury Convicts Lancaster Physician in Kickback Case, Woman to Serve 30 Months for EDD Fraud, Fresno Orthopedist Practicing with Suspended License, Are You Ready For a Facebook MRI, HHS to Eliminate PBM Rebates to Lower Drug Costs, CWCI Studies Polypharmacy Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Invalidates AD Dispute Resolution Regulation, Jury Awards $289M to Injured Groundskeeper, Court Denies Peyman Heidary Indictment Appeal, CDI Has 57 Unfilled Fraud Investigator Jobs, Opioid 2019 Production "Quotas" Reduced 10%, Cal/OSHA Fines Advertising Company $32K, Express Scripts to Market $1M Genetic Pill, AI Accurately Diagnoses 50 Eye Conditions, MRI Scans - Maybe Not So Safe After All, Industrial Auto Accidents are Increasing.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Adds Instead of Combining PD Ratings, Unlicensed Tree Trimmer v. Homeowner Suit Affirmed, Feds Join 4 Whistleblower Opiate Cases, Illegal Fentanyl Floods California Border, Indicted Owner of Sham Clinics Faces Immigration Charges, 14 California Hospitals Settle Fraud Claims for $65M, WCIRB Proposes 4.5% Rate Reduction, Second WCAB Appointment Has No WC Experience, FDA Rejects Another New Opioid, Another $2B Health Insurance/Pharmacy Merger.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Parties Have no Unconditional Right to PQME, Safety Consultant Owes Duty of Care to Injured Workers, Jury Convicts San Leandro Physician’s Assistant, Nail Salon Cited for $1.2M Wage Theft, DWC Administrative Director Announces His Future Plans, DWC Corrects OMFS to Delete Zero Value MUE, Opioid Use Remains Tenaciously High in the U.S., FDA Rejects Opioid Drug From Controversial Company, Comp Industry Shows Strong Underwriting Performance, New WC Carrier Opens in San Diego.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Car Wash Owner to Pay $4.2M to 800 Workers, QME Pleads Guilty in Compound Med Case, Competency Hearing Set For Attorney Lee Mathis, 9 Contra Costa Restaurants Illegally Uninsured, CWCI Examines Prescription Drug UR/IMR, Costly MSAs - Are You Out of Options?, Drug Distributor Stocks Tumble Over Uncertainty, Cash for Medication is Less Than Co-Pay With Insurance, Fed Pressure Forces Merck to Cut Drug Prices.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Medical Marijuana Ordered for NJ Claimant, DCA Affirms Fraud Conviction Restitution Order, Physician Indictments Snares So. Cal. QME, Corona QME Charged with Fraud - Keeps License, Last Pain Clinic Defendant Pleads Guilty, L.A. Times Expose Features LAPD Comp Fraud, LAPD Employee Sentenced for Fraud, WCAB Updates Subpoenas - Do You Need Them?, New Non-Opioid Pain Killer in Late Stage Trials, InsurTech Pilot Launches Farm Worker Program.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. No Medical Marijuana for Maine Injured Workers, Former NBA Player to Serve 5 Years for Fraud Scheme, So. Cal. Man to Serve 26 Years for Counterfeit Opioids, Santa Maria Insurance Agent Pleads Guilty, DWC Announces New Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Cal/OSHA Fines Company $205K for Forklift Fatality, First 3D Color X-ray Dramatically Improves Diagnostics, Drug Makers Slammed for Recent Price Hikes, FDA Okays Late-Stage Trials of Non Opioid Pain Drug, Five Carriers Form Blockchain Alliance for Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Daniel Capen M.D. - and Dozens More - Indicted, Southland Psychiatrist Arrested, So. Cal. Pharmacy Settles DEA Charges, $647K in Penalties for Farm Labor Wage Theft, Drugmakers Battle PBMs Over Copay Manipulation, Jones Targets Comp Carrier Profits and Tax "Savings", Gov Brown Appoints Non-Attorney to WCAB, AI Defeats Physician In Diagnostic Competition.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. No Jurisdiction Over NFL Player's Injuries - Affirmed, Illicit Opioid Sales Skyrocket on "Dark Net", Uninsured Contractor Pleads Guilty, WCIRB Says 2017 Combined Loss Ratio Drops to 91%, WCIRB Considering Use of Blockchain Technology, Janitorial Companies Face July 1 PSWPA Registration Deadline, 2019 TTD Rates to Increase Nearly 3%, Robotic Doctor Passes Medical License Exam, Silicon Valley High Burn Out Rate Health Risks, FDA Approves First Cannabis Based Drug.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CIGA Prevails in Dispute over Lumbermens Liquidation, Ronald Grusd M.D. to Serve 10 Years in Prison, Three More Pacific Hospital Indictments, Fraud Ring Insurance Adjuster to Serve 10 Years, CWCI Finds Public Self-Insured Losses Improving, IMR Results Continue at 91% Uphold Rate, DWC Sets MTUS Update Hearing, CalChamber Releases 2018 Job Killer List, Purdue Pharma Ends OxyContin Sales Force, Benzodiazepines and Opioids - a Deadly Combination.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Properly Worded C&R Also Releases FEHA Claims, C&R Addendum Did Not Release Civil Liability, Exclusive Remedy Exception Requires Extreme & Outrageous Conduct, States Now Sue Walgreens for Opioid Crisis, MSP Class Action Firm Sanctioned in State Farm Case, Lodi Orthopedic Surgeon to Face Fraud Changes, San Diego Psychologist Charged With $2.2M Fraud, Man Sentenced for Farm Labor $500K EDD Fraud, EU Joins International Effort Restraining Antibiotic Use, Corporate America Frustrated with Rising Health Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Couple Checking on Neighbor Was "Active Law Enforcement", New SCOTUS Ruling ends NY Uber Workers' Comp Class Action, SCOTUS Declines to Solve $1B Liberty Mutual Problem, Bay Area Doctor and Interpreter Face Fraud Charges, Oxnard Janitorial Owner to Serve 1 Year for Fraud, Riverside QME Faces Fraud Charges,Bakersfield Chiro Pleads Guilty to Comp Fraud, Employees of Two Riverside Companies Arrested, DWC Suspends 18 More Medical Providers, SCIF Reduces Opioid Prescriptions by 60%.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Known Undocumented Workers Prevail on Wage and Hour Claim, Pfizer to Pay $23.8M to Resolve Kickback Claim, Anthem SIU Investigator Charged in $20M Fraud Scheme, Bay Area Pain Doctors Pay $260K to Resolve DEA Charges, RAND Reports on Return-To-Work Fund, URAC Accredits TRISTAR® for Utilization Management, CDI Criticizes Carriers for Excessive Comp Premiums, Federal Right to Try Drug Law Passed.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Sides With Employers on Arbitration Agreements, Cal Supreme Court Sets Hearing in CompPartners Case, No Homeowner Liability for Construction Workers' Death, Fraud Rings Infect Rural Hospitals, Riverside Chiropractor Arrested, Landscaper Pleads Guilty to Double Dipping, Appellate Court Affirms Correctional Officer Fraud Conviction, State Bar Adopts 69 New Rules of Professional Conduct, More Names Placed on DWC Suspension List, Reserving for a Lifetime Award - a Moving Target.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California and DOJ Join LA Whilstleblower Case Against Insys, President of Fresno Health Care Plan Pleads Guilty, Silicon Valley Orthopedist Sent to Prison, Fraud Claim May Close Sonoma West Medical Center, Three Running for California Insurance Commissioner, HHS "American Patients First" Plans to Lower Drug Prices, California Bill To Ban Patient Brokering and Reduce Fraud, FDA Approves First Non-Opioid - for Opioid Withdrawal, Managing Post-Operative Pain Without Opioids, Worldwide Facilities adds Workers' Compensation Products.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Settles with Valeant Pharmaceuticals for $1.875M, 30 California Counties Join Opiate Litigation, U.S. Attorneys Sue California Stem Cell Treatment Center, Security Company Owner Arrested for $3.2M Fraud, Michael E. Barri D.C. Sentenced to One Year in Prison, Feds Provide Example of Fleshing Out Kickbacks, DWC to Amend Med-Legal Fee Schedule, Walmart and Sam's Club Impose Opioid Prescription Fill Limits, Former Zenefits CEO Surrenders Insurance License, Commercial Lines Premiums Increase - Except for Comp.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Uses "ABC" Test for Employment Finding, Judge Rejects Lien Claimants' Motion for DIR Contempt, Civil Qui Tam Action Affirmed for Fraudulent C&R, Sealed DEA Database Helps Opioid Litigants, Arrested for Collecting TD on 2 Claims While Working on 3 Jobs, 5 Indicted in Navy Insurance Fraud Scheme, Imperial County Woman Sentenced for Insurance Fraud, DWC Adjusts Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Section of OMFS, Scientists Ponder Cell Phone CT Brain Tumor Claims, AI Expected to be Center of Health Care Strategies.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Modesto Physician Arrested in Opioid Case, Physician to Serve 5 Years for Illegal Prescribing, Another LAPD Officer Arrested for Comp Fraud, Comp Lawyer to Serve 10 Years for $26M Fraud, Hacker Attack Group Targets Healthcare Sector, Hospitals Forced to Post Standard Prices, DIR Publishes Documentation on Flagged Lien Claims, NCCI Publishes Study on Opiate Crisis in Comp, Express Scripts Says Drug Pricing Model is "Broken", Drug Makers Accused of Price Gouging - Again.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Dismisses Injured Worker RICO and Qui Tam Claims, Gynecologist Disciplined for Sexual Misconduct Now Comp Doctor, Ambulance Co. Employee to Serve 36 Months for $1.1M Fraud, DWC Updates Formulary List, Curing Patients NOT a Sustainable Business Model, FDA in Favor of First Cannabis-Derived Drug, Amazon Scraps Plan to Enter Pharmacy Business, GE Ships Off-the-Shelf Biotechnology Factories, Travelers Streamlines Digital Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. First Opioid Cost Recovery Trial Set for March 2019, Whistleblower Accuses Ventura County of $100M Medical Fraud, Physicians Convicted in Compound Medication Fraud, Owner of Ventura Cleaning Service Guilty of Premium Fraud, Salinas Caregiver Guilty of Fraud Charges, Deputy Sheriff Sentenced in Comp Fraud Case, Federal Health Care Fraud Program Recovers $2.4B in 2017, Interpreters Slam Proposed Fee Regulations, Opioid and Compound Med Spend Declines in Comp Claims, CVS Launches Drug Price Transparency Tool.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Fraud Arrests Made at So. Cal Rehab Center, Four Arrested in Riverside Surgical Center Fraud, Public Adjuster Sentenced to 10 Years, Christine Baker Retires as Head of DIR, WCIRB Suggests Mid-Year 7.2% Rate Decrease, DWC Proposes Amended Interpreter Fee Regulations, DOJ to Craft Non-Monetary Remedies in MDL Opioid Cases, Cal/OSHA Gets Tough on Unsafe Roofer, New CMS Opioid Rules May Lower MSA Costs, NCCI Studies Cost Shifting from Work Comp to Social Security.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Approves Electronic Signatures on Lien Forms, Homeowner Protected by Exclusive Remedy Rule, Some Prefer State Over Federal Courts in Opiate Litigation, Florida "Rogue Rehabs" Invade California, UCSF Surgeon Convicted on Oxycodone Charges, Foster Farms Worker Sentenced for Fraud, California Spends $738M on Ineligible Medi-Cal Enrollees, DWC Suspends 27 More Vendors, DIR Publishes Progress Report on Anti-Fraud Efforts, "Precision Medicine" to Replace "Trial and Error" Treatment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Punitive Damages Upheld Against Uninsured Employer, No Settement - Yet - in Opioid MDL Litigation, Drugmaker Bribes Doctors with Lap Dances to Prescribe Opioid, Silicon Valley Medical Startup Resolves Fraud Charges, Ventura Medical Biller to Serve 210 Days for Fraud, Fraud Unit Compliance Check Finds 50% of Employers Fail, Feds Promise Action to Lower Drug Prices, CWCI Elects Directors for 2018, A.I. as Accurate as Pathologist at Cancer Diagnosis, Indivior Loses Opioid Treatment Patent Suit.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Pending Case Pivotal in Health Care Fraud Litigation, Employer's Obligation to Provide Interactive Process is Continuous, So. Cal. Physician to Serve 13 Years for Drug Trafficking, L.A. Drug Treatment Center Owner Sentenced to 11 Years, Temp Agency CEO Convicted of Premium Fraud, Ventura Hospital Worker Sentenced in Fraud Case, Researchers Say a Third of CT and MRI Scans Unnecessary, IMR Physicians Upheld 91% of UR Treatment Denials, Injured Workers' Opioid Prescriptions Decline.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reverses WCAB on T.D. Past 5 Years, Court Limits City's Indemnification for Comp Loss, No Evidence of Equitable Estoppel in Volunteer's Injury Claim, Camp Bootcamp, Inc., Cited for $8.3M Wage Theft Violations, Hospital Worker Defrauds Social Security - for 19 Years!, 32 Year LAPD Veteran Arrested for Comp Fraud, Can California Single-Payer Proposal Replace Comp?, DWC Suspends Ten More Providers, Experts Alarmed at Decline of QMEs, JAMA Study - NSAIDs as Effective as Opioids for Chronic Pain.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Consideration of Cancer "Latency Period" Required for AOE-COE, OSHA Citation Upheld for Failure to Fully Complete Form 300 Log, DOJ Claims Interest in Multi-District Opioid Litigation, Prosecutors Arrest So. Cal. Lap-Band Surgeons for $250M Fraud, Victorville Physician Arrested for Illegal Opioid Prescriptions, Red Bluff City Councilman Gets Jail Time for Comp Fraud, California Voters to Revisit Billion Dollar Stem Cell Funding, FDA Approves Non-Opioid Pain Patch, QME Costs Level Off - or are Declining, Ride Share Drivers Reluctant to Take E.R. Patients.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Philip Sobol Sent to Lompoc Prison for 21 Months, Anthem Accuses Sonoma West Med Center of Fraud Scheme, DWC Suspends Popular AME - As He Remains in Jail, New Employment Laws For 2018, Are Anti-Depressant Drugs Effective?, Fierce Competition Drives Novartis From Generic Drugs, Growing Acceptance of Acupuncture for Pain, Crawford & Company/Broadspire Opens in Australia.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Ct. Allows Big Fines for Workplace Safety Violations, Federal Court Says Grubhub Driver is Independent Contractor, Attorneys Now Taking Opiod Cases on Contingency, Urine Drug Testing Becomes "Liquid Gold" for Fraudsters, Couple Sentenced for Making Fake Oxycodone from Fentanyl, Central District of California Prosecutors Recovered $220M Last Year, Aetna Faces CDI Probe Following Medical Director Deposition, One Shot Addiction Injection Arriving in February, OxyContin Maker Cuts Aggressive Marketing Staff, USI Publishes its 2018 Insurance Market Outlook.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCIF - H-Wave® Settlement Opens Drug Free Pain Solution, Building Owner Not Responsible for Death of Window Washer, Three Indian Tribes Now Sue Opiate Drugmakers, Fentanyl Drug Maker Resists Subpoenas in State Probe, Former DOJ Prosecutor Pleads Guilty After Cupertino Hotel Sting, Woman Arrested for Shopping 80 Doctors for Pain Pills, DOJ Enforcement Focus Shifts to Nonmedical Provider Fraud, Feds Map Out Plan to Lower Prescription Drug Prices, NCCI Publishes Medicare Set-Asides: 2018 Update, Another Link for CT Cancer Claims for Cell Phone Use?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. New York Jumps on Opiate Litigation Bandwagon, Overturned Compactor Injury Not Sudden or Extraordinary, Court of Appeal Reviews Automatic Disqualification of Law Firm, Salinas Urologists Resolve Kickback and Self Referral Claims, Arrests Made in San Diego Compounded Meds Scam, Tustin Podiatrist Faces Extradition for Insurance Fraud, DWC Suspends 11 More Providers, Telehealth Expected to Save Taxpayers Billions, Amazon, Berkshire, JPMorgan Form Healthcare Company, Harvard Engineering Students Accurately Identify Medical Fraud.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th Circuit Affirms Dismissal of SCIF RICO Litigation, Want Opioids? - Just Google "Fentanyl for Sale", NFL Player Sentenced for $1.5M Comp Fraud With Adjuster, LAPD Valley Traffic Officer Arrested, FDA and FTC List 12 Fake Opioid Addiction Products, DEA Now Allows More Physicians to Prescribe Buprenorphine, Report Claims Medicaid Helps Drive Opioid Crisis, VA Partners With CMS to Fight Fraud, More Guesses on 2018 Workers' Compensation Trends, MEMIC Ranked Top Comp Carrier in U.S.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rejects Zuniga IMR Constitutional Challenge, Judge Orders $2M Money Judgment Against Philip Sobol M.D., Michael D. Drobot to Serve 63 Months in Prison, Andrew Jarminski M.D. License Restricted by Medical Board, LAPD Employee Arrested for Exaggerated Comp Claim, FDA Plans to Restrict Drug Compounders, Burbank Approves Expedited AME List for Firefighters, 450 Hospitals Plan to Manufacture Generic Drugs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Chastises 100 Attorneys at Consolidated Opiod Hearing, City of L.A. Files Misclassification Lawsuit in Port Trucking Dispute, Michael D. Drobot Forfeits $10M, Including Classic Car Collection, Operator of Assisted Living Facilities Cited for Wage Theft, Visalia Public Employee Says Arrest was "Retaliation" for Comp Claim, Insurance Broker Sentenced for Stealing Comp Premiums, Proposed Law Expands Scope of Employment, DWC Suspends President of Premiere Medical Management, Sedgwick Maps Out Industry Trends for 2018, Allianz Invests $59M in Digital Telehealth Platform.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Kmart Pharmacies Settle Overbilling Case for $32 Million, Partners Killed in Long Beach Applicant's Firm, So. Cal. DME Suppliers Arrested in $24M Fraud, DWC Suspends 28 More Medical Providers, "Legal" Medical and Recreational Marijuana - or Maybe Not, California Fatal Industrial Injuries Slightly Lower, Cal/OSHA Fines Employer $31K for Bee Sting Fatality, New Year Drug Price Increases "Limited" to 10%, Ride-Sharing Cuts Ambulance Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Qui Tam IFPA Litigation Available for Comp Fraud, Cal Supreme Ct. Opens Drugmaker Liability Door, Court Has Broad Discretion to Award Restitution in Fraud Case, Jury Convicts Saratoga Doctors, WCIRB Reports a Relatively Good Year for Carriers, Officials Say California is "Wild West" for Recovery Centers, Another Drugmaker "Buy-and-Raise" Deal Surfaces, Opioid Overdose Deaths Migrates to the Workplace, Hospitals Outperform Outpatient Centers Spine Surgeries, TeleRehab Gains Traction in Workers' Compensation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Exclusive Remedy Not Applicable to Employer Assault, PhRMA Files Suit to Invalidate SB 17 Drug Law, Jury Convicts Ronald Grusd M.D., Premium Fraud Discovered After Double Death Claim, LAUSD Teacher Sentenced For Disability Fraud, Jurors Sometimes Sleep During Complex Trials, California Officials Publish Cell Phone Health Warning, Contractors Fined $147K for Safety Violations, Healthcare Analytics Market Projects 27.3% Annual Growth, Workers' Compensation is Highest Risk Sector.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Big Pharma is Having a Big Tobacco Moment, Montana AG Sues Opiate Drugmakers, Jury Convicts So. Cal. Doctor of Drug Trafficking, NBA Player Pleads Guilty in Comp Kickback Case, DWC to Implement Final Drug Formulary, City of L.A. Carve Out Agreement Approved by DWC, Reserving for Lifetime Benefits - The Guessing Game, CVS Health Corporation to Buy Aetna Inc. for $69 Billion, Patriot National to Enter Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chubb Rolls out "ESIS Care" Solution.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Exclusive Remedy Bars Workplace Safety Fraud Claim, Oral Argument Set in Zuniga IMR Challenge, L.A. Ambulance and Dialysis Employees Plead to $6.6M Fraud, OC Janitorial Company Accused of Under Reporting Payroll, Scripps Hospital Employees Involved in Kickback Scheme, FDA Discusses New "Accelerated Approval" Pathway, Patients Unhappy With Doctors Who Say "No!", Does the PTP Actually Review Urine Test Results?, WCMSA Requires Funds for Opiates Exceeding Guidelines, California Employers at High Risk for Employee Lawsuits.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Subrogation Includes "All Benefits" Paid by Employer, Post Injury Accommodations Must Relate to a Disability, Francis Stevens Case Headed Back to Court of Appeal, Drugmaker Pays $625M to Resolve Federal Probe, Federal Judge Rejects Drugmaker Plea Deal, DWC Suspends Nine More Medical Providers, Comp Attorney Suspended - Union Official Sentenced, Ask a Veteran - Is a "Catastrophic Injury" Always That Disabling?, Technology Tackles Medication Compliance Problems, Is Artificial Intelligence Better than a Radiologist?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. AIG Files Fraud Lawsuit Built on Plea Agreement Admission, Travelers Dodges Opiate Civil Litigation Coverage Bullet, Widow of Firefighter Gives Up on Death Benefits, DWC Suspends 21 More Providers, 7th Year of Sim Carlisle Hoffman M.D. Fraud Prosecution, Chatsworth Medical Suppliers Sentenced, Medicare Spends $4.1B on Opioids Yearly, FDA to Force Drugmakers to Pull Painkilers, SCS for Back Pain - Another Opioid Alternative, CBT for Chronic Pain - Another Opioid Alternative.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 45 States Sue 18 Drug Companies for Price Fixing, Counties and Cities to Consolidate 66 Opioid Lawsuits, Orange County Lab Owner Sentenced to 8 Years, Billionaire Drugmaker Arrested in Fentanyl Kickback Case, Suspended Provider List Grows to 52 Vendors, Updated MTUS Treatment Guideline Effective December 1, CDI Lowers Advisory Comp Rates by 17.1%, New Law Proposed for Peace Officer Vegas Shooting Victims, Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (CRFA) Helps Knee Pain, Aetna Considers Merger with CVS Health.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Stakeholders Challenge TD Awarded After 5 Year Limit, More Controversy Over Vegas Shooting Comp Claims, Judge Issues "Partial" Injunction Against Lien Stay Law, En Banc WCAB Moves 1200 Lien Cases to Hearing, Purdue Pharma Faces Criminal OxyContin Probe, DWC Proposes New Notices for Denied Claims, FDA Supports Substitution Over Abstinence for Opioid Addiction, New QME Study Shows Less Evaluator "Bias", Hartford to Acquire Aetna’s Life, Disability Businesses.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Panel Allows "Interrogatory" in Comp Litigation, O.C. Deputies File Comp Claims for Vegas Shooting, DOJ Attempts Prosecution of Chinese Nationals for Illegal Fentanyl, AFLAC Employee Gets 10 Years for Fake Disability Claims, CWCI Reports on New 2018 Comp Related Law, 60 Minutes - Washington Post Investigates 2016 Opioid Friendly Law, Fallout from 60 Minutes Opiate Expose Hits Proposed Drug Czar, Brown Vetos Anti-Apportionment Law - for Third Year, State of Emergency Declared Over Hepatitis A Outbreak, Is California Competitive Enough for Amazon's New HQ?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Khristine Erosevich M.D. Challenges Suspension Law in Federal Court, Convicted Fraudulent Claimant May be Awarded Benefits, Closing Brief Filed in Eduardo Anguizola M.D, Federal Case, Rancho Mirage Surgeon Sentenced to 20 Years for $44M Fraud, Fresno County Administrator Stole Health Care Funds, Farm Worker Identity Theft Leads to Fake Unemployment Claims, SB 17 - New Law Promotes Drug Price Transparency, DWC Suspends 3 More Providers for Fraud, DWC Adjusts OMFS Inpatient Hospital Section, Amazon.com Considers Prescription Drug Market Entry.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Newly Joined Defendants Protected by Statute of Limitation, TD and PD Awarded For UR/IMR Denied Treatment, Hartford Faces West Coast Medicare Double Damage Test Case, Lien Claimants Tell Federal Judge DIR "Corralled" the Legislature, Glendale Physician Sentenced to 37 Months in Fraud Case, DWC Backtracks on List of Dismissed Liens, Eight More Vendors Added to DWC Suspension List, FDA Adds "Drug Prices" to Approval Policies, New Osteoarthritis Medication Reduces Bone Damage, New Cigna Opioid Strategy - Contracted Financial Dosage Metrics.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Disgruntled QMEs Sue DWC to Renew Certifications, Final Brief Filed in Lien Stay Constitutional Challenge, Going and Coming Rule Precludes Employer Tort Liability, Feds Accuse Tenet Healthcare of $400 Million Fraud, Another Drugmaker Pleads Guilty - Pays $40M Fine, Governor Signs AB 1422 - Lien Fraud Clean Up Bill, DWC Adjusts DMEPOS Section of OMFS, FDA Orders 74 Opioid Drugmakers to Train Doctors, Sessions Identifies California as Opioid "Hot-Spot", Acupuncture, Electrotherapy Reduced Opioid Use.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lien Claimants Say Judge Levy was "Seriously Misleading", Take Nothing in Comp Psyche Case Binding in FEHA Claim, Orthopedic QME Fraudulent Concealment Case Dismissed, Feds Wrap up Drug Cases Against Fountain Valley Clinic, San Diego Deputy Sheriff Charged in Fraud Case, Illegally Uninsured L.A. Garment Manufacturers Cited, FDA to Enforce New Compounded Drug Law, DWC Suspends 6 More Providers, DWC Adjusts Hospital Outpatient-Ambulatory Surgical Centers OMFS, S.F. Based Zenefits "Rebrands" After Insurance License Violations.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another High Court to Rule on Comp Marijuana, New MSA Workers’ Compensation Review Contractor (WCRC), First State Adopts Generic Drug Price-Gouging Law, CDI Approves WCIRB Regulatory Filing, DWC Makes Adjustments to OMFS, CWCI Study Says IMR Process Tapering Off, Geographic Dimensions of California Opioid Abuse, Generic Drugmakers to Exploit "Tribal Immunity", Ridesharing Transforms Comp Medical Transportation, CopperPoint Mutual Buys Pacific Comp.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another State Sues Opioid Drugmakers, No Ruling Yet on Lien Stay Challenge, Former CHP Officer Pleads No Contest to Comp Fraud, DWC Adds Modifications to Drug Formulary, WCIRB Now Recommends 2% Rate Reduction for 2018, Synthetic Painkiller not Heroin is Deadliest Drug In America, New, Deadly, and Untreatable Hospital Acquired Infections, Charles Taylor Acquires Metro Risk Management.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Gives Applicant Second Chance, Arizona Sues "Unethical and Greedy" Opioid Drugmaker, Irvine DNA Lab Enters Receivership Following FBI Probe, Katherine Zalewski to Chair WCAB, DWC Publishes Dismissed Lien Database, CWCI Studies Mental Health Relationship With Opiate Use, Opoid Abuse Starts With Non-Adherence to Best Practices, 80% of Physical Therapists Face Patient Sexual Harassment, 2017 Benchmark Survey Shows "Surprisingly Stable" Industry, RIMS Panel Discusses Comp "Medical" Marijuana.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Exclusive Remedy Protects General and Special Employer, Pharmacy Settles Kickback Claims, San Diego Prosecutors Pursue Compounding Pharmacy, Chula Vista Restaurant Fined $274,000 for Wage Theft, AB-570 Anti-Apportionment Bill Alive- But Not Well, Santa Ana Pain Physician License Pulled, New Surgery Reconnects Sensory Neurons to Spinal Cord, Hospitals Going Broke.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Mylan Pharma Finalizes $465M Settlement, South Carolina Sues Purdue Pharma - Again!, So. Cal. Employer Faces $6.3M Wage Theft Claim, DWC to Dismiss 292,000 Liens, DWC Suspends Five More Medical Providers, Film Industry Safety Problems Claim Tom Cruise, Study Measures Fire Station Air Quality Cancer Risk.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Limits Exclusive Remedy Protection For Co-Workers, Drobot, Sobol Face August Lien Hearings, CVS Faces "Fraudulent" Clawback Pricing Class Action, FBI Probes Orange County Addiction Center Empire, Hospital Pays $10m For Stem Cell Research Fraud, Opioid Abuse Just Declared A "National Emergency", DWC Proposes ACOEM Modifications to MTUS, DEA Proposes 20% Reduction in Opiate Manufacturing, WCIRB Proposes 0.5% Rate Increase For Next Year, WC Sector Improved "Significantly" Since 2011.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SIBTF Benefits Begin When TD Ends, Exclusive Remedy Ends Suit Against NFL Teams, California Recovers $4.7M in Drugmaker Fraud Case, 12 Arrested as 7 Sham LA Medical Clinics Closed, VA Clamps Down on Veteran Disability Fraud, Dana Point Internist Surrenders License, DOJ Unveils New "Opioid Fraud And Abuse" Unit, CWCI Says Formulary "Major Step" Forward, Updated CMS Guide Expands Rights to MSA "Appeals", Industry Predicts Much Lower Generic Drug Prices.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CIGA Covers Defunct Excess Carrier Claim, Tom Cruise Film Litigation Raises Industry Safety Questions, Superseding Indictment Filed Against Ronald Grusd M.D., So. Cal. School Aid Sentenced in Fraud Case, Fraud Defense Firms Expect Nationwide Growth, Automation Pursues Highly Paid Doctor's Jobs, Drugmakers Profit by Premature Drug Expiration Dates, DWC Modifies Proposed Drug Formulary Regs, DWC Reports 441,578 Liens to be Dismissed, DWC Publishes New Annual IMR Report.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Dismissal of Applicant Attorney Malpractice Claim Affirmed, USC Medical School Dean Parties with Prostitutes and Drugs, First Frontline Defendant Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case, Retailer to Pay $7.6 M Restitution - or Serve 17 Years, Broker Faces 16 Years for MSA Embezzlement, Former Police Officer to Serve 6 Months for Comp Fraud, Cal/OSHA and Chevron Settle Safety Citation Appeal, City of Santa Monica Struggles With Comp Costs, Comp Compounds, Opioids Decrease - Generics Increase, Generic Drugmakers Brace for "Flood" of New Drugs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Calls for Additional Briefing in SB1160 Challenge, WCAB Reversed on Deputy Sheriff AOE-COE Finding, IMR Opinion Valid Despite Time Limit Violations, CVS Pays $5M to Resolve DEA Opioid Probe, Walmart Resolves Pharmacy Billing Claims for $1.65M, 412 Arrested in $1.3 Billion Fraud Takedown, Californians Named in Largest Fraud Takedown, Los Altos Acupuncturist Faces 6 Year Sentence, Santa Barbara Orthopedist "Under Investigation", Spinal Fusion has "Significantly Negative Impact" on RTW.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Affirms Terms of Liberty Mutual "Guaranteed Cost" Policy, LA Hospital Pays $42 Million in Kickback Case, Targeting Transnational Organized Medical Fraud, DWC Updates DMEPOS Fee Schedule, WCIRB Launches 2018 Experience Modification Estimator, Drugmaker Withdraws Long-Acting Opiod Painkiller, Drug Makers Trying AI to Speed Drug Discovery, Orthopedic Surgical Robots Battle for Market Share.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Rejects Overtime Class Action Against TPA, Healthcare Security Breach Settles for $115 Million, Comp Attorney and Kickback Conspirator Face Sentencing, O.C. Contractor to Serve Year in Jail for Fraud, RAND Reports on Workers' Comp Fraud, Lien Claimants Face Friday Deadline, Ethics Committee Finds 6 Cases of WCJ Misconduct, California Universal Health Care Bill Tabled - For Now, Opioid Prescribing Drops - Illegal Drugs Increase.
Troy Slaten, Esq. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. No Apportionment Allowed for Failed Surgery, Going and Coming Rule Clarified, Frances Stevens IMR Battle Continues at WCAB, So What's So Unconstitutional About Comp?, 1 Doctor Prescribed 4 Million Opiods in 5 Years, Providence Scheduling Fined $100,000 in Kickback Case, 14 Arrested in Silicon Valley Insurance Fraud Ring, TD and PD Rates Set to Increase in January, Researchers Say Yoga Effective for Low Back Pain, Funeral Services Scheduled for Michael Laughlin Esq.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Supreme Court Ruling Expedites New Drugs, Attorney General Responds to SB 1160 Challenge, East Bay Restaurant Owners Plead Guilty, So. Cal. Dentist Charged with Insurance Fraud, Is it Medical Research or a Kickback Scheme?, DWC Approves Telemedicine for Major MPN, OMFS Physician Practitioner Services Adjusted, Medical Device "Cash for Clunkers" Buy Back Proposed, Drugmakers Developing Non-Opioid Pain Meds, Doctors Need AI to Find Evidence Based Medicine.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Gravlin Petition for Review Dismissed, Berkshire Hathaway Resolves Case With CDI, Ten Work Comp Attorneys Face Fraud Charges, "Recovery" Center Owner and Capper Arrested, DWC Suspends Pasadena Psychiatrist, California Reaches "Turning Point" in Fraud Fighting, Health Care Fraud Remains DOJ Priority, Data Analysis Uncovers More Fake Medical Studies, Opioid Alternatives - Backing Ourselves Into a Corner.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Teva Settles Santa Clara/Orange County Opioid Suit, Ohio Files Lawsuit Against Opioid Drugmakers, Feds Double Down on Price Gouging Drugmaker, Two Lies are Separate Perjury Counts, Janitorial Owner Faces $32M Fraud Case, Data Analytics Identifies Fraud Targets in Seconds, Opioid Abuse Cost California $4.2 Billion Annually, Berkshire Hathaway biBERK Grows Online Comp Sales.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Indicted Physician Challenges Lien Law, WCAB Apportions CT Award Across Two Cases, Drugmaker Execs Now Cooperating With Feds, CVS Omincare Settles Fraud Case - Again!, 5 Charged in OC Urine Testing Fraud Case, Los Gatos Pain Physician Sentenced to 4 Years, CDI Suggests 16.5% Comp Premium Reduction, California Universal Health Care to Cost $400 Billion, G20 Health Ministers Pledge Antibiotic Action Plan, Tesla Factory Has High Serious Injury Rates.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another County Sues Drugmakers for Opiod Epidemic, Feds Sue UnitedHealth Twice in One Month, Indictment Claims Turlock Physician Defrauded Blue Cross, DWC Suspends Two More Vendors, California Proposes a "Pigouvian" Tax on Opioids, CWCI Reports 99% Compliance With ICD-10, Mona Garifias Appointed to CHSWC, California Comp is "Healthy and Stable", Express Scripts Expands with Aquisition of myMatrixx, Liberty Mutual Ends Work Injury Research Center.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Carrier has Right to "Retroactively" Rescind Policy, Johnson & Johnson Under Federal Probe - Again!, Aspen Medical Defendants Convicted in Orange County, Sleep Therapy Supplier Pays $11.4 Million in Fraud Case, Lancaster Clinic Pays $3 Million in Fraud Case, Drs. Sobol, Heric and Two Other Providers Suspended, One-Third of New FDA Approved Drugs Unsafe, New JAMA Study Confounds Life Expectancy Estimates.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rejects Interpreter's SB 1160 Challenge, Appellate Ruling Blocks Anthem - Cigna Merger, Walgreens Resolves Whistleblower Claim for $10 Mil, Quest Diagnostics Resolves Kickback Case for $6 Mil, San Francisco Comp Clinic Owner Charged, Aliso Viego Lab Owner Found Guilty in Fraud Case, Salinas Packers Plead Guilty in Fraud Case, Uninsured Rialto Contractor Arraigned, DWC Reports Final Steps for Drug Formulary, Researchers Study Hospital Limits on Drug "Detailing".
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 3rd DCA Reinstates Apportionment Based on Genetics, Drugmakers take Biosimilar Case to Supreme Ct., Uber Engineer Suicide to Test Psyche Claim Law, Physical Therapists File Suit Against One Call, Prime Healthcare Fraud Trial Set for Feb 2018, Encino Dermatologist Settles Fraud Claim for $2.7 Mil, California Heads to Single Payer Health Care - Again, Everest Elected to WCIRB Governing Committee, Employer WC Lobbyists Head to DC, Press "Print" for New Knee Meniscus.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 2nd DCA Affirms Dismissal of Adjusters TPA Suit, Applicants Must Show "Competency" to Mange MSA, 26 Charged in $40 Million Comp Fraud Scheme, Operation "Psyched Out" Nabs More LA Pharmacists, Uninsured Cal Fire Contractor Faces Felonies, 3 New Provider Suspensions on DWC List, SCIF 2016 Premiums Decline, Lawmakers Considering DWC Fraud Unit, WCIRB Says Combined Ratio Drops to 96%, Is "Text Neck" a Cell Phone CT Epidemic?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Is There Subrogation Potential in Kimberly-Clark Class Action?, San Rafael Pharmacy Resolves DEA Dispute, Lawyers Troll Carriers for MSP Recoveries - Who's Next?, Reseda Clinic Owner to Serve 51 Month Sentence, DWC Spikes the Ball After WCIRB Announcement, Cigna Reduces Opioid Use 12%, National Academy Reports on Fake Medical Research, Orthopedists Review 30 Years of Advances.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Liability Policy has "No Potential" Comp Coverage, Major Carrier Faces $1 Billion Medicare Fraud Claim, CastlePoint Enters Final Liquidation Stage, O.C. Doctor Sentenced After Faking Own Death, FBI Operation Backlash Claims Another Plea Deal, OIG Publishes Healthcare Fraud Guidelines, WCIRB Committee Votes to Lower Comp Rates, Drug Makers Roll Back Prices After White House Pressure, DEA Wages Six Year War With Opioid Drugmaker, Antibiotics as Treatment for Psyche Claim?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Second Applicant UR/IMR Constitutional Challenge Fails, L.C. 5500.5 Does Not Set Statute of Limitations, DCA Interprets Volunteer Firefighter Cancer Presumption, WCAB Rejects SB 863 Limits on Psychiatric PD, L.A. Jury Awards $650K to Terminated Injured Worker, Employer and WC Consulting Firm Face 52 Felonies, San Jose Landscaper Arrested for Premium Fraud, Cal/OSHA $80K Citation Against Staffing Firm Upheld, EU to Ban 300 "Unreliable" Generic Drugs, Employers Say Psychosocial Issues Limit Claim Outcomes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Anthem Accuses Express Scripts of Price Gouging, LA Rite Aid Pharmacies Settle Fed Drug Charges, Can Employers Subrogate Against Opioid Drugmakers?, Prosecutors Struggle with Uwaydah Fraud Case, Convicted Employer Faces Premium Fraud Claims Again!, As IMR Volume Grows - 90% of UR Upheld, DWC Extends Deadline for RTW Supplement Program, "Medical" Marijuana Annual Market to be $50 Billion, CWCI Studies Spine Fusions, Chubb Comp Coverage - There's an App for That!
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Asks Court for Second Chance, Is Monsanto Mass Litigation a Subro Opportunity?, Munir Uwaydah M.D. Fraud Case(s) Get Nasty(ier), Janitorial Owners Guilty of Massive Premium Fraud, Apparel CEOs Guilty in $3.8 Million Fraud Case, Hearing on MTUS Drug Formulary Set for May 1, 9 Northern Counties Scored by CWCI Report, Study Says PT as Effective as Surgery for CTS, New Jersey Crackdown on Pain Doctors, Hiscox Enters California WC Insurance Market.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Limits Interest on Late Disability, Rehab Clinic Director to Serve Ten Year Sentence, O.C. Worker Arrested for Lying About Injury, Sting Catches Uninsured/Unlicensed Contractors, Salinas Restaurant Owner Guilty of Premium Fraud, Should 635 Physicians on Probation Tell Their Patients?, CWCI Appoints New Claims and Medical Director, AMA Honors California Insurance Commissioner, Faked Medical Research "Tip of the Iceberg", AssuredPartners to Purchase Keenan & Associates.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Orders Electronic Out-of-State Testimony, DOJ Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Arrested by FBI, EFTF Meeting - Identity Theft Growing Problem, DWC Reports on Terror Attack Treatment Delays, Congressmen Address Concerns at WCRI Conference, New SB 1160 Rules Take Effect on March 26, DWC Requests Comments on MTUS Amendments, Do Surgeons Bill for Multiple Surgeries at Same Time?, Doctors Misdiagnose Spine For Hip Pain, Harris Poll: Patients "Clueless" About Antibiotic Abuse.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Convicted Chiropractor Attacks New Law, Sleep Clinic Whistleblower Gets Half Million, Former Deputy Sheriff Guilty in "CrossFit" Fraud Case, Oakland Comp Attorney Pleads Guilty, HHS Fraud Prevention Focus May Change, Are CT Claims This Years Battleground?, OSIP Releases New Self Insured Forms, Study Says Ultrasound No Help for Fractures, FDA Rejects New Naloxone Intranasal Injector, Drug Monitoring Databases Cut Doctor Shopping 80%.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. North Hollywood Cab Driver was Employee, CDI Disallows Advertising Costs for Rate Calculation, DWC Suspends Collections for Seven Lien Providers, 15 Arrested in Unlicensed Contractor Sting, Officials Note Increase in Pharmacy Burglaries, Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy Fined for CSA Violations, CWCI Reviews Central Coast Claims, Employers Must Post Annual Injury and Illness Summaries, New Back Pain Guidelines Shun Medications.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Blocks Anthem - Cigna Merger, TeamHealth Settles Fraud Claim for $60 Million, Sacramento Chiropractor Arraigned in Fraud Case, WC Claims - What to Expect in 2017, AB 2883 Fallout - Premiums Double for Many Small Businesses, Study Says Drugmakers Influence Treatment Guidelines, Opioid Drugmaker Lobbying Ramps Up, Senators Probe Overdose Antidote 550% Price Surge, PBM Drug Prices Increased 11% in 2016, Spine care in 2017 - Spine Surgeons Make Predictions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. State Bar Suspends Defense Attorney Over PQME Dispute, Yates Memo Takes Down Another Executive, Campus Monitor Gets 30 Days in Fraud Case, 2016 Claim Audit Penalties Were Nearly $1.5 Million, DWC Sets QME Examination Next April, DWC Posts DMEPOS Fee Adjustments, FDA Expedites Drug Approvals - Hey, Not So Fast!, POTUS Meets with Drug Company CEOs, Researchers Say Health Records Have Poor Histories, Fibromyalgia in Men: Symptoms and Treatment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Affirms Broad CDI Rulemaking Authority, No Consent Needed to Send "Advocacy Letter" to AME, Judge Blocks Aetna - Humana Merger, FDA Stonewalls Congressional Criminal Investigation, DWC Adjusts Services Section of OMFS, Christine Baker Responds to NBC Bay Area Criticism, Angie Wei Reappointed as CHSWC Commissioner, Study Supports Possible Apportionment to "Frailty", Big PhRMA Launches Propaganda Campaign, Canada Takes Action Against Deadly Painkillers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drug Distributor Pays $150 Million Controlled Substance Act Penalty, DIR Orders Stay on $1 Billion Worth of Liens, Santa Barbara Targets Fraud With PSA, WCJ Deborah Whitcomb Appointed to Ethics Committee, PEOTUS Takes Aim at Big PhRM, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Once Again in Price Gouging Spotlight, Malpractice Laws Provide Little in Patient Benefits
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CIGA Defeats CMS "Excessive Demands" - So Far, New Jersey Comp Jumps off Medical Marijuana Cliff, L.A. Must Borrow Millions to Pay Unprecedented Claims, Details Emerge on Prescription Drug Black Market Supply Chain, Former Ventura Neurosurgeon to Serve 20 Years, Feds Wrap Up Fraud Case Against So. Cal Rehab Clinics, CDI Says "Foreign Government" Hacked Insurance Company, San Bernardino Comp Task Force to Review Terror Attack Aftermath, Cal/OSHA Responds to Tree-Trimming Fatalities, Researchers Draw 100 Conclusions About Marijuana.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Feds 2016 Fraud Recoveries Hit $4.7 Billion, Feds in Hot Pursuit of Compounders, California Loss Adjustment Costs Highest in Nation, DWC and WCAB Amend, Add Forms for Lien Filings, New Benefit Rates for 2017, Santa Monica Seeks 53% Increase in Comp Funding, AI to Replace Claim Department Workers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Purdue Pharma Accused of PBM "Quid Pro Quo" Payments, New NFL Federal Concussion Case Abruptly Withdrawn, DEA Targets Pharmacies for "Suspicious" Opiod Orders, Allstate Targets Fake LA Law Offices, Podiatrist Faces 10 Years in Kickback Case, Is Federal Comp a Lucrative "Luxury" Medical Fraud Target?, Drugmakers Use Flawed (or Fraudulent?) Generic Drug Trials, CWCI Finds So. Cal Leads State in CT Claims, FDA Approves First Artificially Regenerated Knee Cartilage,Are There Compensable Consequences from NSAID Use?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 20 States Sue 6 Drugmakers For Price Fixing, Supreme Court Clears Way for $1 Billion NFL Settlement, California Settles With Bristol-Myers Squibb, WCAB Panel Affirms "Untimely" IMR Decision, San Diego Capper Admits $5 Million Kickback Scheme, Quest Diagnostics Database Hacked, DWC to File Provider Suspension Procedure Regulations, DWC Adjusts DMEPOS Fee Schedule, DWC Reduces Mileage Reimbursement Rate, Drug Pricing Inflation "Restrained" in 2017.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Did Pandora's Box Just Open For Secondary Injuries to Families?, Hip Maker Hit With $1 Billion Jury Verdict, Exclusive Remedy Not Applicable to "Training" Robbery, Fresno Sleep Center Loses Whistleblower Retaliation Suit, Congress Overwhelmingly Passes New FDA Overhaul, Study Confirms SB 863 Medical Cost Savings, WCAB Proposes New Lien Claim Rules, U.S. Life Expectancy Declines for First Time in 23 Years, How to Hold a PTP Accountable for a Result, Memorial Services Set for Applicant Attorney David Ashton.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Judge Blocks DOL December 1 New Overtime Rule, QME/AME John Warbritton M.D. Under Federal Indictment, S.F. Based Zenefits to Pay $7 Million for Insurance License Violations, AFLAC Employee Convicted for $4 Million Disability Fraud, DOJ Launches Corporate Health Care Fraud Unit, Will Throwing Rogue Doctors Under the Bus Work?, DWC Posts Adjustments to Inpatient Hospital OMFS, DWC Appoints James R. Libien to EAC, Medical Marijuana - Without Any Marijuana!, Researchers Use fMRI to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Refusal to Strike AME Report "Without Prejudice" Not Appealable, Courts Have Broad Discretion to Order Restitution in Fraud Case, Physician Fakes Death to Avoid Fraud Charges, $176 Million Drug Treatment Fraud "First Wave" of Arrests, DME Particularly Susceptible to Physician Kickbacks, Post AB 1309 NFL Players Now Filing Comp Claims in Florida, Cal/OSHA Issues $130K Penalty for Rooftop Fall, DIR Report Shows Markedly Lower Rates of Injuries, Costs Vary "Wildly" From Pharmacy to Pharmacy, Carriers Report on Successful Opioid Reduction Programs
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. More Employers Sue Berkshire Hathaway Company. Constitutional Challenge to Comp System Dies in US Top Court. WCAB Has Jurisdiction Over UR Penalties and Sanctions. PA High Court to Rule on AMA Guides "Constitutionality". Device Maker Pays $36 Million in Misbranding Case. DOJ Expects Drugmaker Indictments by Year End. OIG Report Shows Home Health Care Industry "Ripe" With Fraud. CWCI Reports on Implications of New Marijuana Law. Santa Fe Springs Explosion Leads to Cal/OSHA Citation. Opioids Provide Only "Limited Relief" for Back Pain.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. State Farm Faces $7 Billion RICO Class Action. National Pharmacy Chain Pays $2.24 Million in Fraud Case. Chatsworth DME Operatives Guilty of $38 Million Fraud. CMS Walks Back Zero Allocation Approval New Requirement. Central Valley Injury Outcomes Better than State Average. DWC Announces Registration for Educational Conference. Opioid Medication Poisoning of Children and Teens "Surge". Nose Cells Used in Knee Cartilage Transplant. Blood Test Detects Early State Osteoarthritis. National Comp Pharmacy Costs Continue to Decrease.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Skilled Nursing Company Pays Back $145 Million in False Claims. DA Will Not Forgive Liberty Mutual's Forgiveness Program. Court Affirms $180K Administrative Penalty for Uninsured Employer. Going and Coming Rule is More Restrictive in Tort Cases. Former Senator Calderon Gets 42 Months in Prison. LA Occupational Therapist Guilty in $2.6 Million Fraud Case. Risk Manager Goes to Prison for Work Comp Embezzlement. "CrossFit" Orange County Sheriff Arrested on Fraud Charges. LA is Most Costly Region in the Most Costly State. More on How Hospitals Make You Sick.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Injured Sheriff Prevails in Medical Records Privacy Case. New Law Effects Comp Policy Coverage in January. CDI Orders Carrier to "Cease and Desist" Operations. Medicare Moves to Pay for Performance Model. CDI Approves Changes to WCIRB First Aid Reporting. DWC Launches MTUS Training for Physicians. Obamacare Now in "Death Spiral".
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Class Action Allowed for High Cost of Medical Record Copies. Predictive Analytics May Compromise Personal Privacy. Owner of L.A. DME Company Sentenced to Five Years. Former Prosecutor Profiles the Criminal Physician. CDI Awards $34.9 Million to Fight Workers’ Compensation Fraud. Study Says Comp Costs Increase as Benefits Decline. Oregon Study Ranks California as Most Costly Comp in Nation. Study Reviews Heart Attack AOE-COE Triggers. How Hospitals Make You Sick.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another Major Hospital Chain Resolves Fraud Charges for $.5 Billion. Labor Contractor Gets 9 Months Sentence in Payroll Fraud Case. Governor Vetoes Bill Exempting Comp Policy Oversight. New Law Clarifies RFA Filing Requirements. Governor Brown Vetoes Proposed Extension of Police/Firefighter Benefits. Governor Vetos CAAA Sponsored Limits on Apportionment. Governor Approves Major Changes to UR Process. Feds May Consider State Workers' Compensation Oversight. So How Many Doctors Are Getting Kickbacks Anyway?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Hospital Chain With California Facilities Settles Fraud Claims. Billing Companies New Target in Medical Fraud Cases. Santa Barbara Cop Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. Pharmacist and Clinic Owner Convicted for Fake Prescriptions. New Law Limits Employment Litigation - Law and Forum. Physician Review of CURES Database Becomes Mandatory. Governor Brown Vetoes SCIF Executive Hiring Law. WCJ Speaks Out on Independent Contractor Rules. California Health Care Workers' Claim Severity Treble National Average. DWC Announces IBR Determination Search Tool.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Sues Drugmakers for Billion Dollar Price Manipulation. So. Cal. Pain Medicine QME Arrested in Fraud Case. Final L.A. Health Care Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Defendant Sentenced. L.A. Jury Convicts Physician for Illegal Drug Prescriptions. Applicant Attorney Faces State Bar Suspension. Congressional Committee Blasts Drugmaker CEO. FDA Agents Claim Mismanagement Supports High Drug Prices. United Nations Acts to Combat Antibiotic Overuse. Hospitals Continue Overuse of Antibiotics. Big Pharma Growth Slows in Foreign Markets.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Workers' Comp "Opt-Out" Movement Faces Legal Setback. Berkshire Faces New Charges by Another Insured Employer. Trucking Company Settles Litigation Over Comp Coverage. Former Assemblyman Thomas Calderon Sentenced in Bribery Case. Hearing Set on Proposed RTW Supplement Program Rules. DWC Posts Amendments to Home Health Fee Schedule. Another Generic Drugmaker Targeted by DOJ Investigation. WCIRB Study Shows Decline in Drug Spending. Claimant Illegal Drug Use - What Are the Odds? Workers’ Compensation Enters "Soft Market Phase."
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Allstate Wins Second L.A. Fraud Civil Judgment. Uber Wins Next Round in Classification Battle. California Claimants Lose RICO Case Against TPAs. Berkshire Hathaway Stipulates to EquityComp Cease and Desist Order. New Indictment Involves Executive Director of Surgical Center. FDA Sets Long Awaited Hearing on Off Label Medication Use. WCIRB Thinks Proposed Law Means Lower Comp Rates. DWC Posts Adjustments to OMFS.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. El Cajon Pain Physician Arrested for Illegal Prescribing. Two LA Doctors Arrested for Drug Crimes With Crips Street Gang. OC Claimant to Serve Six Months for Double Dipping. Injured Worker's Continued Threats to Others Leads to Fourth Conviction. Study Shows "Better-Insured" Patients are "Over Treated." CWCI Study Quantifies Savings with Proposed Drug Formulary. DWC Posts Draft Drug Formulary Regulations for Public Comment. WCRI Says Surgical Payments Vary Significantly Across States Health Net Fined for Attempting to Limit Whistleblowers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Health Carriers Sued for Defrauding Medicare. Indemnification Clause Obligates Employer to Pay Injured Employee Tort Claims. Indicted or Convicted Criminals Filed $600 Million in Liens. CDI Ignores Photograph and Arrests Wrong Elderly Fraud Suspect. Pasadena Physician Sentenced to Four Years in Fraud Case. Indian Tribe PEO Organizer Gets Prison Sentence. Drug Maker's Free Meals Change Physician Prescribing Patterns. Researchers Say Drug Prices Are Based on "What the Market Will Bear." CWCI Publishes Regional Scorecard Series. Cell Captives Becoming Popular Self-Insurance Tool.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Permits Settlement of SJDB With "Thomas" Finding. 9th Circuit Says DOJ Cannot Prosecute Marijuana Violators. DCA Says WCAB Has Jurisdiction Over CHP 4800.5 Benefits. Yates Memo Leads to Corporate Healthcare Executive Convictions. DWC Publishes Updated MTUS With Opioid Guidelines. Yet Another Study Questions Value of Meniscus Surgery. New Study Supports Apportionment in Degenerative Joint Disease Claims. Aetna Announces Exit Plans for 70 Percent of ObamaCare Market.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employer's Failure to Provide DWC-1 Prevents Carriers' Laches Defense. Excess Carrier May Sue Primary Carrier for Failure to Settle Within Policy Limit. Sex Offender-Former Physician Caught Working at Valley Clinic. WCIRB Files Fourth Consecutive Premium Rate Decrease. CastlePoint Conservation and Liquidation Plan Hearing Set for September. Researchers Partially Reverse Paralysis. Three Popular Orthopedic Surgeries are Actually "Useless." Global Pressure Urges Drug Pricing Based on Outcomes. Wearable Technology May Be Employee Health "Game Changer." 9,000 Companies Left California in Last Seven Years.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Costs of Sub-Rosa Leading to Fraud Conviction Was "Wasteful" and "Unnecessary". Uber Tells Federal Judge - "Take it or Leave it". Irvine Medical Device Company Settles Claim After Executives Convicted. Parents of Deceased Police Officer Seek Damages For Claim Denial. Final Chapter on Ex-Senator Leland Yee Corruption Case. Court of Appeal Sustains Broker's Embezzlement Conviction. Another Health Care Organization Hacked! L.A. Basin Claim Frequency 30% Higher Than State Average. DIR Implements Mandatory Payroll Submission Requirements. Only 7 of Original 23 ObamaCare Co-Ops Remain Functional.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. New Law Says Goodbye to ACOEM Guidelines. Feds Pass Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. DWC Schedules QME Examination for October 29. CMS Provider "Integrity Efforts" Reduces "Pay-and-Chase" Losses. Marin Physician Gets Three Years in Prison for Illegal Opioids. Red Bluff City Councilman Faces Comp Fraud Charges. Researchers Report Long Term Effects of Head Trauma. FDA Approves Ablating Procedure for Back Pain. Half of Major Surgery Now Done With Robotic Techniques. Combining Medications Improve Fibromyalgia Outcomes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Feds Say "No" to Major Healthcare Mergers. WCAB Rules of Practice and Procedure Do Not Apply to UR Process. 53 Big Name Wrestlers File Concussion Class Action. Applicant Attorney Admits He Was "Greedy and Stupid." Bristol-Myers Squibb Settles Kickback Case for $30 Million. Owners of San Jose Chiro Spa Sentenced for Billing Fraud. Santa Barbara Contractor Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. HHS Proposes New Roadmap for Interoperability of Medical Records. Study Claims Fewer Painkillers Prescribed in 17 Medical Marijuana States.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Exclusive Remedy Protects Employer in Chair Injury Case. Appeals Court Delivers Another ObamaCare Law Blow. Filmmaker Sentenced for Manslaughter - Then Awarded Psyche Benefits? Buena Park Doctors' License Revoked - Three Years After Fraud Conviction! Insurance Agent Faces Embezzlement Charges. Purdue Pharma Silent as Oxycontin Rings Explode in LA. DWC Reports on SB 863 Progress. WCIRB Summarizes Past and Future Initiatives. WC Insurance Industry Returns to "Unsustainable" Profitability. Declining Major Disease Rates May Complicate Reserving Estimates.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Claimants File Class Action Challenging AMA Guides Ratings. SCIF Ordered to Pay $4.4M Fees After Losing "Operation Chicken" RICO Case. Santa Barbara Cop/Strongman Contestant Faces Fraud Charges. Monterey DA Prosecutes Biggest Fraud Case Yet. Law Proposes to Ban Rogue Doctors. DWC Issues Drug Formulary Interim Status Report. Researchers Say FMRI Software Has Produced "False Positives" for 15 Years. Study Says 570 Clinics Offer "Unapproved" Stem Cell Procedures.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Judge Disqualifies SCIF Attorneys in Drobot RICO Case. Obamacare Insurers Forced to File Litigation for "Risk-Corridor" Funds. Feds Lose First "Yates Memo" Criminal Trial Against Drugmaker President. Unlicensed Insurance Broker Arrested for Selling Fake Policies. Berkshire Hathaway Comp Insurers Face Cease and Desist Order. DWC Posts Adjustments to OMFS/DMEPOS Fees. California Voters to Decide on "Recreational" Use of Marijuana. WCIRB Submits January 1, 2017 Regulatory Filing. Employers Fear Proposed Anthem-Cigna Merger. 3D Printer Used to Create Replacement Joint Cartilage.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Says Late IMR Decision is Still Valid. CDI Rules Berkshire Hathaway Company Comp Insurance "Scheme" Was Illegal. Major National Healthcare Fraud Sweep Includes 22 Californians. DOJ Publishes Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Annual Report. 70-Year Old Placentia Woman to Serve 8 Years for Second Fraud Conviction. Dentist Arrested for Billing for Treatment that Never Happened. USC Study Finds Wholesale Abandonment of Cyber Security in Hospitals. London-based European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Turmoil After Brexit Vote. SCIF Proposes to Reduce Rates by 9.5%.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.S. Supreme Court Lowers Standards for Health Care Fraud. Former State Senator Ron Calderon Pleads Guilty in Drobot Bribery Case. NBA Star Kermit Washington Pleads Not Guilty in Ron Mix Kickback Case. Orange County Doctor and Assistants Face Drug Trafficking Charges. Lien Claimants Must Use Uniform Assigned Name. Legislators Fight Drugmaker Anti-Generic Drug Tactics. TTD Rates to Increase Nearly 4% in 2017. DWC Issues Second 30-Day Comment Period for HOPD/ASC Fee Schedule. State Opioid Monitoring Programs Reduce Prescriptions by One-Third. Study Finds "Noticeable Decreases" in Workers' Compensation Opioid Prescriptions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Allows Comp Offset Against Tort Recovery. Seven Indicted by Riverside Grand Jury for Fraudulent Medical Claims. Former Assemblyman Tom Calderon Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering. Michael Drobot's Son Pleads Guilty In Pacific Hospital Case. Jury Convicts County of Ventura Employee. FDA to Shut Down 4,402 Illegal Prescription Drug Websites. Fraud Charges Filed Against Santa Barbara Cop. LA Teacher Faces Fraud Charges After Altercation. Santa Barbara Contractor Faces Fraud Charges.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lawmakers Seek Investigations of Comp Medical Fraud. DA Refiles Criminal Complaint Against Kareem Ahmed. Pacific Pain Care Office Manager Also Arrested and Faces 27 Years. Two Northern Cal Physicians Indicted in Fraud Case. CWCI 2016 IMR Study Confirms 2015 Trends. City of Pasadena Reviews Workers' Compensation Administration Cost Savings. FDA Approves First Opioid Addiction Implant. DWC Announces Passing of WCALJ Rosa Moran.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCIF Files Subro Claim in San Bernardino Terror Strike Case. Jury Awards Aetna $37.5 Million in Bay Area Surgical Fraud Case. Union Agreement Does Not Limit 132a Authority. DOJ Joins Fraud Claims Against 14 Major SoCal Hospitals. Former Claims Adjuster Sentenced to 4 Years for Embezzlement. Attorney Ron Mix Admits to Illegal Referral Fees for Comp Cases. Ron Mix NFL Capping Case Implicates NBA Player Kermit Washington. Glendale Physician Pleads Guilty to Illegal Distribution of Opioids. Baldwin Park USD Aid Arrested for Comp Fraud. DWC Posts Amendments for Home Health Care Fee Regs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 4th DCA Sustains School District Employee's Fraud Conviction. Salinas Pain Physician Arrested on 37 Felony Charges. Fresno County Worker Peads Not Guilty to 11 Fraud Counts. Disabled Worker With Shoulder Injury Caught Bench Pressing 315 Pounds. Officials from Irvine Based Company Face $1.5 Million Fraud Charges. Are Injured Workers Lying About Not Using Illicit Drugs? Walgreens to Provide Opioid Antidote for Free in 35 States. CalChamber of Commerce Identifies 19 Pending "Job Killer" Bills. DWC Appoints Ellen Langille to Ethics Advisory Committee.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th Circuit Defines MMI Status in Longshore Case. Two So Cal Doctors Convicted After Two Week Trial. DJ Faces Jail Time for Forged Certificate of Insurance. DWC Announces New IMR Search Tool. Proposed Law - Help For Children Born Dependent on Opioids. Dr. Raymond Meister New DWC Medical Director. Martin Brady Reappointed to CHSWC. Fentanyl - The Deadly New Heroin. Study Says "Inefficient" Prescribing Wastes Billions of Dollars.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Injured Worker Cannot Assign Structured Settlement for Cash. Court of Appeal Affirms Dismissal of City of LA Employee Hazing Lawsuit. RICO Claims in Comp Cases Struggle in California. Claimant Faces Fraud Charges for not Disclosing Prior History. Surveillance at Gym Leads to Another Claimant Arrest. School District Custodian Arrested for Comp Fraud. Valencia Physician Pleads Guilty to $2.4 Million Fraud and is Still Licensed to Practice. Orange County Gardner Jailed for Working While on Temporary Disability. New CWCI Study Shows "Positive" Recent Trends in Opioid Prescriptions. Medical Errors Now the Third Leading Cause of Death in the US.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Reverses IMR for "Plainly Erroneous Finding." Florida Supreme Court Ends 2009 Legislative Limits on Comp Attorney Fees. Second Federal Class Action Filed Against Carriers for Alleged "Hacking." Court of Appeals Rejects Player Objections to $1 Billion NFL Settlement. GlaxoSmithKline Says Eliminating Kickbacks Has Not Hurt Profits. Owners of Long Beach Trucking Company Face Fraud Charges. Manager of Pizza Parlor Jailed for Premium Fraud. Controversy Erupts Over Outdated Labels on Generic Meds. Study Shows OTC Heartburn Meds Increase Risk of Kidney Failure. San Jose Company Earns Carrier's 15th Safety Recognition Award.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Affirms Comp Photocopiers Not Required to be Registered. Deadly Counterfeit Oxycodone and Norco Smuggled Into California. Monterey Roofer Gets Jail Time for Premium Fraud. Good Science - or Big Fraud? California Fatal Industrial Injuries Decrease. DWC Posts Chinese Korean Tagalog and Vietnamese Claim Form and Fact Sheets. FDA Clears New Technology to Diagnose Concussion in One Minute. Nation's Largest Health Insurer Exits ObamaCare.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Supreme Court to Review Comp Litigation Nightmare. WCAB Chairwoman Ronnie Caplane to Retire and Move to Zenith as VP. DWC Proposes More Time to Claim Supplemental Payments. WCIRB Says Industry Finally Reports 2015 Combined Loss Ratio Below 100%. Insurance Agent Convicted of Felony Insurance Fraud. Convicted Napa Doctor Allowed to Practice After Release from Prison. Claim Adjusters Charged For Embezzling $250K From Carrier. Orange County Contractor Faces 49 Years in Comp Fraud Case. Wearable Technology for Comp Injuries Presented at RIMS Annual Conference.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Clarifies Employer's Obligation to Provide Place to Sit. "Daubert" Evidence Standard Ends 300 Zoloft Lawsuits. Split Panel Decision Gives 24 Hours to Communicate UR Decision. Insurance Company Litigates to Be Declared "Unimportant." DWC Admits Many of Largest Lien Claimants are Currently Criminally Indicted. WCIRB Proposes Mid-Year Premium Rate Reduction. Workers' Compensation Offers "Second Career" For Fraudulent Doctors. Carlsbad Resident Gets Jail Time For Selling Bogus Medical Device. Study Says Total Disk Replacement More Effective Than Discectomy and Fusion. Drug Companies Use "Captive Pharmacies" to Circumvent Generic Drugs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 2nd DCA Rejects Another Constitutional Challenge to Lien Filing Fee. DCA Reverses Denial of Death Benefits Citing "Liberal Construction" While Ignoring LC 3202.5. San Gabriel Valley Physician Pleads Guilty to Illegal Distribution of OxyContin. DWC Finally Updates 15 Year Old "Physicians Guide" for PTPs and QMEs. DWC Posts Adjustments to the DMEPOS Section of the OMFS. Feds Struggle to Stop Comp Opt-Out Trend. "Biosimilar" Drugs May Save $110 Billion in Drug Costs. DEA Drug Take-Back Program Nets 74,000 Pounds of Opioids. White House Opens Purse Strings to Fight Pain Pill Addiction. Comp Medical Transportation - There's an App For That!
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Court Says CIGA Obligated to Pay Medicare. CIGA is Not Bound By Carrier Stipulation of Joint Liability. Jury Awards $500 Million for Defective Hip Implants Owner and Manager of Auto Repair Shop Face Fraud Charges. Rancho Mirage Doctor Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud Scheme. Clovis Pharmacy Owner Agrees to Pay $200,000 in Civil Penalties. Senate Subcommittee Report Says 12 Obamacare CO-OPS Are Now Insolvent. WCIRB Defines 2016 Agenda at 100th Annual Meeting. CHSWC Publishes 2015 Annual Report. FDA Issues Guidance for Abuse-Deterrent Opioid Generics.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Guts Massive Orange County Compound Medication Fraud Case. DOJ "Yates Memo" Increases Individual Risk in Corporate Healthcare Crime. Aetna Subsidiary Says Organized Medical Fraud is Growing World Wide. CSLB SWIFT Team Finds Unlicensed Contractors Thriving Online. Study Says Phone and Email Orthopedic Care Effective in Rural Areas. Researchers Find Better Knee Replacement Outcomes at High Volume Hospitals. FDA Approves Exoskeleton for Paraplegics. CDC, DWC and Others Develop New Opioid Treatment Guidelines. DWC Announces Appointments to Ethics Advisory Committee. LA Rams Ignite Workers' Compensation Firestorm With New Player Contract.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 5814 Penalties Do Not Apply to Delay in Sheriff's Disability Retirement Advances. Kim Kardashian Target of Subrogation Lawsuit. Paraplegic Correctional Officer Sent to Jail for Fake Industrial Injury. Another Contractor Gets Sentenced for Premium Fraud. Smartphone App Created for Day Laborers to Anonymously Report Employers. WCJ Ethics Advisory Committee Issues 2015 Annual Report. WCRI Says Physician Financial Incentives Cause "Case Shifting" to Comp. Doctors Ignore CMS Opioid Over Prescribing Warning Letters. CWCI Reports Steady Decline in Comp Hospitalizations and Spine Surgeries. Death by a Thousand Cuts - Another Employer Leaves California.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Split Panel Decision Continues UR/IMR Erosion. FEHA Discrimination Claim Does Not Require Evidence of Animus. U.S. Supreme Court Sides With Liberty Mutual Over State Rights to Health Data. Relentless Pursuit - Nine Medical Fraud Settlements in Just 30 Days - Not Bad! Rehabilitation Therapists Pressured to Drag Out Treatment. Clinic Operators Convicted After Three Week Trial. Robotic Devices Improve and Simplify Complex Surgeries. Researchers Find Steep Rise in Benzodiazepine Fatal Overdoses. Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio Announce Comp Rate Reductions. DWC Hearing Calendar Now Available Online.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Issues Writ of Review in Another IMR Challenge. WCAB Sanctions and Suspends Another Lien Representative. Former Senator Yee Sentenced to Five Years in Comp Law Bribery Case. Former CHP Officer Ordered to Pay $183,000 After Comp Fraud Conviction. Owners of "Scofflaw" Marijuana Club Indicted for Comp Fraud. Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Sentenced to 120 Days for Comp Fraud. Can You Think Away Chronic Back Pain? Applicant Attorneys Encouraged to use MOVEit for IMR Documents. EMPLOYERS Names New VP of Fraud Investigations. Plumas County Safety Program Cuts Comp Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Little Known California Healthcare Fraud Whistleblower Law Gains Attention. Feds Start Slow Crackdown on Compound Drugs. Fontana Auto Shop Worker Faces 5 Years in Fraud Case. Injured Correctional Officer Caught Playing Baseball Pleads Guilty. Study Says IMR Reviews Increased by 19%. DWC Proposes Changes to WCIS Regulations and EDI Implementation Guides. Researchers Question Effectiveness of Partial Meniscectomy. CWCI Appoints New General Counsel.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. County Hospital Providing Care to Injured Worker Can Sue to Enforce Lien Rights. WCAB Clarifies MPN Access Standards for PTPs. WCAB Suspends Professional Lien Services Hearing Rep. LA Physician Gets 30 Years to Life For Pain Pill Conviction. Glendora Physician to be Sentenced for Illegal Painkiller Distribution. DWC Prepares for Drug Formulary Public Meeting. DWC Plans Target Audits in 2016 to Address UR Complaints. The DWC Proposes a New MTUS Guideline for Mental Illness Treatment. DWC Announces Recipients of 2016 Carrie Nevans Community Service Award. Former Workers' Compensation Judge Frank Kleeman Dies at 82.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Healthcare Organizations Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Limit Fraud Cases. Drugmakers Fight Over Rights to Generic OxyContin. WCAB Panel Decision Continues Erosion of UR/IMR Jurisdiction. Owner and Operator of DME Company Sent to Federal Prison. CWCI Study Shows Rising Medical-Legal Costs. Committee in Oversight and Government Reform Probes Drug Pricing. DWC Administrative Director Destie Overpeck Moves to State Bar. DWC Schedules Public Forum on Drug Formulary Regulations. MAXIMUS Reports 19% Revenue Growth and More to Come From Government Programs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 13 New San Diego Comp Fraud Indictments in "Operation Backlash". Kia Dancing Hamster Convicted of Disability Fraud. Claimant Faces Felony Fraud Charges in San Bernardino. DWC Appoints Presiding WCJ Paige S. Levy to Position of Chief Judge. DWC Distributes Audit and Enforcement Unit Annual Report. DWC Publishes Reminder to Use New QME Form 105. Big Pharma Jumps Into Cloud Based Drug Use Monitoring. Long-Acting Surgical Opioid Implant May Become Long-Term Comp Cost. Memorial Service for Barry F. Evans on Friday - Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th Circuit Affirms Allstate's $8.6 Million Fraud Judgement. Court of Appeal Rejects "Daubert" Evidentiary Standard in Comp Death Case. Former PEO Operator Pleads Guilty. Owner Operator of Three LA Medical Clinics Goes to Prison. Study Finds Surgeries Under Workers Compensation Have More Than Double Time Off. List Price of Pharmaceuticals Continue Relentless Increases. DWC Adjusts OMFS (Physician/Non-Physician Practitioner Services). County of Los Angeles Claim Costs Skyrocket.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drugmaker "Pay for Delay" Deals Decline After Top Court Ruling. Say Goodbye to Some Old Legacy Liens! Nightclub Owner Faces 18 Years for Premium Fraud. Another Contractor Booked for Premium Fraud. Advance-Fee Scam Moves Into Comp Fraud Arena. California has Highest Claim Frequency in Nation. State Attorney Generals Join Health Insurance Merger Probe. Ambulance Fees Reduced in Revised OMFS. U.S. HealthWorks Expands Operations in Bay Area. Emergency Rooms Face Increasing Medication Shortages.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Pandora's Box Opens - UR Tort Liability Not Preempted by Comp. Fighting Fraud is 2016 Department of Insurance Top Priority. Happy New Year! - Introducing Cross-Industry Medical Fraud. Former Senator Calderon Corruption Trial Continued for Fifth Time. Santa Clara Correctional Deputy Pleads No Contest to Comp Fraud. Researchers Struggle to Show Effectiveness of Back Pain Exercises. The "Concussion" Movie - Fact or Fiction? Former San Jose Presiding Judge Dies of Natural Causes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Comp Photocopiers Not Required to be Registered and Bonded. SCIF Loses Independent Contractor Premium Claim Against Employer. Janitorial Company Owners Face 31 Years for $3.6 Million Premium Fraud. Pharmaceutical Company Settles California and Federal Kickback Case. Broker Sentenced for Theft of Comp Premium. Orange County Landscapers Convicted of Wage Theft. Governor Brown Appoints New Cal/OSHA Deputy Chiefs. Cal/OSHA Fines Northridge Hospital $44,125 for Safety Violations. Labor Commissioner "Routinely" Finds Misclassification of Truck Drivers. 2016 OMFS Drug Testing Fee Changes Expected Cut Costs. DWC Announces 2016 Mileage Rate Decrease. Researchers Pioneer Promising Arthritis Treatment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Trucker Not Independent Contractor Despite Contract Language. Interpreters Arrested in $24.6 Million Fraud Case. Drywall Contractor Sentenced in Premium Fraud Case. DIR Releases 2015 Legislative Digest with Overview of New Laws. DWC Adds New Form to Expand Electronic JET File Options. Cal/OSHA Fines Santa Clara Theme Park for Serious Safety Violations. Claims Involving Prescription Painkillers are Four Times More Costly. CDC Proposed Opioid Guideline Fails to Address Tapering. FDA Drug Approval for 2014 Hits All Time High. DIR Self Insurance Plans Chief to Move to Sedgwick.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Owners of San Pedro Clinic Arrested for Fraud. DWC Announces 2016 Audit Performance Standards. DWC Posts Spanish Version of Revised Benefit Notices. CWCI Reports on Medical Review and Medical Dispute Resolution. DWC Proposes More Modifications to Chronic Pain Guidelines. Employer Faces $58K Cal/OSHA Fine From Flywheel Explosion. Study Shows Doctors Still Order Too Many Unnecessary Tests. California Marijuana Legalization Ballot Initiative Gains Support..
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Limits Use of MPN Second/Third Opinion Process. Philip Sobol M.D. Pleads Guilty and Agrees to Pay $5.2 Million Restitution. Mitchell Cohen, M.D. Admits Kickbacks in Plea Agreement. Newport Beach Paver Faces $5.6 Million Fraud Charges. DWC Updates SJDB Voucher Form. Cal/OSHA Fines Kaiser Foundation Hospitals $149,900. Employer Group "Welcomes" Investigation of Opt-Out Programs. ProPublica Persuades National Conference to Investigate Workers’ Comp Opt Out. More than Half of U.S. Doctors Show Symptoms of Burnout. Nations Largest Insurer "Regrets" Entering ObamaCare Marketplace.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Defines Housekeeping as "Medical Care". . Privette Doctrine Precludes Tort Claim for Cell Tower Radiation Injury. Philip Sobol M.D. and Others Face Prison for Illegal Kickbacks. Highlights of National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association Annual Conference. Hearing Rep and Interpreter Arrested for Comp Fraud. Owners of Moving Companies Convicted in $2 Million Fraud Case. High School Security Officer Booked for Comp Fraud. California Work-related Injury and Illness Rate Lowest in 13 Years. WCIRB Report Says SB 863 Saved $770 Million. FDA Approves Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdose.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Doctors Arrested in "First Wave" of $25 Million Comp Fraud Indictments. San Quentin Counselor Gets 6 Months for Comp Fraud. New Labor Law Gives Employers Some Slack. Senate Opens Investigation of Drug Price Gouging. Southern California Leads State Claim Frequency. Comp Psychosocial Risk Factors - "Elephant in the Room". Nurse Case Managers Help Home Depot Claims. Insurers Face "Sticker Shock" For Costs of New Gene Therapies. Researchers Study "Customized Physical Therapy" for Low Back Pain. Pre-Claim Nurse Triage May Reduce Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Sets December 31, Lien Activation Fee Deadline. 457 Hospitals (27 in California) Involved In Latest Fraud Settlement. Adventist Health Pays $115 Million to Settle Fraud Claims. Over Prescribing LA Physician Convicted by Jury for Murder.Orange County Weight Lifter Faces Fraud Charges. OSIP Streamlines Self Insurance Regulations. Fear of Malpractice Correlates With Medical Costs. Workers' Comp Industry Shows Solid Gains. New Benefit Notice Manual Now Available.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Says Salaried Peace Officers Not Entitled to 4458.2 Benefit Rates. IMR Survives Constitutional Challenge. Medical Expert Reports Outside of AME/QME Process are Inadmissible.Each Defendant May Seek PQME in Multi-Party Case. Worker Sues Employer For Insurance Fraud Prevention Act Violation. Another Drugmaker Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. Roseville Podiatrist Faces 10 Years for $2.8 Million Fraud. California Voters to Decide Limits on Drug Pricing. FDA Approves Abuse Resistant Opioid Patch. DIR Hosts Workplace Justice Summit.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. FEHA Does Not Mandate Shift of Duties to Other Employees. FedEx Resolves Classification Class Action for $228 Million. Jury Convicts DME Owner and Operator. CWCI Readies New Benefit Notices For January. Lawmakers Seek Workers' Compensation Federal Oversight. DWC Adds Two New Evidence Based Guidelines to MTUS. Insurance Commissioner Rebuffs Carrier for High Prices. DWC Announces Chief Judge and Medical Director Changes. Study Compares Total Knee Replacement Alternatives. 11 Percent of Americans Now on Antidepressant Meds.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. End of the Road for Lien Activation Fee Challenge. Medical Fraud, Waste and Abuse Costs $28.5 Million Per Hour. Security Officer Gets Year in Jail for Exaggerating Injury. Former Cochlear Scientist Develops Enhanced Spine Implant. CWCI Says Drug Testing "Emerging Cost Driver". Study Says U.S. Drug Costs Inflated. $300K Fine for Ignoring Cal/OSHA Stop Order. Stanford Professor Leads Protesters at Salinas WCAB Office.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Munir Uwaydah M.D. Remains a Fugitive. LA Compounding Pharmacy Owners Indicted for Drug Trafficking.Santa Clara Deputy Sheriff Arrested for Comp Fraud. Governor Signs Comp Prescription Formulary Bill. Governor Brown Vetoes Apportionment Limitation Bill. DWC Published Draft of New Benefit Notice Manual. 2016 - 2017 Rating Changes Outlined by WCIRB. WCRI Says Growing Capitation Model Increases Comp Costs. Study Links Industrial Noise Exposure and Heart Disease. Walking Workstations Reduce Muscle Pain.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Limits Olgivie Rating Methods. Court of Appeal Rules on WCAB Jurisdiction Over NBA Team. Herbicide Litigation May Be Precursor to Comp Cancer Claims. Misclassification Class Actions Now Aimed at DoorDash and GrubHub. Claims Administrator Implicated in $1.5 Million NFL Fraud Case. DA Says Uwaydah Defendants Fraud "Continue Today". Jury Convicts San Quentin Worker For Comp Fraud. Luxury Auction Scheduled as Fraudsters Sit in Jail. "Price Gouging" Drug Companies Face Increasing Political Pressure. Owner and Foreman Charged With Manslaughter for OSHA Violations.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Safety Shoe Warranty Violates Comp Law. Exclusive Remedy Bars Claim for Asbestos Taken Home. 3rd DCA Clarifies Burden of Proof for Total Disability Award."Lien Finder" Website Created to Clean Up Angelotti Aftermath. Grand Jury Indicted Union Official for Kickbacks to Comp Attorney. CDI, UCSF and Consumer Reports Launch Online Shopping for Docs.IOM Report Says Diagnostic Errors Cause 10% of Patient Deaths.Postoperative Telehealth Visits Found Effective in VA Study. Companies Convert Old Generic Meds to High Priced "Specialty Drugs". Cloud Based Payroll Companies Expanding to Comp Insurance.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Extends IMR Appeal Time Limit to 35 Days.QME Panel Ordered in Psyche Add-On Case. Munir Uwaydah M.D. (Finally) Arrested and Faces 132 Felony Counts.Six More Defendants Plead Guilty in Leland Yee Corruption Case. Legislature Passes Comp Formulary Bill. DWC Orders Adjustment to OMFS. SB 623 Affirms Rights to UEF and SIF Benefits for Undocumented Workers.New Abuse-Deterrent Opioids Enter the Marketplace.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Rejects IMR Determination and Orders New IMR. UBER Exits Alaska Over Comp Controversy. Miss Toyota Grand Prix Sentenced for Comp Fraud. Siblings Convicted in Sacramento Comp Fraud Case. DWC Switch to ICD-10 Should Help MSP Compliance. Senate Passes Apportionment Limitation Bill. AMA Claims Mergers Will Increase Health Costs. California and Nation Faces Growing Shortage of Psychiatrists.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Judge Allows Uber Class Action to Proceed. Santa Barbara Physician - The "Candyman" - Convicted on 79 Counts. Orange County Corrections Officer Convicted of Comp Fraud. Probation Officer Arrested For Fraud - While on Probation!. CSLB Sting Finds Repeat Unlicensed Offenders. Additional Surgery Likely for Meniscus Transplant Patients. Study Reviews Comp Patients Postoperative Narcotic Use. Pacific Gas and Electric Again Under Safety Investigation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Affirms Termination of Injured LAPD Officer. WCAB Indicates Intention to Suspend Lien Claimant. Implant Fraud Strikes Again! Owner of Three LA Clinics Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. CWCI Report Confirms Decade of Relentless Cost Increases. Insurer to Pay $6 Million Fine. Quoting and Binding Comp Online Grows in Popularity. Benefits of Spinal Epidural Injections Remain Controversial.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Uber Sued Over Lack of Workers' Compensation Insurance. More Major Publishers Admit to Fraudulent Journal Articles. Jury Convicts Operators of Gardena Ambulance Company. "Most Wanted" Uninsured/Unlicensed Contracts Gets 9 Year Sentence. Uninsured Trucking Company Owner Convicted. DWC Advice for Panel Requests Between Sept 3 and October 1. New Law Adds Insurance Industry Oversight. More Than Half of Comp Costs Are Now Medical Benefits. DWC Sets Drug Formulary Meeting for September 14.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Court Invalidates Unapproved Large Deductible Comp Policies. Court of Appeal Rules Unskilled Temp is Special Employee. Survivors of Deceased Firefighter Pilots Litigate Death Benefits. FBI Affidavit Alleges Comp Attorney Paid Kickbacks. Drobot Files Amended Complaint Against Colleagues. Surveillance Leads to Arrest of Monterey Cook. Former Santa Monica Pain Physician to Serve 3 Years. NAIC Sets Insurance Company Cybersecurity Standards.Bumble Bee Foods to Pay $6 Million For Industrial Death.
David L. Jimenez, Esq. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Rules "Messelle" QME Time Limits Changed by SB 863. Failure to Timely Object Waives Defects in QME Panel. Generic Drugmakers Under International Criminal Scrutiny. Labor Commissioner Targets Wage Theft and Comp Violations.Statewide Fraud Prosecution Funding Increased by 10%. Monterey Tree Trimmer Convicted of Comp Fraud. Two of Five Defendants Plead Guilty in Money Laundering and Fraud Case. Scrutiny Focused on 17.9 Million Freelance "1099 Workers'. Insurance Commissioner Concerned About Insurance Mergers. Workers' Comp "Lien-Based" Pharmacy Companies Merge.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Costa Mesa Cop Charged With Comp Fraud. Is There Any End to Drug Maker Corruption? WCIRB Reports Comp Costs Are Climbing. CalChamber Says Ten 2015 "Job Killer" Bills Remain. DWC Reports "Impressive" Progress on SB 863 Goals. Study Says Drugmakers Fail to Report Side Effects to FDA. Another Big Merger - Anthem Buys Cigna for $48 Billion. CWCI Relocates to Oakland.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB "Insouciant" Deferral of PERS Issue in Death Case Reversed. Jury Convicts Security Officer for Faking Claim. UCLA Health Computers Hacked. Tujunga Man Gets 15 Years For Prescription Drug Conspiracy. DEA Illegally Pays Millions in Comp Benefits to Informants. DWC Ends Paper QME Panel Requests on September 3. Colorado Says No! to Cannabis for PTSD. DWC Gets Tougher On Opoids In Proposed Guideline. DWC Posts New Regs on ICD-10 Transition. Researcher Seek "Synthetic" Cannabis Pain Relief Without Euphoric High.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Excess Carrier Not Bound by WCAB Decision. Cheerleaders Cheer Over New Labor Law. Businesses Install Surveillance Cameras to Catch Comp Fraud. Pot Dispensary Owner Arrested for Comp Fraud. Cal/OSHA Fines Petaluma. Employer for Fatality. National Safety Council Targets Workplace Opioid Abuse .FDA Strengthens NSAID Label Warning. Feds Want More Pills - Faster. DWC Proposes Changes to WCIS Regs. Fear of Being Fired Adversely Effects Claim Outcomes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Shyp Reclassifies Its On-Demand "Independent Contractors". Work Comp Doctors Arrested by Feds for Fraud.Medical Fraud - When You Think It Can't Get Worse, It Does! So Much for Evidence Based Medicine - Drug Makers Fake the Evidence. Minnesota Approves Marijuana for Use in Workers' Comp Claims. Healthy Workplace Healthy Family Act of 2014 Now In Effect. WCIRB Says California Has Most Prolonged Treatment in Nation. DWC Posts 2014 Annual WCJ Ethics Report. CWCI Says No Reduction in IMR Volume. CDC Says Heroin Deaths Quadrupled - 96% Abuse Prescription Drugs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th Circuit Rejects Constitutional Challenge to Lien Activation Fee. Court Orders Medical Marijuana in New Mexico Comp Case. Privette Doctrine Precludes Injured Worker Tort Claim. Former Senator Yee Pleads Guilty In Comp Related Corruption Case. Medical Equipment Supply Company Owner Sent to Prison. Carriers Plan to "Ramp Up" Comp Business. ACE Buys Chubb for $28.3 Billion. Cities End Work Release Program Over Comp Liability Risks.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Flight Attendants Allege "Dirty Little Secret" Makes Them Sick. Tree Trimming Company Faces Six Felony Counts. Former San Diego Physician Convicted of Forging Doctors Signatures. 24 Count Indictment Filed Against El Centro Medical Clinic. Rock Climbing Correctional Officer Convicted of Comp Fraud. Prescription Costs Per Claim Increased 7.4% in 2014. JAMA Publishes a Review of Cannabinoids for Medical Use. Juliann Sum Confirmed to Head Cal/OSHA. WCIRB Recaps Annual Conference. Second Comment Period Set for Benefit Notice Regulations.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rejects Constitutional Challenge of Lien Filing Fee. Labor Commissioner Rules Uber Drivers are Employees. Home Health Care Worker Awarded $138,386 in Back Pay. Feds Conduct Largest Ever Medical Fraud Takedown. Are We Importing Fake Doctors? El Monte Questions Treasurer's Comp Claim. TD and PD Benefits to Increase 2.3% in 2016. CDI Appoints New General Counsel. California Comp Premium Soared 11% in 2014. Liberty Mutual Profits Improve After Pulling Back From Comp.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Affirms Carriers Right to Rescind Comp Policies. Inspector General Steps Up Physician Kickback Prosecutions. Medical Supply Operators Convicted After Nine Day Trial. WCAB Announces Proposed Changes to Rules of Practice and Procedure. DWC Posts Adjustments to OMFS. DWC Revises Proposed QME Regs. Mueller to Lead 200 Department of Insurance Sworn Peace Officers. EDD Launches New $16 Million Website. Liberty Mutual Says "N Factor" Cuts Claim Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Sanctions Injured Worker and/or Lawyer for Frivolous Appeal. Oral Argument in IMR Constitutionality Case Set for September. Fake Spinal-Hardware Claims Spread to 17 Hospitals Nationwide. Compared to Other Countries - Americans Have More Pain Despite More Pills.CDC Says Antibiotic Resistance Single Most Important Health Threat. Will "Inactivity" be the New Basis of CT Claims? ObamaCare Premiums May Increase 30% in 2016.Comp Claims Decline 15% in Santa Monica. Obama Pushes for Reduction of Federal Comp Benefits.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Clarifies Differences Between Tort and Comp Causation. California WCAB Claims Jurisdiction Over New York State Insurance Fund. Court Reviews Arbitration Clause In Comp Producer "Boycott" Dispute. LA Medical Supply Owner Gets Seven Year Sentence. Registered Nurse Convicted for $8.3 Million Scheme. The Epidemic of Fake Science. Are Insured PEO's With Large Deductibles a Growing Problem? NIOSH Grant to Assist DIR Research.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal to Hear Another IMR Constitutional Challenge. WCAB Upholds Validity of Untimely IMR. SCIF Seeks to File 221 Page Third Amended Complaint in Drobot RICO Case. Industrial Compensability of Fresno Pipeline Explosion Uncertain. Ambulance Companies Settle Fraud Cases for $11.5 Million. Regulations Regarding Transition to ICD - 10 Posted for Public Comment. Company Cited After Window Washer Survives 11 Story Fall. Governor Brown Announces WCAB Appointments. Public Hearing Set on Revisions to ASC Fee Schedule. DWC's Redding District Office Moves to New Location.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Constitutional Challenge to SB 863 Temp Agency Insurance Requirement Fails. Judge Dismisses Most of Closely Watched Suit Against Drugmakers. Feds Pursue Bay Sleep Clinic for Fraud in Whilstleblower Case. Sting Nabs 9 Unlicensed and Uninsured Contractors. Legislature Takes Aim at Apportionment Rules - Again! SEC Probes Staffing Company Workers' Comp Reserves. Insurance Commissioner Approves Comp Rate Reduction. NCCI Publishes "Calm Now ... But Turbulence Ahead" National Comp Outlook. Heroin Easier to Get than Oxycontin in California.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Uber Sued by Injured Driver for Comp Benefits. Court Reviews Evidence Required in Restitution Hearing. DWC Posts Draft Home Health Care Fee Schedule. Copy Service Fee Regulations Effective July 1. Simi Valley Insurance Broker Arrested for Fraud. Study Shows 17 % of Discharged ER Patients Given Opioids. 50% of Patients Give Uninformed Consent. CCWC's 13th Annual Conference Set For July 22-24.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Company Officials Face Prison For Worker's Death. Marijuana Shop Owners Arrested for Comp Fraud After Shootout. Restoration of Historic Resort Results in Jail Time. Reserving a Lifetime Award is Getting More Complicated. Chronic Pain Predicted by MRI Finding. DWC Posts Revisions to Benefit Notice Regs. DWC Requests Comment on Proposed Interpreter Fee Schedule. WCIRB Study Says Small Number of Providers Trigger 83% of IMR Determinations. WCIRB Officials Support 10.2% Rate Reduction. Lockton Paper Investigates a "Creeping Catastrophe" Claim.
Kyle R. Uebelhardt, Esq. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Approves NFL Class-Action Settlement. Michael Drobot Implicates Colleagues in RICO Case. Former Comp Toxicologist Faces Fraud Charges. Bay Area Psychologist Convicted of Comp Fraud. Superintendent Alleges Board Member Filed Fraudulent Comp Claim. Destie Overpeck Appointed DWC Director. DIR Reports 2013 Fatal Occupational Injuries. Amended MTUS Regulations Now Final. Weekend Hospitalizations Increase Risk of Preventable Illnesses. WCIRB Report Shows Improving Conditions for California Carriers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drobot Sues 30 Claimants and Their Attorneys. Amtrust Adjusters Arrested for Insurance Fraud. Former Senator Tom Calderon Trial Set for August 11. True Religion Brand Jean Makers Arrested for $11 Million Fraud. Lodi Skydiver Charged With Comp Fraud. Congress Passes "Doc Fix" Bill - Finally! EDI Regulations Now Final. OSHA Fines Union Pacific for Retaliation. Return-to-Work Supplement Program Now Final. Comp Industry Financial Struggle Turns Around in 2014.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. LA Shuts Down 500+ Medical Marijuana Shops. Santa Clara County DA Prosecutes Three Comp Claimants. Operator of El Centro Clinic Sentenced to 30 Months. Manager of Garment Factory Indicted for Bribing Labor Investigator. Study Says Physical Therapy as Effective as Lumbar Surgery. DIR Publishes Status Report On Refinery Regulatory Oversight. Accusation Against Sacramento Psyche QME Clarifies Standard of Care. DWC Proposes to Issue QME Panels Immediately Online.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Stevens IMR Constitutional Challenge Featured in New NPR - Comp Bashing Story. Transportation Network Companies Targeted by Lawsuits and Regulators. Couple Face Charges for Comp Home Health Care Claim. Another LA Probation Department Worker Faces Fraud Charges. Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Discusses Low Back Pain Risk Factors. 1200 Year Old Remedy "Astonishingly" Effective Against MRSA. WCIRB Proposes 10.2% Premium Rate Reduction. The Medical Payment Reform Landscape: Bundled Payment. Social Security Proposes Mandatory State Reporting of Comp Benefits.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.S. Supreme Court Expands Disability Rights Accommodations. Claim Administrator's Hostile Work Environment Claim Affirmed. LA Physician Arrested for Working on Disability.Contractor Arrested for Refusing to Report Injury to SCIF. Jury Convicts Owner of LA DME Company. Auditors Say 45% of LAPD Officers Agreed Their Comp Claims Were "Excessive". Employers Urge "Opt Out" Comp Nationwide. More Drug Resistant Superbugs Reaching "Crisis" Levels.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. UR and IMR - Death by a Thousand Cuts. Medical Fraud Setting Records in 2015. Another Medical Cyber Attack Exposes 11 Million Records.L.A. Pharmacist Convicted of Kicking Back Cash to Patients. Insurance Information Institute Slams ProPublica/NPR Comp Report. DWC Posts Revised RTW Supplement Program Regs. Early Radiological Studies Ineffective for New Back Pain. Will Tablet Use Be the Next CT Neck Claim?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. UCLA Super Bug Victim Sues Medical Device Maker. Is Comp Fraud Grant Funding Model a Solution for Underground Economy Fight? Orange County Pair Convicted of $71 Million Surgical Center Fraud. Orange County Insurance Agent Sentenced to Seven Years. California "Biofrequency" Device Makers Face Federal Charges. FDA Modifies Approval Process to Limit Superbug Infection. CWCI - WCIRB Joint Study Confirms SB863 ASC Cost Savings. National Prescription Drug Spending Increased 13%.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Not Required to Advanced Payment For Oral Surgery. Employer Home Renovator Convicted for No Comp Insurance. Proposed Law Targets Gender Based Apportionment. New Reports Critical of Reduction in Comp Rates. 35 L.A. Car Washes Cited by Labor Commissioner. More Than 80% of LETF Inspections Result in Penalties. Cal/OSHA Says 75% of Roofers Violate Safety Regulations. California Considering Drug Formularies. Study Says Stem Cells Effectively Repair Cartilage. More NFL Champions Donate Brains to Research.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Comp Firm Alleges Opponent Hacked Computers. Court of Appeal Affirms Fraud Conviction.Contractor Faces 34 Charges. DIR Reduces IMR/IBR Fees - Again! DWC Sets Public Hearing on Home Health Care Fee Schedule. WCRI Reports on Fee Schedule Effectiveness. DWC Sets Claim Audit Compliance Standards for 2015. The Bacteria Are Winning! Global Fund Proposed for Antibiotic Development. State Fund Declares $37 Million Dividend.
David L. Jimenez, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reverses Psyche Award. WCAB Says Applicant Gets One QME Panel at a Time. Salinas Pain Doctor Faces Discipline and Drug Investigation. UCLA Patients Infected by Deadly CRE Bacteria. FDA Identified Research Misconduct Hidden in Plain Sight. DWC Adjusts OMFS Practitioner Services Section. California Obamacare Botches 100,000 Tax Forms. CWCI Says Medical Report Costs Fell by 30% Last Year.
David L. Jimenez, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court to Rule on Medication Related Death Case. H-Wave Suit Against SCIF Claiming Blanket UR Denials Reinstated. Authorities Say Elderly Care Industry "Rampant With Fraud". 2015 - The Year of the Health Care Hack. DWC Concludes Amendments to OMFS. Administrators Take Aim at Off-Label Meds. Telemedicine Helpful in Injury Claims. Study Identifies Factors Contributing to Back Pain Risk. Advanced Age Does Not Rule Out Spinal Surgery. Patriot National Announces New Acquisitions.
Eric L. Law, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Publishes Case Mandating Cross Examination of Worker. Applicability of Bunkhouse Rule to Voluntary Rental Housing is Triable Issue. Stipulation Binds Employer to Non-MPN Physician. Immigration Status Irrelevant in Injured Workers' Tort Case. Up to 80 Million Anthem Accounts Hacked. Tissue Preservation System a 'Game-Changer' for Joint Damage. SCIF Increases Comp Premiums by 9%. DWC Posts Third Revision to Copy Service Fee Schedule.
Eric L. Law, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Comp Award Precludes Sheriff's Case Against Restaurant. WCAB Warns Against Arbitrary Cycle of UR Review. US Supreme Court Rules on Drug Patent Cases. Encino Physician Gets Jail Time. Employers Reminded to Post Injury Summaries. Office of Self Insurance Plans Opens E-Filing Portal. DWC Announces Winners of Carrie Nevans Award. RAND Publishes Report on Home Health Care Fee Schedule. Additions to Saline Solution Reduce Risk of Osteoarthritis. Traditional Insurance Distribution Networks Challenged.
Eric L. Law, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Calderon Corruption Trial Postponed to August. Feds Say Los Angeles Major Source of Diverted Illegal Drugs. Insurance Agent Sentenced to Three Years. LA County Probation Officer Faces Fraud Charges. Santa Barbara Contractor Faces 43 Felonies. Portable X-ray More Common But Quality Questions Remain. Growth in Outcome Based Medical Networks Predicted for 2015. WCJ Pamela A. Pulley Appointed PJ in Santa Ana.
David L. Jimenez, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Bankruptcy Court Shields Diverted MSA Trust Money. Carriers Un-Initialled Arbitration Clause Defective. Modesto Prescription Drug Ring Arrested. California Claim Frequency Continues Relentless Increase. WCRI Says Physician Dispensing Reforms Ineffective. Insurers More Aggressive on Drugmakers. Health Care Workers Continue to Struggle With Safety. Employer to Employee: "Be Well -- Or Else..". Next QME Competency Examination Set for April 25. FSK Employment Law Conference Set for January 30.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. DCA Reverses Total PD Award - Orders Cross-Ex of Applicant. DWC Adjusts OMFS Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Section. DWC Adjusts Ambulance Services Section of OMFS. Maximus Accused of Labor Law Violations. Lyrica No Help in Controlling Lumbar Stenosis Pain. New Injection Technique Speeds Knee Replacement Recovery. Six Nonprofit Catholic Hospitals Consider Sale or Bankruptcy. Patriot National Announces $141 Million IPO.
Eric L. Law, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Says IBR Applies Prospectively. Judge Dismisses Painkiller Class Action Against NFL. Alleged Malpractice and WCAB "Fraud" Does Not Toll Statute of Limitation. Jury Convicts Former CHP Officer. Kitchen Worker Arrested for Working on TTD. TRIA Expiration Seen as Non Event for Comp Industry. Rating Agencies Say Healthcare Sector Has "Grim" 2015 Outlook. Mileage Rate Increases to 57.5 Cents Per Mile in January. DWC Posts IMR Progress Report. Interpreters Must State Qualifications In Deposition Transcript. DWC Posts Example "End of MPN Coverage" Notice. DIR Publishes Digest of New Law Effective January 1st.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB panel says no to Joint and Several Award. More suits filed against Drobot and Pacific Hospital. Former Bridezilla faces 14 felonies. Owner of security company gets 40 days in jail. La physician gets jail time in fraud case. Juliann Sum appointed Cal/OSHA Chief. DWC no longer accepting paper MPN reapproval requests. DWC proposes updated chronic pain guideline. WCIRB reports 12% premium increase above 2013. Back brace no help with compression fractures.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Appeals Court Affirms "Dual Occupation Rule" for Rating Formula. Compounding Pharmacies Sue Express Scripts. SubRosa Nails San Diego Nurse After Two-Week Jury Trial. DWC Adjusts DMEPOS Section of OMFS. DWC to Impose $500/Day Penalty for Late IMR Records. DWC Posts More Proposed Changes to MTUS Regs. Hospitals Achieve "Historic Improvement" in Medical Errors. Scientists Discover Pain "Off Switch." State Fund Discontinues Group Insurance Plan. Sedgwick Acquires Software Company.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Fresno Applicant Attorney Prevails in Legal Malpractice Case. Failure to Properly Communicate Invalidates UR. Employment Presumption Inapplicable in "Small Jobs". Drug Agents Launch Inspections of NFL Teams. How Hard is it to Stop a Rogue Doctor? Santa Clarita Pain Doctor Resolves Whistleblower Claim for $1 Million. Orange County Corrections Officer Faces 17 Year Sentence. Commissioner Adopts 2015 Comp Premium Increase. Nationwide Study Highlights Claim Adjuster Operational Challenges. New Treatment to Restore Breathing After Long Term Paralysis.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Says Failure to Notify by Fax or Telephone Invalidates UR. WCAB Panel Rules UR Decision Effective For 12 Months. Dismissal of Injured Cafeteria Worker Discrimination Case Affirmed. University Medical Worker Faces Eight Years. Woman Uses Internet Photos to Fake Comp Burn Injury. DWC Posts More Changes to EDI Implementation Guide. SB 863 Forces Large Self Insured Staffing Company to Secure Insurance. Cal/OSHA Fines Fuel Distributor Nearly $100K For Fatal Explosion. FDA Approves Customized Spine Implant. Obamacare Open Enrollment Brings Higher Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Injured Worker Loses Legal Malpractice Claim. Details Emerge About Fake Spinal Screws. Lake Tahoe Skier Gets One Year Sentence. Medicare Pays for Prescriptions for the Deceased. DWC Adjusts Outpatient Hospital and ASC Fee Schedule. Californians Weigh In on Insurance Related Ballot Propositions. New California Law Follows WHO Naloxone Guideline to Reduce Opioid Deaths. Researchers Find Smoking and Back Pain Link. Scientists Pursue Anti-Ageing Treatments. UC Davis Biomedical Engineers Improve Lab-Grown Tissues.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB affirms WCJ order for lien claimant to appear. WCAB rules sub-rosa film admissible despite "No Trespassing" signs. Castro Valley orthopedist arrested on 31 fraud related felonies. San Gabriel physician faces 339 years for drug trafficking. Return-to-Work supplement program pays $5,000. benefit. DWC posts revised copy service regs for public comment. JPA association speakers discuss study on quality care. Healthcare risk managers discuss administration of comp medical benefits. Berkeley City Council studies comp costs. Researchers find genetic role and treatment for post-traumatic arthritis.
Eric Law is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCIF Obtains Terminating Sanctions in Discovery Dispute With Employer.Two Dozen Civil Suits Filed Against Drobot Related Local Hospitals. Pacific Hospital CEO Sues Plaintiff Attorneys in $50 Million Defamation Case. Orders For Witness "Hits" Adds 10 Counts to 50 Count Fraud Case. Security Firm With Statewide Government Contracts Fakes Comp Insurance. LA Probation Officer Arrested for Altering RTW Slip. Feds Now Target Executives in Healthcare Fraud Cases. Report Claims Ebola Pandemic Poses Low Risk For Comp Carriers. DWC Seeks Nominations for Community Service Award.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Psychologist investigated for comp fraud. Bowling scores convict janitor with shoulder injury. Fraud investigations now include medical coding companies. DWC sets hearing on more OMFS regulatory changes. DWC takes umbrage with California comp cost report. DWC opens registration for 22nd Educational Conference. Business insurance workers' comp conference free online. "Prehabilitation" saves $1,215 per patient. Rand study sees no savings from medical malpractice "reform". Former adjuster shot by claimant at Nevada comp board.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Reverses Itself in Dubon En Banc IMR Case. Two Appellate Cases Raise Medical Marijuana Concern.Big Bear Lake Contractor Arrested. Chino Claimant Arrested for Identify Theft. Operators of Three L.A. Medical Clinics Indicted. Doctors and Hospitals Receive $10 Billion Annually From Vendors.Study Shows California Has Highest Comp Rate in Nation. Prescription Drug Formulary Saves Claim Costs. Complex Issues Raised at IAIABC Annual Conference. Free IMR Webinar Set for October 22.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Comp insurers seek RICO damages against drug makers. Appeals court limits tort recovery of independent contractor. SB 863 retroactively limits attorney fees for filing app against unrepresented worker. Ruling says Sacramento Bee misclassified carriers. Lompoc correctional officer arrested for comp fraud. Southern California Neurosurgeons and hospital allegedly involved in implant kickback scheme. DWC postpones ICD-10 implementation for one year. Officials say injured-on-duty program for safety workers invites abuse. Brown vetoes two comp related public safety officer bills. Floyd, Skeren and Kelly announce November 6 Employment Law Conference.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.WCAB Rules UR Process Applies to MPN Physicians. L.A. Probation Officer Faces Fraud Charges. FBI Says 4.5 Million Community Health Systems Records Stolen by China Hackers. Owner of Emmanuel Medical Supply in Long Beach Convicted in Federal Fraud Case. Final Hospital Q Outpatient Departments and ASC Fee Schedule Now Effective. New MPN Regulations Take Effect. Living in a Disadvantaged Neighborhood Worsens Pain Outcomes After Trauma. New Fibromyalgia Study Points to Mental Mechanisms.Survey Shows Californians Turn on Obamacare. City of Santa Monica Reports 12% Increase in Comp Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. NFL Legend, Brad Culpepper, Sued in Orange County for Comp Fraud. Defense Attorney Prevails in Disgruntled Applicant's Civil Case. LA County Probation Department Reduces Claims by One Third. Prospective Juror Arrested for Comp Fraud. Alpha Ambulance Inc. Manager Guilty in $5.5 Million Fraud Conspiracy. DWC Adjusts DME Fee Schedule. DWC Streamlines QME Panel Process. DWC Proposes Revisions to Copy Service Fee Schedule. California Bucks National Lower Comp Rate Trend. Panelists Discuss Comp Reform at Dana Point Risk Conference.
Eric Law is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. "Medical Marijuana" Creeps Into New Mexico Comp System. Conviction is Good Example of Identity Theft in Pursuit of Pain Pills. Pacioma Insurance Broker Arrested for Premium Theft. Clinical Laboratories Under Scrutiny for Kickbacks to Doctors. Uninsured Seaside Contractor Convicted Again. What to Shop For in Hip and Knee Implants. From Nose to Knee: Engineered Cartilage Regenerates Joints. DIR Schedules Meeting to Review Cal/OSHA PSM Standards. Pharmacy Board Requests Comments on Proposed Compounding Regulations. York Risk Services Acquires Sams and Associates.
Eric Law is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. United Health and Insurance Commissioner Battle Over $10 Billion Fines. Professional and Collegiate Athletic Concussion Cases Report Settlements."Disabled" Berkeley Psychologist Convicted of $1 Million Income Tax Fraud. Riverside Attorney and Chiropractor Face $50 Million Comp Fraud Charges. Feds Say Senator Yee Involved in Bribes for NFL Comp Law. House Passes Wasserman Schultz Longshore Clarification Act. DWC Posts Ambulance Fee Schedule Update. Proposed DWC Rule To Delay ICD-10 Implementation. WCJ Jane Madsen Moves to Eureka Office.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Gives Applicants Second Chance at IMR Appeal. Claimant/Restaurant Owner Gets 120 Days For Collecting TTD While Working. Task Force Issues 81 Citations and $135K in Penalties for Labor Law Violations. Convicted DME Owners Sentenced for Fraud and Kickbacks. Southern California Physician Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. Medical Marijuana States Report 25% Reduction in Opioid Fatalities. Retired Workers' Compensation Judge Samuel L. Sosna Jr. Dies of Cancer. Jack Paul Koszdin, Founding Partner of Koszdin, Fields, Sherry and Katz Passed Away August 24, 2014. Judge Dennis Stach of the Riverside WCAB Passed Away August 7, 2014.
Robert C. Nichols is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rejects Worker's Fraudulent Concealment Case. NHL Concussion Suits Consolidated in Minnesota Federal Court. Granite Installer Faces 30 Years For Double Dipping. Med Management Company Owner Guilty of $3.2 Million Fraud. DWC Proposes Modifications to MTUS Regulations. DWC Sets Public Hearing on Outpatient and ASC Fee Schedule. Feds Reclassify Hydrocodone Combination Products to Schedule II Narcotic. 20% of Orthopedic Patients Doctor Shop for Opiates. Broker Creates Fake Insurance Company to Steal Comp Premiums. CHSWC Study Confirms Higher Comp Costs in Southern California Region.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Will Florida Comp Ruling Become a National Trend? WCAB Rules Parties May Stipulate to Use AME Instead of IMR Process. Court of Appeal Limits Definition of LC 4558 Power Press Exception. Convicted Claimant Fakes Robbery - Then Fakes PTSD Claim. Beauty Pageant Contestant Charged With Comp Fraud. Feds Highlight Fraud Data Mining Strategies. WCIRB Suggests 6.7% Average Pure Premium Rate Increase. DWC Posts Annual WCJ Ethics Report. Employers Holdings California Comp Strategy Pays Off.
Rene Thomas Folse is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Limits Recovery of Caregiver Injured by Alzheimer's Patient to Workers' Comp. Court of Appeal Limits Definition of LC 4558 Power Press Exception. WCAB Clarifies UR Time Limits and That UR Not Required For Denied Body Parts. DME Company Owner Found Guilty in a 10-Year, $8.3 Million Fraud Scheme. Commercial Insurance Broker Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Premiums. WCAB Proposes Repeal of Rules of the Court Administrator. Independent Medical Review Records Submission Process Improved. WCIRB Publishes Aggregate Medical Payment Trends Report. WCIRB Report Shows Improving But Still Difficult California Work Comp Economics. Insurers Consider Cost-Effectiveness of Commercial Weight Loss Strategies. Excellence in Workers' Compensation Risk Management Awards Announced.
Eric Law is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. UnitedHealth and Insurance Commissioner Battle Over $10 Billion Fines. Professional and Collegiate Athletic Concussion Cases Report Settlements."Disabled" Berkeley Psychologist Convicted of $1 Million Income Tax Fraud. Riverside Attorney and Chiropractor Face $50 Million Comp Fraud Charges. Feds Say Senator Yee Involved in Bribes for NFL Comp Law. House Passes Wasserman Schultz Longshore Clarification Act. DWC Posts Ambulance Fee Schedule Update. Proposed DWC Rule To Delay ICD-10 Implementation. WCJ Jane Madsen Moves to Eureka Office.
Kyle R. Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Rejects Jurisdiction Over Hospital Lien Claim.Civil Lawsuits Claim Comp Doctors Used Fake Spine Surgery Hardware.Inspector General Warns About Electronic Health Records Potential for Fraud.Former Visalia Physician Pleads Guilty, Faces 20 Years in Drug Case. Major Drugmakers Lack Interest in New Antibiotic Development.New Study Says Steroid Injections Ineffective for Back Pain.California Has Mixed Scorecard in WCRI Medical Price Index Report.Veterans Administration Botches 60% Of Its Own Work Comp Claims.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 6th Circuit Rules Against Plaintiffs in Darvon and Darvocet Litigation. DIR Approves New Alternative Security Program for Self Insureds. Civil Suit Between Carrier and Applicant Attorneys Not Protected by SLAPP Statute. La Mirada Physician Pleads Guilty to Illegal Drug Distribution. Court of Appeal Reduces Evidence Required In Medical Fraud Cases. 259 Million Prescriptions of Opiods Written in One Year. Poor Outcomes Linked to Pre-Surgical Opioid Use. Workers' Compensation - Where Did All The Money Go?
Eric Law is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Class Action Concludes Delivery Truck Drivers Are Employees. Omnicare Settles Kickback Case for $124 Million. Baby's Death Allegedly Linked to Compound Drug Fraud Scheme. Politics and Medical Fraud Strange Bedfellows. Owner of Plumbing Company Faces 18 Years for Comp Fraud. California 20th State to Legislatively Restrict Football. California Launches Health Care Transparency Project. Study Shows Wide Differences in ASC Costs Across States. DWC Posts Updated Time of Hire Pamphlet. Jaw Dropping Vote Count For Secretary of State.
Eric Law is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Publishes Case on WCAB Privilege. Court of Appeal Remands Case to Consider 22 Non MPN Reports. Task Force Issues 60 Citations to Illegally Uninsured Contractors. 15 Indicted In Alleged Compound Drug Fraud Scheme. Outpatient and ASC Fee Schedules Now Final. Health Insurers Balk at Genetic Sequencing. WCIRB Submits January 1, 2015 Regulatory and Pure Premium Rate Filing. Superior Court System Still Under Funded. WCIRB CEO Says Comp Vital Signs Are "Mixed". WCRI Study Identifies Predictors Of Injury Outcomes.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Broadly Interprets Definition of a "Prescription" for Home Health Care. Court of Appeal Narrowly Applies Power Press Exception in Meat Packer Case. Uninsured Rapper Sued by Housekeeper. Feds Have Over 2000 Open Health Care Fraud Probes. Pacific Grove Architect Guilty of Comp Fraud. Five Accused in $4 Million Fraud Case. City of LA Employee Arrested for Double Dipping. FDA Approves Bunavail for Opioid Addiction. Simple Ice Packs Reduce Post Surgical Pain and Narcotics. Comp Costs Limit NFL Expanded Playoffs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Dancing Kia Hamster Headed to Jail. Farm Worker Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. Nurse Faces Fraud Charges For Exaggerated Claim. RAND Evaluates Impact of Expiration of Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. DWC Sets Hearing on WCIS Regulations. Coventry Reports Reduction in Narcotic Medication Usage. CWCI Computes 2015 Benefit Payment Increases. California Books Off by $31 Billion in Mistakes.
Eric Law is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Says Privileges Apply to WCAB and Limit Discovery. Lowe's Settles Misclassification Class Action. 6th Circuit Rejects RICO in Workers' Compensation Worker Faces Five Years For Fraudulent Mileage Claims. Operation Nail Polish Nabs $7 Million Chiropractic Fraud. Surge in Drug Testing Deemed "Spigot of Money". Insurers "Shocked" by Cost of New Drugs. SCIF Announces New CEO.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Imposes 5814 Penalties and Attorney Fees for Following "Unreasonable" UR Determination. Court of Appeal Rejects Death Benefits in "Special Mission". En Banc Decision - 100% PD and COLA Starts When TD Ends. NFL Faces New Player Class Action in San Francisco. Two Business Owners Face Charges. LA Probation Officer Arrested for Comp Fraud. LAUSD Cop Arrested for Comp Fraud. DWC Issues Notice of Hearing for MTUS Regulations. DWC Schedules Public Hearing on Proposed Copy Service Fee Schedule. DIR Reduces Fees for IMR, IBR by 25 Percent.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Nationwide Fraud Bust - Eight Caught in LA. Restaurant Owner Gets 6 Years 8 Months Sentence. Paso Robles Contractor Arrested. WCAB, DWC Issue New Forms. Medical Costs Moderated Before SB 863. Governor Brown Signs Time Extension for Death Benefits. CWCI Update Study Shows Limited Reduction in Opioid Abuse. Physician Dispensed Narcotics Linked to Poor Outcomes. Study Says Minimally Invasive Spine Fusions Have Better Outcomes. Comp Combined Ratio Significantly Improved.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reopens Stipulated Award Based Upon Excusable Mistake. Corrections Officer Fraud Conviction Reversed Over Jury Instructions. Insurance Broker Faces Prison For Taking Casino Premiums. LA County Worker Arrested in 100% Disability Fraud Case. Salinas Claimant Sentenced to Eight Years, Eight Months. Claimant Arrested for Failure to Disclose Correct Medical History. DWC Posts Third Modification to MPN Regulations. SCIF Increases Premium Revenue to Over $1 Billion. Xerox Acquires StrataCare and CareSolutions. Work Comp Industry Lags Behind in Technology and Innovation.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drobot Sentencing Hearing Set for December. Safety Officer Benefits Extension Bill in Final Legislative Stages. Katherine Zalewsk Appointed to WCAB. DWC Posts RAND Study on ASC Services and Fees. WCRI Report Says California PD Benefit Nearly Lowest in Nation. Doctors Succeed in Regenerating Muscle Tissue. Painful Injury? There's an App For That! Physician Shortage Prompts Travelers to Expand Nurse Sites. DWC and Maximus Schedule Free IBR Webinar. Toyota Headquarters Exits California - Headed for Texas.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Says Failure to Sign UR Report Invalidates UR Procedure. Reconsideration Granted to Determine if Erroneous Instruction to UR Was Material Defect. Claimant Charged With Identity Theft For Using Fake ID. Surveillance Leads to Arrest of San Jose Claimant. State Senator Leland Yee Accused of Sponsoring Health Care Industry "Milker Bills". California Legislature Seeks to Regulate "Medical Marijuana". Ethics Committee to Ban Work Comp Judges From Boy Scout Membership.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Successful Comp Case May Toll Statute of Limitations in Civil Case. DWC Posts Proposed Opioid Guideline - Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back. BART Fined $210,000 For Workplace Fatality. Cal/OSHA Fines Real Estate Firm for Tree Trimming Fatality. Security Firm Head - Heads to Jail for 120 Days. Owner of Van Nuys Medical Supply Company Gets Six Years in Prison. Claimant Arrested for Working as Massage Therapist While on Comp. Trucking Company Owner Sentenced to 300 Days.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Psychiatric AME Must Separately List and Assess Each Claimed Stressful Event. Bell Gardens Police Officer Convicted in Comp Fraud Case. SF Bus Driver Charged With Felonies For Faking Robbery. Truck Driver Faces Decade In Prison After Jury Trial. DWC Changes Panel QME Process to Comply With Navarro Decision. DWC Posts More Proposed Changes to HOPD/ASC Fee Schedules. DWC Posts Adjustments to OMFS. FDA Approves Painkiller Overdose Emergency Device. Crawford Placed on Top 100 Business Technology Innovators List. California Economy Report Card - Is Comp Our Only Problem?
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Former Cal/OSHA Official Files Whistleblower Complaint Against Agency. Drobot Guilty Plea Delayed. Azusa Massage Parlors Cited for No Comp Insurance. Feds Delay ICD-10 At Least One Year In Surprise Vote - Health Industry Enraged. Comp Payment for Medical Marijuana - 2014 CLM Annual Conference Hot Topic. National Study of Compounded Drugs Shows Five-Fold Increase. Anesthesiologists Identify Unnecessary Medical Procudures. Study Says Voluntary Disability Insurance Reduces Comp Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. State Sen. Leland Yee Indicted in FBI Corruption Case. Defense Attorney Convicted of Stealing $2 Million From MTA. Federal Jury Convicts Orthomed Owner in Fraud Case. Attorney General Says California Leads the Nation in Transnational Organized Crime. Only Two Comments Posted to DWC ICD-10 Forum. Painkiller Addiction Leads to "Lower Cost" Heroin Addiction. 3D Printed Human Implants Revolutionizing Surgeries. CDC Says 4% Acquire Infections in Hospitals and Medical Facilities. Comp Rates Continue to Climb. So. Cal Water District Faces Insurance Crisis with JPA.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Rejects Use of Figure 15-19 to Rate Cervical Impairment. Employer Loses Negligence and Bad Faith Case Against State Fund. Intoxication is No Defense to Claim Against Uninsured Employer. Truck Mechanic Faces Felonies For Fraudulent Claim. DWC Proposes Regulatory Move from ICD-9 to ICD-10. FDA Ignores Complaints About New Pain Drug. Bipartisan Agreement Raises Hopes to Avoid 24% Physician's Pay Cut. Public Service Insurance Exits California Comp Market.
Kyle R. Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Contractors Lose Case Against Failed Construction Industry SIG Brokers. Feds Recover Record $4.3 Billion in 2013 Fraud Cases. Projected IMR Administrative Savings May Not Materialize. MIT Expert Says Comp Is "Anachronistic". Experts Predict the Dawn of the Age of Genomic Medicine. Researchers Develop New Blood Test for Sport Brain Injury. Top U.S. Scientific Misconduct Official Quits in Frustration. Sheryl Chalupa Appointed SCIF Chair.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reinstates Malpractice Claim Against Applicant Attorneys. WCAB Says SB 863 Allows Five Extra Days to Strike QME From Panel. Tenet Healthcare Investigated by FBI for Kickbacks. Woman Gets 11 Years For Second Comp Fraud Conviction. Cal Chamber Announces Job Killer Bills for 2014.CHSWC Annual Report Calls For Integrated Health Care and Medical-Legal Reform. Travelers Now Biggest National Workers' Compensation Carrier. Report Says California Losing Film Industry Dominance.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Declares QME Rule 35.3(e) is Invalid. WCAB (Not IMR) Must Decide Medical Necessity When UR Decision is "Invalid". Federal OSHA Preempts DA From Pursuit of Civil Penalties in Workplace Fatality. Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Owner Pleads Guilty to Massive Comp Fraud. Calderons Indicted On Bribery Charges Involving Workers Compensation Laws. Whilstleblowers Provide Details on Pacific Hospital Comp Fraud. S.B. 863 Reduces Ambulatory Surgery Center Charges by 28%. DWC Will End IMR "Reminder Letters" on April 1.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Reverses Case Law on Application of OMFS to Denied Cases. Glendale Residents Convicted in $20 Million "Prescription Harvesting" Fraud. Insurance Broker Arrested for Padding Work Comp Premiums. Carlsbad Company Gets FDA Clearance for Spine Implant. Study Says Healthcare Providers Easy Target for Hackers. Tenants Complain About WCAB Santa Barbara Satellite Office. DWC Announces Changes to OMFS. NSA Surveillance Targets Law Firm Communications.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Says SB 863 Entitles Employer to Expedited Hearing on MPN Issues. No Jurisdiction in Federal Court Over Subrogation Money. LA Officials Say "Obscenely Ridiculous" Employment Law Will Cost $26 Million Payout for No-Nap Rule. Santa Barbara Bus Driver Convicted of Comp Fraud. Final IMR and IBR Regulations Now In Effect. Analysts Predict Obamacare Caused Comp Treatment Delays. Stress From Claims Process Makes Injuries Worse. Drug Shortages Persist. $1 Billion in Cuts to California Courts Leaves System on Life Support. Comp Premium Rates Show Steep Increase in 2014.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Reduction of Attorney Fee in Longshore Case Must State Specific Reasons. CWCI Says Los Angeles is "Hotbed" for Comp Litigation. CHP Officer and Wife Arrested for Comp Fraud. Whittier Psychologist "Apologizes" for Fraudulent Comp Claims. Monterey County Sting Grabs Illegal Contractors. New NFL Law Triggers More Than 1000 Claims. DWC Announces Hearing on Hospital and Surgical Center Fee Schedule. Expiration of Federal Terrorism Insurance Increases Comp Rates.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Applies Earnings Presumption to Volunteer Police Only. Missing Unattached Safety Device Cannot Be Used for Power Press Exception. No Reimbursement for Differential Pay to Sheriff After Return to Light Duty. Federal Case Accuses California Hospitals of $50 Million Fraud. Thirteen Indicted for Comp Premium Fraud. More Fake Doctors Prosecuted in San Diego. Conviction of Doctor and Attorney Closes $154M Orange County Fraud Prosecution. Orthopedic Surgeons Clueless As to Medical Device Costs. KKR Announces $2.4 Billion Sedgwick Acquisition. DWC Announces 2014 Carrie Nevans Community Service Award Recipients.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lien Claimant Aspen Medical Charged With $36 Million Comp Fraud. Postal Worker Gets Jail Time for Comp Fraud. California Has Four Out of Top Ten Comp Fraud Cases in Nation. NICB Outlines Fraud Trends for 2014. 2014 Annual Report of Inventory Due April 1. WCIRB Launches Classification Search Tool. Next QME Examination Set for April 12. Amgen Faces Cal/OSHA Probe for Second Explosion in Last Year.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Judge Rejects NFL Settlement. National Nurses United Claims Medical Bills are Bloated with Waste. 2013 Was Record Year for Health Care Fraud. Profiteering and Fraud. Van Nuys DME Supplier Faces 30 Years After Guilty Plea. Orange County Attorney Jailed for Use of Cappers. SB 863 Roll Back Bill Dies An Early Death. Researchers Study Best Treatment for Herniated Discs. Researchers Link Chronic Back Pain and Brain Changes Causing Obesity. Analyst Predicts Third Wave of Asbestos Claims. NCCI Changes Experience Mod Rules in 36 States.
Kyle R. Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Citation to Treatment Guideline Required to Award Home Health Care. San Diego Company Settles Kickback Charges for $40 Million. Santa Barbara Doctor Known as "Candy Man" Pleads Guilty. Proposed Medicare Regs Crack Down on Over Prescribers. CWCI Study Says UR/IMR Process Working as Intended. RAND Study Says Workplace Wellness Programs Ineffective. Liberty Mutual Sells Comp Business to AFG.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employment Law Change Highlights for 2014. Court of Appeal Says Rating Need Not Be "Complex and Extraordinary" to Use Almaraz/Guzman Analogy. Foundation Names California Worst "Judicial Hellhole" in Nation. Fullerton Business Owner Gets Five Year Sentence in Fraud Case. DWC Posts RBRVS Fee Schedule Updates Effective January 1, 2014. Comp Medical Mileage Rate Decreases in 2014. CMS Publishes Notice of Proposed Rule Making Regarding Appeal Process. FIO Report Suggest Fed Involvement In State Regulation of Insurance. CMS Rolls Out Fingerprint-Based Provider Background Checks. Drugmaker Ends Payments to Doctors for Promoting Products.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lien Activation Fee Injunction Case Continued to January 16. Court of Appeal Reverses Death Benefits Award. LAPD Police Officers Arrested for Comp Fraud. Insurance Agent Arrested for Fake Comp Policies. California Trial Lawyers Propose Ballot Initiative to Overturn Medical Malpractice Law. 70% of California Physicians Boycotting Obamacare. States Seek Removal of New Drug 5 to 10 Times More Potent Than Hydrocodone. More Doctors Moving to Fee for Services Mode.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Limits WCAB Subject Matter Jurisdiction Over Professional Sports Injuries. Fresno Farm Labor Contractor to Pay Comp Carriers $4.2 Million Restitution. FBI Says Mob Figures Now Involved in Health Care Crime. Two Monterey County Contractors Convicted of Comp Fraud. Feds Pass New Law Regulating Drug Compounding. DIR Lien Revenue Reduces Costs of WC Revolving Fund.Researchers Measure Cost of Zero Dollar Comp Claims. 2014 WCIRB Manuals and Plans Now Available. DWC Schedules Another IMR Webinar. Researchers Say New Spinal Cord Treatment Improves Walking.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. DWC Relents on Lien Activation Fee Collection. Senator Calderon Points Fraud Finger at Senator Steinberg. NICB Reports Increase in Medical and Workers' Comp Fraud Claims. Feds Resolve Fraud Case With Orange County Ambulance Company for $3 Million. Final SJDB Regulations Approved. Insurance Commissioner Approves 6.7% Rate Increase. Insurers Protest Proposed CMS SMART Act Rule Extending Time Limits. Headache Doctors Publish Treatment-to-Avoid Guidelines. Panelists Says Early Aggressive Medical Care Lowers Claim Costs. SCIF Declares $100 Million Dividend. A.M. Best Report Shows Comp Industry Financial Improvement. State Fund CEO and CFO Abruptly Resign on Friday.
David L. Jimenez California Supreme Court Affirms Valdez Decision and Opens Pandora's Box. Federal Judge to Sign Statewide Injunction Against Lien Activation Fee. Old Settlement Precludes NFL Player's New Claim. WCAB Rescinds Its Decision on AMA Guides 6th Edition. Johnson and Johnson Settles Hip Replacement Lawsuits for $4 Billion. Orange County Physician Sentenced to 11 Years for Prescribing Opiates From Starbucks. Researchers Review Opioid Treatment Guidelines. DWC Posts New QME Panel Request Forms. CWCI Says Private Self-Insured Claims are Stable With Declining Frequency. DWC Announces Public Hearing for RBRVS Fee Schedule.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Judge To Issue Injunction Against Lien Activation Fee. WCAB Panel Applies SB 863 Retroactively to Home Health Care Claim. Pharmaceutical Companies Settle Federal Charges for $2 Billion. Sutter Health Settles Whistleblower Case for $46 Million. Pacific Grove Illegal Contractor Guilty of More Than 30 Felonies. Genetic Discoveries Will Transform Medical Care. WCIRB SB 863 Retrospective Cost Study Shows Costly Surge in IMR. DWC Now Plans For Santa Barbara "Satellite" Office. CHSWC Evaluates Cal/OSHA Inspection Methods.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Partially Reverses Injured Worker's FEHA Claim Against School District. FBI Allegedly Implicates Sen. Calderon and Pacific Hospital in Comp Law Bribery Scheme. Second Riverside Transit Driver Arrested for Comp Fraud. L.A. Transportation Company Owner Faces 10 years in Fraud Case. FDA Makes Major Policy Shift About Hydrocodone Pain Killers. States Grapple With Dangerous Treatment From Fake Doctors. FDA Released Strategic Plan to Combat Drug Shortages. Vons and Super A Foods Launch Work Comp Carve-Out Program. DWC Schedules Free Online IMR Webinar for November 5. Floyd Skeren and Kelly LLP Expands Long Beach Office.
Kyle Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Stakeholders Pick Sides In S.B. 863 Constitutional Litigation. U.C. Davis Cop Settles Controversial Comp Case for $38K. CDI Awards $32 Million in Grants to Combat Comp. Aptos Builder and Employees Guilty of Comp Fraud. Correctional Officer Arraigned on Comp Fraud Charges. Implaintium CEO Convicted of Spinal Implant Overcharges. Insurance Commissioner Approves WCIRB Regulatory Filing. 49ers' Construction Site Deaths Trigger Cal/OSHA Investigations. One Million Fake Xanax Pills Seized.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Workers' Comp Does Not Create DFEH Employment Relationship for Volunteer Firefighter. Former Livingston Cop Convicted In Comp Fraud Case. Burbank Diagnostic Lab Pays $17.5 Million to Resolve Kickback Case. New Law Clarifies Death Benefit Presumption. Governor Brown Signs Extension of Time for Interpreter Certification. Brown Vetos Safety Officer Death Benefit Extension. California Comp Has "Interesting But Quiet" Legislative Year. Goleta City Council Objects to Closure of Local WCAB Office. DWC Accepting Nominations for 2014 Carrie Nevans Community Service Awards. Hospitals Announce Record Number of Layoffs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Comp Exclusive Remedy Does Not Bar $900K Discrimination Award. Court of Appeal Annuls Serious and Willful Misconduct Award. Owner of Rental Property is Employer of Friend Hired to Paint Eaves. Small Businesses File Class Action Against AIG Over Comp Reporting. Injured Worker Loses Subro Case Against Cop. Glendale Medical Management Company Owner Indicted in $13 Million Fraud Case. Brown Signs Law Banning Professional Athlete Claims. Controversy Over SB 863 Supplemental Payments Heats Up. Copy Service Fee Schedule Report Recommends $103.55 Flat Lump Sum Fee. Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Pivots from Comp to Obamacare.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Denies Request to Remove WCAB Case to Superior Court. San Diego QME Has Medical License Suspended. DWC Proposes New UR/IMR Regulations. Researchers Find Little "Rhyme or Reason" Behind Physician Reimbursement. California Obamacare Launch Week Problems Continue. Obamacare Opens to Crashing Websites and Grumbling Users. DWC Announces Closure of Goleta Courtrooms - CAAA Objects. DWC Director Sees Some "Gaming" the System. DWC Says RBRVS Fee Schedule Takes Effect In 2014. CAAA Announces New Officers For Coming Year.
Kyle Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Does Not Have Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Attorney Fee Distribution. Sexual Conviction Restricts L.A. Orthopedic AME/QME Medical License. LexisNexis Data Compromised by Identity Theft Hackers. Claimant Convicted of Comp Fraud for Owning San Francisco Bar. San Diego Woman Pleads Guilty to Aiding Psychologist in Fraud Scheme. Medical Identity Theft Increased by 19%. NICB Reports That Reports of Questionable Comp Claims Are Increasing. Fed Panels Agree on Drug Compounding Bill. FDA Issues Rules on Mobile Medical Apps. FSK Employment Law Conference Set for November 7th.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employee's Admission Limits Power Press Exception. Cal/OSHA Fines Engineering Firm $100K for Trench Collapse. Allstate Wins Another Million Dollar Fraud Case Against Chiropractor. Claimant Convicted of Comp Fraud for Owning San Francisco Bar. Contractor Jailed For Premium Fraud. Santa Paula Woman and Husband Jailed for Comp Fraud. Hospital Acquired MRSA Infections Reduced by 54%. Physician Ownership of MRI Increases Unnecessary Scans. WCIRB Recommends 6.9% Rate Increase. Employers "Cautiously Optimistic" About Rate Increases.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Panel Decision Allows Use of AMA Guides 6th Edition to Support Lower WPI. Insurance Fraud Survey Predicts More to Come. Anaheim Physician and Accomplice Get Jail Time for Fraud. Wife Arrested for Cashing Comp Benefits After Injured Husband Dies. Legislature Passes Limits on Professional Athlete Claims. 13 States Now Follow California Physician Dispensed Prescription Reforms. Study Says Steroid Injections Offer Only Short Term Relief for CTS. UCLA Study Says "Futile Treatment" Common in ICUs. Hospitalizations for Valley Fever Increase In California. DWC Schedules QME Process Webinar for September 19, 2013.
Kyle Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. San Jose Doctor Arrested for Controlled Substances Trafficking. Redding Pain Doctor Arrested. Five Thousand Dollar Surgery Costs Quarter Million - In Monterey Park! Lawmakers Back Off Of Medical Board Overhaul. DWC Issues Warning About Interpreter Rules. Juliann Sum New Acting Chief of Cal/OSHA. DWC Lien Fee Collection System Earns Technology Award. JPIA Warns City About Interference With Work Comp Claims.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reverses 100% Fibromyalgia Award and Fixed 4.6% COLA. NFL Player Dementia Civil Claims Near Settlement. New Health Care Fraud Alliance Formed. Medical Billing Company Resolves Fraudulent Comp Claims for $3.4 Million. Skid Row Capper Sentenced to Federal Prison. West Hollywood Doctor Convicted of Drug Trafficking. DWC Proposes Changes to Predesignation and PTP Reporting Duties Regs. DWC Posts Changes to Electronic Document Filing and Lien Filing Fee Rules. CDI Sets Public Hearing on WCIRB Regulatory Filing. Study Says National TTD Duration Decreasing With Unemployment Rate.
Kyle Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another "Politically Incorrect" Comp Claim. Claimant with Attendant Care Sentenced in Fraud Case. Copy of Prescriptions No Longer Required With Pharmacy Bills. DWC Posts Fourth Modification to SJDB Regulations.DWC Schedules Public Hearing on MPN Regulations. DWC Posts New Changes to MTUS. Study Says Patients Confused About Post Hospitalization Care. CVS Pharmacy Refuses Opioid Prescriptions From 36 Suspect Doctors. OxyContin Drugmaker Has Database of Rogue Doctors. California High On National List of Comp Cost Increases - Again!
Kyle Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Sets Oral Arguments in Valdez Case. L.A. Deemed Nation's Hot Spot for Health Care Fraud. Final SB 863 Interpreter Regulations Now in Effect. OSIP Launches E-filing Portal for Self-Insured Public Agencies. Comp Industry Mulls Over Change to ICD-10. Study Says Fearful Doctors Order More Tests. Feds Advance Pay for Performance Fee Schedule. AIG Ends Stand-Alone Excess Comp Insurance.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Orthopedic Surgeon Faces Sexual Misconduct Charges. Court of Appeal Affirms Employer Fraud Conviction. DWC Posts Additional Modifications to OMFS. Legislators Propose Fed Work Comp Benefits Reduction. CWCI Says Industrial Obesity Claims On the Way. Fibromyalgia Study Finds SFPN - Nerve Fiber Damage. Scientists Investigate Cause of Arthritis Pain. WCIRB Recommends 3.4% Increase In Pure Premium Rates. California Workers Comp Bonds Get AA Rating.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lien Claimants File Federal Suit to Invalidate SB 863 Activation Fee. Court Finds "Probability" that El Centro Regional Medical Center Adversely Risks Patient Care. Occupy Movement Plans August 13 WCAB Protest Over Cop's Psyche Claim. San Gabriel DME Supplier Gets 2 Years in Prison. Nine States Adopt Significant Comp Law in 2013. "Big and Famous" Hospitals Fall Short in Quality. Study Says Non-Guideline Back Pain Treatment Increasing. DWC Now Accepting Applications for October 19 QME Exam. EMPLOYERS® Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary.
Kyle Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. LAPD Reserve Officer Not An Employee for FEHA Claims. WCAB Reverses Lakers Player Almaraz/Guzman Based Award. Navy Employee Sentenced to Two Years for Comp Fraud. Orange County Physician Gets 3.5 Year Prison Sentence. Drugmaker Settles Illegal Kickback Case for $15 Million. Feds Cut Back on Health-Care Fraud Investigations. New FDA Law Fast Tracks Breakthrough Drugs. DWC Posts Proposed Changes to WCIS Medical Data Format. Cal/OSHA Enforcing Heat Illness Prevention Regulations. Anthem Blue Cross Opts Out of Covered California Exchange.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Total Disability Award Reversed by Court of Appeal. WCAB Reverses Firefighter's "Ogilvie" Based Award. DWC 2013 Claim Audits Finds 4690 Violations and $1.2 Million in Penalties. WCAB Extends Deadline for Comments on Proposed Rules Until August 9th. DWC Posts RAND Working Papers on Proposed RVRVS Fee Schedule. New Study Shows Cell Therapy Benefits for Disc Pain. Study Says Post-Operative Checkups by Telephone is Safe and Saves Time and Money. Researchers Question Surgical Treatment for Spine Compression Injury. IRS To Review State Funds Tax Exempt Status. Pricing Survey Shows Workers' Comp Increasing.
Kyle Uebelhardt is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Injury Reported Contemporaneously With Termination Barred by LC 3600(a)(10). Former NFL Player Consolidated Action Ordered to Mediation. Bus Driver Caught Lying About Industrial Injury. Gardena DME Supplier Gets Five Years for Fraud. IMR Decisions Posted on DWC Website. Professional Athlete Bill Clears Senate Committee. WCAB Posts Notice of Additional Modifications to Rules of Practice and Procedure. FDA Approves New Drug for Opiod Addiction. Second Carrier Exits California Health Care Market. WCIRB Proceeds With STAR Rollout and Online Access.
Robert Nichols is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Video Surveillance Convicts Greenfield Woman. Illegally Uninsured Salinas Employer Convicted. DWC Obtains Extension of Emergency Regulations Until October 1. Lien Claimants Must Now Use Uniform Assigned Name. DWC Posts Third Notice of Modifications to SJDB Regulations. California Comp Surgical Costs Lower Than Group Health. SCIF Distributes $100 Million Dividend After Surge in Income. Carriers Report S.B. 866 Lien Provisions Are Reducing Costs.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.S. Supreme Court Rejects $21 Million Drugmaker Jury Verdict. One Lien Activation Fee Required In Multiple Injury Claim. Court of Appeal Reverses Dismissal of A Premiere Medical Lien Claimant. SCIF Files RICO Lawsuit Against Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Entities. Claimant Convicted of Comp Fraud Loses Appeal of Fines and Fees. DWC Posts Adjustments to DMEPOS Section of OMFS. Alcohol Consumption Related to Surgical Complications. Study Finds Social Issues Influence Back Pain Recovery.Comp Industry Financial Condition Set to Improve. SCIF Appoints New Chief Medical Officer.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Approves FTC Suits Against Drugmakers for "Pay for Delay Deals". En Banc WCAB Reverses Award in NFL Team Case. Former Oxnard Cop Jailed for Comp Fraud. DWC Rolls Out Proposed RBRVS Fee Schedule Regulations. Cal/OSHA Fines LAX Employer $94K For Safety Violations. CWCI Sees No Change in Opioid Use. 70% of Americans Now on Prescription Drugs. Scientists to Grow Human Organs Within One Year. U.S. Approvals of New Drugs Highest Since 1996. Growth of California Written Premium Now Double-Digit.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Jurisdiction May Be Raised More than 90 Days After an Injury. Employer Immunity Applies to Injury Caused by Employee Prank. Visaila Physician Indicted for Drug Trafficking. Suit Alleges IRS Seizes Millions of California Medical Records. Sylmar Chiropractor and Others Indicted in $22 Million Fraud Schemes. DWC Announces QME Panel Request Changes. Pharmacy Resolves DEA Oxycodone Probe for $80 Million Penalty. Pending Legislation Targets Overprescribing Doctors. Stem Cell Treatment for Spine Injury Approved for Human Trials. City of Upland Moves to Keenan.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. San Bernardino Claimant Faces Identity Theft and Perjury Charges, Medicare Database Flaws Invite Medical Fraud and Abuse, DWC Posts Proposed Changes to QME Regulations, DWC Again Proposes Modifications to SJDB Regulations, OxyContin - Good News and Bad News, DWC Says Most Injured Workers Satisfied With Medical Care, Researchers Review Medical Necessity for Air Ambulance Services, TTD Rates to Increase Slightly in 2014, WCJ Cris Gondak to Become WCAB Deputy Commissioner, CWCI Appoints New COO and CFO.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Applicant Must "Intend" to be Personally Liable For Medical Care. San Diego Psychologist Sentenced to Prison. Sunnyvale Chiropractors Charged With Insurance Fraud. Cal/OSHA Fines Oakland Hospital For Health and Safety Issues. California Ballot Measure Seeks Physician Random Drug Testing. DWC Posts Revised Proposed Interpreter Services Regulations. Stem Cell Research Improves Spine Injury Outcomes. Common Fibromyalgia Medication Does As Much Harm as Good.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Approves Removal of Orthopedist from MPN. Real Estate Agent Faces 14 Felony Charges. New Federal Bill Seeks to Fix "Broken" Medicare Set Aside Process. DWC Publishes Proposed Interpreter Regulations. DWC Struggles With Delays in QME Panels. No Judicial Misconduct Reported in DWC Ethics Advisory Committee 2012 Annual Report. DWC Makes SB 863 Changes to QME Writing Course. Feds Seek to Regulate Compounding Pharmacies. 50% of Physicians Now Use Electronic Health Records. CWCI Study Shows Improvement in California Comp.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rejects Peace Officer Presumption of Cardiac Injury. Federal Court Decisions Create Opportunity to Reduce MSA Allocations. Federal Medicare Secondary Payer Law MSP. WCAB Panel Allows Employer to Attend Applicant Deposition. Brookdale Inn Owner Pleads No Contest in Fraud Case. DWC Posts Proposed Changes to MPN Regulations. Backlash Begins Over DSM-V. NCCI Says Work Comp Industry Recovering.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Medical-Legal Lien Claimants Cannot Avoid Activation Fees. Anti-Pro Athlete Bill Amended With Controversial 80-8 Rule. CalOSHA Investigates Contra Costa Fatality. Fraud in CalPERS Medical Program Costs Millions Annually. California Lien Collection Company Sued in Washington Fraud Case. Study Says Antibiotics Could Cure 40% of Chronic Back Pain. Many medical guidelines don't consider costs. Nanomedicine Now Supported by Top Drug Companies. Liberty Mutual Reports 31% Income Decline. Employers Names Bradley Hatfield as Vice President of Underwriting.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Assembly Overwhelmingly Passes Out-Of-State Athlete Bill. Cal/OSHA Cites 405 Freeway Project. Monterey County Field Worker Pleads Guilty In Fraud Case. Federal Jury Convicts Anaheim Physician in Fraud Case. Nevada Hospital Accused of Dumping Patients in California. Researchers Find "Staggering" Over-Diagnosis of Depression. DIR Observes Workers' Memorial Day. CompWest Insurance Launches Health Care Industry Insurance Program. WCIRB CEO Describes Organizational Transformation.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Overturns WCAB in Psyche Injury Case. WCAB Panel Says Lien Activation Fee Not Required for 2013 Lien Trial. WCAB Decision in Orthomed Lien Dismissal Case Elevated to En Banc. Imprisoned Former Orange County Sheriff Resolves Comp Case. Drugmaker Novartis Sued (Again) For Illegal Kickbacks. San Garbriel DME Owner Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges. Teams Defeat Players in Sacramento Legislative Battle - Round One. OSIP Proposes Final SB 863 Self Insured Regulations. Study Says California OMFS Rates Lower Than Other States. DWC Audit Unit to Investigate Electronic Billing Regulation Compliance.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rules Against Nurse With Latex Allergy. Another Drugmaker Settles Kickback Charges. Investigators Search For Evidence of Pacific Hospital Kickbacks. CEO and Accounting Director Accused of $1.45 Million Comp Fraud. DWC Revises WCIS Penalty Regulations. WCIRB Report Shows 12% Increase In Average Rates. Controller Critiques Los Angeles Comp Program. Retired Athletes Plan Sacramento Protest. May 7 Meeting Set with MAXIMUS to Discuss IMR and IBR Communication. CWCI Studies Toxic Injuries.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Exclusive Remedy Shields LAUSD Principal From Employee Battery Claim Orthomed Lien Claim Dismissed Over Activation Fee Issue, Federal Search Warrant Served at Pacific Hospital of Long Beach,Facebook Video Leads to Conviction of Corrections Officer, Employer Wage Theft is First State Premium Fraud Case, Owner of Security Company Faces Fraud Charges, Arrests Made in Forged Insurance Certificates Case, Cal Chamber of Commerce Adds Pending Bills to Job Killer List, President Proposes Changes to Federal Comp System.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Clarifies Exemption of Air Ambulance Charges from OMFS. Pfizer Loses Appeal of $142 Million Judgment For Unapproved Neurontin Marketing. Riverside Transit Authority Worker Pleads Guilty. Carson Woman Gets 13 Year Sentence for $8 Million Fraud Scheme. UPS Resolves Federal Charges For Delivery of Painkillers for $40 Million. New FEHA Disability Regulations Directly Impact Work Comp Cases. CMS Publishes 88 Page Workers' Compensation MSA Guide. DIR Posts Updated Guidebook for Injured Workers. SCIF 2012 Annual Report Shows Surge in Income. Walter Hesse Returns to Floyd, Skeren and Kelly.
Suzanne Honor-Vangerov is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. US Supreme Court Hears Drug Company "Pay for Delay" Arguments. Federal Judge Consolidates NFL Comp Claims. Oxnard Cop Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. U.C. Irvine Medical Center Settles Fraud Case for $1.2 Million. Feds Fraud Warning Targets Physician Owned Distributorships(PODs). DWC Posts Updated Fact Sheets for Injured Workers. Public Sector Claims Costs Near 10 Year High. DWC Implements Lien Filing Fee Process. Liberty Mutual Nations Largest Comp Carrier.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Neighborly Help With Roof Repairs Does Not Create Employment Relationship. Court of Appeal Expands Employee Privacy Rights. WCAB Panel Dismisses Liens For Late Payment of Activation Fees. WCAB Rescinds Order to Pay for Medical Marijuana. Santa Rosa Orthopedist/QME Suspended Pending Criminal Charges. Cal/OSHA Investigates Death Caused by Trench Collapse. Operators of Leasing Company Charged in $1.7 Million Fraud Case. S.B. 863 Triggers Sharp Rise in Lien Filings. DWC, WCAB Revise Policy and Procedural Manual.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Must Make Independent Determination of Injured Peace Officer Retirement Claim. San Diego Restaurant Claims Exemption From Workers' Compensation. Jury Convicts Physician/Director of Pacific Clinic in Long Beach. Napa Vineyard Worker Jailed in Fraud Case. Man Sentenced For California Physician Identity Theft. Medical Board Fails to Monitor Surgical Centers. The NFL and GE Team Up to Study Football Brain Injuries. CWCI Says MPN Physicians Now Provide 80% of Care.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Limits Materials Handed to AME During Deposition. McDonald's Worker Arrested for Faking Injury. L.A. City Firefighter Sentenced in Fraud Case. Study Says Patients Not Warned About CT Scan Dangers. Detals Emerging About A.B. 1309. WCAB Proposes Changes to Rules of Practice and Procedure. CalChamber Places SB 626 on 2013 "Job Killer" List. Arizona Seeks To Stop Professional Athlete Claims in California. Gene Simpson New CompWest VP. Alex Swedlow New CWCI President.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 60 Former NFL Players Seek to Overturn Arbitration Award. New Bill in California Assembly Seeks to Limit Professional Athlete Claims. S.B. 863 Legislative Push Back Begins. DWC Schedules Public Hearing on IBR Regulations. DWC Updates Time of Hire Pamphlet. DWC Audit Unit Admonishes Claim Administrators About Lien Negotiations.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Police Officer Files Suit Over Cal/OSHA Claim. Authorities Close San Leandro Medical Center in Fraud Case. San Diego Restaurant Owners Charged for Fake Comp Certificate. Owner of Janitorial Company Sentenced to One Year for Fraud. Medical Societies Identify 135 Unnecessary Medical Tests. Study Finds Minimally Invasive Surgery Effective for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Carriers Challenge Surgery Center Inflated Bills. Texas-California Battle for Employers Points to Workers' Comp.
David L. Jimenez is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Warns Applicant Attorneys About Inflating Attorney Fee Requests. WCAB Suspends Lien Representative From Appearing at Board. Ventura County Sheriff's Office Employee Arrested For Comp Fraud. Feds Recover Record $4.2 Billion in 2012 Health Care Fraud Efforts. New Study Questions Hip Replacement Costs. Hearings Scheduled for Electronic Document Filing and Lien Filing Fee Rules. DWC Updates Fact Sheet and Benefit Notices. DWC Scheduled Next QME Examination.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. County Jail Inmate is Not an Employee While Working in Kitchen. Physician and Owner of Oceanside Medical Supply Plead Guilty in Fraud Case. NICB Report Says DME Fraud As High as $5 Billion/Year. Hemet Pool Contractor Faces 16 Years In Fraud Case. DWC Sets Public Hearings for SDJB and Interpreter Regulations. CWCI Report Says Compound Drug Costs Still Out of Control Despite Recent Legislation. Employers Must Post Annual Work-Related Injury and Illness Summary. Council Report Says Workers' Compensation Market in "Distress." CHSWC 2012 Annual Report Looks at Integrating Comp and Group Health Care. DWC Announces Recipients of the Carrie Nevans Community Service Award.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rules that Police Officer 4850 Pay is Part of 104 Week Cap. Court of Appeal Rules Against Industrial Carrier In Subrogation Case. Rising Claims and Safety Emphasis May Cause NFL Demise. Conviction of La Jolla Physician Example of Alarming "Epidemic" in Counterfeit Drugs. Cal/OSHA Issues Chevron Record $1 Million Fine. Michael McFadden New Regional VP for Patriot National Insurance. Steven E. Penman New Sedgwick Chief Operating Officer. George Burr New VP of Crum and Forster in Orange County.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Mervyn's Bankruptcy Court Defers Adjudication of Industrial Claim to California WCAB. Hip Maker Considers $2 Billion Settlement Offer With Trial Pending in Los Angeles. Vineyard Manager Gets Jail Time for Safety Violation. Task Force Issues Stop Orders for Dangerous Equipment. 2013 CAAA Convention Topics Focus on S.B. 863. WCIRB Updates Experience Rating Plan Values for 2013. Fresno County DA Investigator Guilty of Comp Fraud. Prosecutors Provide Details on International Medical Fraud Ring. Study Shows High Medical Costs for 20 Year Old Legacy Claims. Study Predicts Increase In Medical Worker Musculoskeletal Injuries. Kaiser Permanente Announces New Occupational Medicine Regional Chief.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Rejects Jurisdiction Over NFL Player's Claim. Superior Court Denies Applicant Request to Cash In Structured Settlement. Unity Surgical Outpatient Center Fraud Trial to Take Six Months. Fontana Gardener Charged With Fraud. Feds Bust $5 Million Fake Paystub Disability Fraud Scheme. Study Says Patients Rarely Told About Medication Mistakes. FDA Published Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Warning. CWCI Says Opioid Drug Monitoring Could Save $57.2 Million. DWC Schedules MPN Regulations Public Meeting. DWC Seeks Public Input On RBRVS Fee Schedule.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. City of Milpitas Defeats Employee With Fibromyalgia FEHA Claim. Tulare County Employee Arrested for Comp Fraud. One of Ten Most Wanted Health Care Fugitives Arrested in Canada. DWC On Track With SB 863 New Regulations. Obama Signs SMART Act Expediting Medicare Settlements. Scientists Develop Objective Measurement of Pain. U.S. Government Launches Sports Related Concussion Study. CWCI Study Sees High Carpal Tunnel Injuries for Hospital Workers. Survey Confirms Concerns Over Opiod Medications. Hyatt Settles Union Instigated Cal/OSHA Probes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Terminated Salesman With Industrial Hernia Loses FEHA Claim. Hancock Park Physician Sentenced to Year in Federal Prison. DWC Outlines SB 863 Changes for New Year. DWC Posts Changes to OMFS. SMART Act Passes Congress - Will Streamline Settlements With Medicare. WCAB Posts Proposed Changes to Rules of Practice and Procedure. RAND Studies Experience Modification Impact for Small Employers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. County of Riverside Volunteer Mounted Posse Excluded From Employment Relationship. NFL Players Again Seek to Overturn Arbitration Rulings Against California Comp Cases. Another Drug Maker Settles Kickback Charges. Feds Convict in San Jose EZ Step Pharmacy Fraud Case. Insurance Carriers are Skeptical About S.B. 863 Savings Claims. Manager of SCIF SIU Prefers Old-Fashioned Detective Work. DWC Posts 2013 Annual Report of Inventory Advice and Form for Claims Reporting. CHSWC Publishes Experience Rating Working Paper. WCIRB Appoints New VP and Chief Operating Officer.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.S. Supreme Court to Hear "Pay for Delay" Generic Drug Case. Allstate Wins $7 Million Fraud Judgment Against Long Beach Chiropractor. South Lake Tahoe Skier Indicted for Comp Fraud. Security Company Owner Convicted of $10 Million Fraud Scheme. Cal/OSHA Fines Atascadero State Hospital for Patient Caused Injuries. OSIP Posts Emergency S.B. 863 Regulations for Self-Insured Employers. DWC Files Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit Emergency Regulations. CWCI Study Says Medical Costs Have "Jumped Sharply."
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. GAO Report Identifies Biggest Violators of Health Care Fraud. Insurance Commissioner Approves 2.8% Increase in Pure Premium Advisory Rate. DWC Posts Draft SB 863 Regulations to Implement the Lien Filing Fee. DWC Posts Draft SB 863 Interpreter and QME Regulations. SB 863 Architect Claims it is a "Game Changer." California Chamber of Commerce Publishes SB 863 Compliant Notices and Pamphlets. Janet Frank New PacificComp President and CEO
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Coventry Resolves CMS Dispute With Feds For $3 Million. Jury Convicts in Orange County Medical Fraud Case. Federal Grand Jury Investigates San Diego Drug Testing Company For Excessive Testing and Kickbacks. DWC Posts Draft Independent Medical Review Regulations. DWC Announces 2013 Temporary Total Disability Rates. 2013 Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases to 56.5 Cents Per Mile. Fatal Accident at Fontana Concrete Plant Triggers Cal/OSHA Investigation. Accountable Care Organizations Continue to Grow. Is Comp Next? WCRI Discovers Why Claimants Hire Attorneys. DWC Seeks Nominations for 2013 Carrie Nevans Community Service Awards.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. En Banc WCAB Decision Clarifies Burden of Proof and Sanctions Lien Claimant. WCAB Panel Adds More Exceptions to List of QME Ex Parte Communications. San Diego District Attorney Launches Comp Fraud Awareness Campaign. Independent Staffing Solutions Organizer Arrested for Comp Insurance Scam. Insurance Broker Arrested For Defrauding Celebrities. DWC Posts SB 863 FAQ. DWC Issues Second 15-day Notice Regarding Inpatient Hospital Fee Schedule. CHSWC Publishes Guide to Developing Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Study Says Spinal Steroid Shots Have Little Effect on Back Pain. A.M. Best Says Workers' Compensation Premium Growth Has Stabilized.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Physiological Manifestations of Stress Limited by Good Faith Personnel Action Defense. Sacramento Comp Doctor Faces Retrial in Sexual Abuse Case. Federal Prosecutors See Medical Research As Emerging Trend in Health Care Fraud. DWC Posts SJDB, Physician Predesignation and Chiropractic PTP Regulations. DWC Approves SB 863 Updates to CWCI New Hire Pamphlets and Posting Notices for 2013. New Medicate Set-Aside Contractor Speeds Review Time to 30 Days. Study Says New Orthopedic Surgeons Are Less Prepared. Accident Fund Insurance Company/Comp West - Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary. DWC Opens Registration for its 20th Annual Educational Conference.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Restraining Order Upheld Against Injured Pomona Police Officer. DOR Not Required to Perfect Appeal of Rehabilitation Benefits. Unity Surgical Outpatient Center Criminal Case Nears Completion. Seventh Hacienda La Puente USD Employee Charged With Fraud. Seventh Hacienda La Puente USD Employee Charged With Fraud. City of San Jose Votes to Outsource Comp Claims. Global Drugmakers Fined Under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Aging Workforce Injuries Not a Big Factor on Comp Costs. Salinas Food Processing Plant Fined $35K by Cal-OSHA. Report Says FDA Lacks Authority to Regulate Compounding Pharmacies. Report Reviews State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Cannot Bend the Rules in the Name of Compassion or Expediency. Farmworkers Claim Cal OSHA Fails to Enforce Regulations. Cal-OSHA Investigates Port of Oakland Fatality. Comp Doctor Sexual Assault Trial Starts in Sacramento. High School Custodian Pleads No Contest in Fraud Case. Owners of Central Valley Floor Care Company Face Fraud Charges. Stand Alone Comp Bills Vetoed by Governor Brown. DWC Posts Modified Rules for Outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers. Destie Overpeck Named Acting DWC Administrative Director. Another E-Filing Expo Set for November 8 in Anaheim. Pelosi Blames Comp Costs for United Football League Woes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Claimant Fraud and Perjury Conviction Sustained by Court of Appeal. So Cal Pharmacists Indicted for Drug Trafficking. California CVS Pharmacies Under Investigation for Automatic Refills. GAO Report Profiles Medical Fraud Cases. Pebble Beach Couple Sentenced. DWC Issues 15 Day Notice of Modifications to Text of Proposed Inpatient Hospital Fee Schedule. DWC Creates S.B. 863 Web Page. SCIF CEO Says SB 863 Holds Great Promise. California Comp Costs Move From Fifth To Third Highest in Nation. Joe Dunn Appointed Central Valley Team Claims VP.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Grants Review of Valdez Non-MPN Report Case. WCAB Panel Says AME/QME Process Unnecessary When UR Process Deficient. L.A. County Educator Charged With Comp Fraud. FBI Arrests Owners of Ontario DME Supply Company for Fraud. Carmel Landscaper Convicted. California Work Comp Facilities Linked to Meningitis Outbreak. Genetic Link Association Found In Lumbar Disc Disease. SCIF Declares $100 Million Dividend. New WCRI Study Ranks California Comp with 15 Other States. 11 Year Old Inspires Disabled Americans.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Fraud Strike Force Nabs 18 Southland Residents. Drug Companies Paid $30 Billion To Resolve Fraud Charges. SWIFT Team Nabs Eight Unlicensed Contractors in Sting Operation. Bakersfield Father, Daughter Ordered to Repay Over $600K in Restitution. Elimination of Comp Exemption for Domestic Workers Vetoed. Governor Brown Vetoes Farm Worker Heat-Safety Bills. Study Says Too Many Injured Workers Remain on Opioids. LAPD Comp Costs Questioned. The DWC Medical Evidence Evaluation Advisory Committee Meets Nov 15.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Says WCAB Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over 132a Claims. Riverside County Contractor Convicted in $3 Million Fraud Case. Bakersfield Occupational Medicine Physician Pleads to Drug Charge. WCIRB Recommends No Rate Increase After SB 863 Review. DIR Preparing Emergency Regulations to Implement S.B. 863 - regulation. Governor Brown Signs Roofing Contractor Comp Law. Cancer Surgeon Discloses the "Dark Side" of Medicine. IAIABC Posts Model Rule for Preventing Pain Medication Abuse. Opiods Wreak Havoc on Comp Costs. Feds Warn Hospitals Over Inflated Billing.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Murrietta Man Faces Fraud Charges. Owner Pays $321,350 for Restitution in Fraud Case. Los Angeles Doctor Convicted for $1 Million Heath Care Fraud. Billing Software Blamed for Higher Risk of "Electronically-Enabled Healthcare Fraud." Physician Assistant Gets 72 Months in Prison for Role in $18.9 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme. DWC Announces S.B. 863 Regulation Workgroups. CAAA Leadership Team Pledges to Fight for "Fair Implementation" of SB 863. Medicare Secondary Payment Program Reform Law Inches Forward. Fitch Ratings Says S.B. 863 is "Slight Net Benefit" for Carriers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Superior National Insurance Liquidation Winds Down. New Deliotte Study Paints Dismal Insurance Fraud Picture. Four Win SIU Awards at Fraud Expo. The Last Minute Politics of S.B. 863. DEA Revokes Controlled Substance Licenses of Two CVS Drugstores. New Report Says $750 Billion Waste In Healthcare Each Year. BART Director "Stunned" By Open W.C. Claims. Disability and Unemployment Double Dipping Explodes. CWCI Injury Scorecard Examines Sprain Injury Claims. Disability and Unemployment Double Dipping Explodes.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Philippines Court of Appeal Orders. Physician's Extradition to Face California Fraud Charges. L.A. County Probation Officer Arrested for Comp Fraud. L.A. Firefighter and Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. Lawmakers Approve Comp Reform Bill. A.B. 2138 Doubles Assessments and Funding for Fraud Prosecutions. Drugmaker Committed to Personalized Medicine. Mixed Reaction to SCIF New Broker Distribution Model. DWC Administrative Director Rosa Moran Abruptly Resigns.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. No 15% PD Decrease Allowed For Offer of Regular Work to Employee Who Lost No Time. Court of Appeal Limits "Special Mission" Exception to Going and Coming Rule. NFL Comp Claims May Force Changes to Football Rules. CDI Annual Report Shows 1,264 Comp Fraud Prosecutions. Many Physicians Unaware of Advantages of Nerve Transfer Surgery. British Medical Journal Debates Effectiveness of Manipulation for Spinal Neck Pain. Study:Surgeons Order Excessive Off Guideline MRIs. WCIRB Refutes Comp Reform Cost Savings Claim.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Reverses Industrial Loss of Consortium Case. Orange County Hospitals Face Fraud Charges. Large List of California "Most Wanted" Health Fraud Fugitives. Reworked Comp Reform Proposal Surfaces in S21acramento. Gov. Brown Supports Reform Bill - Other Politicians More Reserved. Insurance Journal Surveys Stakeholders on California Comp Reform. Other States Battle Year End Comp Reform. Nearly Half of U.S. Physicians Face Burnout. WCIRB Submits Proposed Rate Increase to CDI. Marriott Explores Alternative Pain Management Program.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Details Emerge on Comp Reform. Applicant Attorneys Association Opposes Proposed Comp Reform. DIR Endorses Proposed Comp Reform Bill. "Imminent" California Comp Reform Faces Fierce Opposition. Cybercrime Next Frontier of Medical Fraud. Feds Investigate Major Hospital Chain for Excessive Treatment. CWCI Confirms Significant Drop in Opioid Painkillers. WCIRB Authorizes 12.6% Increase to Pure Premium Rates. DWC Schedules Electronic Filing Expo in San Diego. DWC and Medical Associations Offer eBill Webinar.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Appeals Court Tosses California NFL Comp Cases. Court of Appeal Clarifies Continuing Jurisdiction Over New Body Parts After Petition to Reopen. Choice of Law Provision Upheld in Employer's Civil Case. Fraudulent Medical Research Found in Evidence Based Medicine. Eurasian Organized Crime Behind Southern California Medical Fraud. Over $200K Fines Imposed in L.A. Garment District. WCIRB Actuarial Committee Recommends Pure Premium Rate Increase. Next QME Competency Examination Set for October 27. Officials Say California Comp Overhaul This Year Seems Imminent. DWC Seeks Medical Evaluation Advisory Committee Nominees.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 29 States Settle Lawsuit Against McKesson For Inflated Drug Prices. WCAB Panel Decision Clarifies Who Selects QME Specialty. Claim of Victim of District Attorney Sexual Harassment Barred by Exclusive Remedy. Yuba City Doctor Faces Charges for $1.3 Million Scam. Vacaville Couple Face Comp Fraud Charges. New Anti-Fraud Partnership Created to Fight Medical Fraud Rings. Pharmaceutical Companies Focus on Bioelectronics. Scientists Discover Scaffolding Protein, A New Target For Pain Drugs. 2011 Ethics Committee Report Finds 8 Cases of WCJ Misconduct. Employers Move to Loss-Sensitive Plans To Lower Comp Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. NFL Dementia Claims Approach $2.1 Billion. WCAB Panel Clarifies Lien Claimant Statute of Limitations. License of Monterey County Chiropractor Revoked For Comp Fraud. WCIRB Considers Comprehensive Evaluation of Dual Wage Classifications. Study Shows Complimentary Alternative Care Helps Low Back Pain. Liberty Mutual CEO Says Comp Pricing is Inadequate. Head and Spinal Injuries Are Most Costly Claims. CWCI Says Self-Insured Losses Rose by $25 Million. NCCI Study Says TTD Duration Increasing Nationwide. UCR Study Says Inland Empire Warehouse Workers At Risk.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Allows Attorney Fee for MSA. Panel Decision Limits Recovery For Accrued Home Care. Santa Barbara Physician Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison. Glendora Physician Arrested for Selling Prescriptions. Study Says Sixth Edition of the AMA Guides Reduces Impairment Ratings. Artificial Disc Creates Option to Spine Fusion Surgery. Express Scripts Ends Dispute With Walgreen Pharmacies. State Fund Premiums Increase Nationally. Insurers Turn to Captives to Ease Costs. Comp Claim Frequency Continues to Decline After Uptick in 2010.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. More Than 1600 Lawsuits Pending Against Artificial Hip Maker. Civil and Criminal Charges Filed After Industrial Explosion In Orange County. Woman Filmed Running in High-Heeled Shoes Faces Fraud Charges. Statewide Joint Enforcement Strike Force Yields 104 Violators. Study Says Narcolepsy Drug Aids Sleep, Pain in Fibromyalgia. CWCI Study: Comp Opioid Use Drops to Lowest Level Since 2007. Comp Premium Rates Rising Sharply in North Bay. WCIRB Launches Free Online Experience Modification Calculator. Study: Lump Sum Comp Settlements Result in Increased Return to Work. Buyers of SCIF Office Building Quickly Double Their Investment.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Says QME Disqualified For Aggrieved Party Only. SCIF Files Racketeering Case Against Doctors And 15 Facilities. GlaxoSmithKline Settles Criminal Charges With Feds for $3 Billion. Additional Charges Filed Against Napa Doctor. DIR Implements Alternative Security Program for Self-Insured Employers. DWC Posts New List of National Drug Codes. Cal/OSHA Fines Recycling Company Nearly $112K. Methadone Caused 30% Of Overdose Deaths.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Single Payment of TD for ML Exam Does Not Trigger 104 Week TD Cap. WCAB Panel Reviews $27K Attorney Fee Awarded for PQME Ex-Parte Communication. Burbank Lab, Radiology Company Accused of Kickbacks. Contractors Applaud Fraud Crackdown. Van Nuys Men Sentenced in Million Dollar Fraud Scheme. Report: California Insurance Regulatory Environment Nearly Failing. Feds Launch Pilot Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. WCIRB Report Says Comp Carriers Lost $2.3 Billion in 2011. Spanish Version of New DWC Fact Sheet Now Available.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Approves Online Verification of DFEC Complaint Witout Actual Signature. Seven Doctors and Chiropractors Face Fraud Indictment by Grand Jury. Bar Owner Faces Six Felonies For Fraud and Tax Evasion. Owners of Engineering Company Face Fraud Charges. Study Says Obesity Increases Comp Costs. District Attorneys Receive $32 Million to Fight Fraud. OSIP Streamlines Testing for Claims Administrators. DWC Posts Updated QME/AME Fact Sheet For Use After July 15. WCJ Ellen Flynn Promoted to Associate Chief Judge.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CHP Officer Accused of Comp Fraud. Historic Brookdale Inn and Spa Owners Face Fraud Charges. Burger King Worker Faces Fraud Charges. DWC Officially Confirms 2013 Compensation Rates. DIR and DWC Team Up For Better Health Care Access. Governor Brown Announces CHSWC Appointments. W.C. Public Forum Comments Now Available for Download. W.C. Has Worst Combined Ratio In Past 10 Years. Napa Valley USD Joins Joint Powers Authority.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. NFL Concussion Lawsuits Now Involve 2000 Players. Failure to File DOR Does Not Invalidate Notice of Appeal. Filing S and W Application Tolls Statute of Limitations. Employer's DBA Does Not Limit Exclusive Remedy. L.A. Physician Assistant Faces 72 Years In Prison After Two Week Trial. Business Owner and Insurance Broker Arrested for Premium Fraud. Spinal Implant Loophole Costs $67M. AIG Settles Comp Dispute with 50 States for $146.5M. DWC Director Rosa Moran Visits Claim Department. Floyd, Skeren and Kelly, LLP Announce New Office.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reverses Valdez Case. QME Immune From Suit for Alleged Malicious and False Report. WCAB Panel Decision Clarifies Ogilvie III Standards. Jury Awards $520K For Post Injury Discrimination. Study Says Interpreters Shorten Hospital Stay. Dave Jones Recommends 8.26% Rate Hike. WCRI Reports on Escalating Medical Costs. DWC Invites Online Stakeholder Input on Copy Services. Last Day for CCWC Conference Early Bird Registration. Labor Enforcement Task Force Creates Hotline.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Decision Sides With NFL Over Jurisdiction Clause. Injured City of L.A. Helicopter Pilot Loses FEHA Claim. Allstate Continues Assault Against Fraud. Investigators Concerned About Counterfeit Prescriptions. Cal/OSHA Cites L.A. Recycling Company. WCRI Reports on Escalating Medical Costs. CWCI Study Shows Huge Spike in Drug Testing Expenses. California Restaurant SIG Seeks $42 Million From Members. Labor Enforcement Task Force Creates Hotline. Steven V. Festa Named CIGA Chairman.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Dispute Between Comp Carrier and Insured Not Subject to Arbitration. Pebble Beach Couple Plead Guilty. Level 1 Trauma Centers Reduce Risk of Death and Disability. Comp Physicians Say Fees Declining Nationwide. Study Finds Questionable Billing Practices in 4 Percent of American Pharmacies. DWC Appoints New Medical Director. Paint Company Fined $158K for Closed Space Fatality. DWC Changes Performance Audit Standards for 2011 Audits. Study Says Inspection Improve Workplace Safety Without High Cost. DWC Proposes Administrative Penalties for WCIS Violations.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Panel Decision Approves Late Correction of MPN Notices. San Jose Business Owners Arrested. CHP Officer Loses Appeal of Fraud Conviction. Beverly Hills Dentist Arrested for Insurance Fraud. U.S. Senate Probes Painkiller Makers. American Psychiatric Association Schedules Final Public Comments for DSM-5. NCCI Says Combined Ratios Unsustainably High. Industry Organizations Push Comp Ebilling. DWC Launches New Website for Injured Workers. CompWest Selects Valen Technologies for Predictive Modeling.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Limits WCJ Pre-Trial Authority to Develop Medical Record. Panel Decision Limits WCAB Jurisdiction in NFL Case. Former NFL Linebacker Sues Attorney for Botching Comp Case. Tulare Woman Faces Five Year Jail Sentence. Feds File Charges Against 107 Medical Providers. Family Members Charged with Comp Fraud. Amusement Park Owner Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. GAO Report Says Federal Comp Wastes Millions. DIR Opens Small Business Portal. Senate Rules Committee Confirms DIR and DWC Directors.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Affirms Finding of Stroke Injury. WCAB Panel Decision Strikes Down Almaraz Rating. Lien Hearing Rep Loses Another Round at WCAB. Spinal Implant Provider Faces Fraud Charges. More Roofing Contractors Arrested For Fraud. Painting Company Owner Arrested. SMART Bill May Solve Medicare Reimbursement Problems. Healthcare Self Insurance Program Struggles to Attract Old Members. Study Says Future Workers' Compensation Profitability is a A Bumpy Road. SCIF Cancels Layoff Plans.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Hearing in ServiceMaster Fraud Case Begins. Apple Valley Man Faces Fraud and Perjury Charges. DWC Posts Updated Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule. Spine Injection Little Help for Low Back Pain. Drug Trend Report Says Waste Adds $2.1 Billion to Pharmacy Costs. Study Finds High Rates of Off Label Prescribing. Hospitals See Decline in Care-Related Infections. SCIF Report Shows $1 Billion in Premiums and Declares $50 Million Dividend. WCIRB Says Comp Premiums Up $1 Billion.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Says "Invited Error" Waives Irregularities in PQME Process. L.A. Firefighter Arrested for Fraud. CHP Officer Faces Fraud Charges. CAL/OSHA Issues $168.015 Citation For Deaths at Recycling Facility. CWCI Scorecard Looks at Spinal Disorder Claims James Little Re-Elected Chair of WCIRB. WCIRB Rate Filing Requests 4.1% Premium Increase. Federal Work Comp Claim Department Out of Control. Dr. Douglas Benner Appointed EK Health Services Chief Medical Officer.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Order for Back Pay Reversed for Injured Psychology Professor. L.A. NFL Dementia Civil Cases Transferred to Pennsylvania. School District Security Guard Arrested for Fraud. Several WCJ Ethics Violations Found By Advisory Committee. CAAA Argues for Increased Permanent Disability Benefits. "Health Care Hustle" Documentary to Air on CNBC. Pharmacies Dispense 69 Tons of Oxycodone. WCIRB Recommends Premium Rate Increases. CNA Considers Workers Comp a "Problem Line". DIR Adds Afternoon Forum Session in Oakland.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rejects Psychiatric Injury After Fall From Ladder. Court of Appeal Schedules Oral Argument in Valdez MPN Case. School District Settles Fraud Case With Teacher. Landscaper Indicted for Fraudulent $400,000 Workers Comp Claim. Auto Worker Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. Buelton Construction Worker Jailed. Study Says Electronic Health Records Saves on Tests. Painkiller Drug Abusers Replace Oxycontin With Opana. Subsequent Injury Funds Going Broke and Going Away. High Tension In Sacramento Over Comp Issues.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employer Must Bear Loss of Stolen and Forged Settlement Check. Administrative Law Judge Fails to Prove Post Injury Discrimination. More NFL Teams Prevail in Arbitration Against Players. U.S. Supreme Court Rules in 9th Circuit Longshore Case. Uninsured Contractor Faces Year in Prison. Broadspire Holds Pharmacy Summit. DIR Announces Additional Sessions for Workers' Compensation Forums. New WCIRB Committee Members Elected. Survey Lists Employer Top Priorities. Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. Placed On Worlds Most Ethical Companies List.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Requires Re-Evaluation by PQME Who Moved Office. CVS Pharmacies Wins Round One in Battle with DEA. Jury Convicts Correctional Officer in Shooting Case. Physician Indicted In Biggest Medicare Fraud in History. OSHA Fines Green Energy Company $540,890 for Explosion. Prescribing Post Surgical Opioids May Be Unnecessary and Harmful. WCIRB Annual Report Shows Increase In Premium Levels. CWCI Public Self-Insured Study Says Costs Fast Approaching Pre-Reform Levels. AMA Guides Review Company Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Liberty Mutual Wins Business Insurance Innovation Award.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Applicant Attorneys Prevail in Malpractice Claim over Compromise and Release. Examiner's Release of Psyche Report Was Wrong, but Caused No Damage. Court of Appeal Rules in Battle Between Comp Defense Lawyers. Attorney Awarded $1.9 Million Fee In Subrogation Case Despite Court Rule. Contractor's Association Applauds Crackdown. More Costly Robotic Surgeries are Safer. Liberty Mutual Income Falls 78% For the Year. L.A. WCAB Assailant Gets 11 Years to Life. WCRI Publishes WC State Comparison Tool. DWC Sets Next Filing Expo in Sacramento on April 5.
Hailey Benton, Esq. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Broadens Defense to Psychiatric Claims. Tort Claim for Pilot Killed at Van Nuys Airport Barred by Exclusive Remedy. Civil Claim by SF State University Librarian Barred by Exclusive Remedy. 16 More NFL Players Lose California Comp Cases in Arbitration. Court of Appeal Enforces Stipulation to Retire in Settlement Agreement. Roofer Sentenced to Year in Jail for Premium Fraud. So. Cal Physician Faces Murder Charges for Prescribing Painkillers. Workers' Comp Writers Tackle 30% Drop in Rates, Stiff Competition. WCIRB Launches Work Comp Coverage Website. SCIF Adopts Bonus Program for Employees.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lien Claimant Sanctioned for Failure to Produce Evidence at Trial. Medical Group Targets Excessive Medical Testing. Surgeons Report High Rate of Alcoholism and Burnout. Feds Recover Record $4.1 Billion From Fraudsters. Chamber of Commerce Starts 2012 "Job Killer" Bill List Early. CWCI - Back Injury Score Card. Workers' Compensation Subrogation Efficiency Increases. DWC Electronic Filing Expo in San Bernardino.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Sacramento Bee Employee Convicted of WC Fraud. Illegal Contractor Gets Jail Time for Third Offense. Berkeley City Council Startled by Workers' Compensation Costs. DWC Increases Ambulance Fee Schedule by 2.4%. DWC is Changing Some E-filing Rules. DWC Plans Open Forums for Stakeholder Input. DWC Announces 2012 Carrie Nevans Community Service Awards. Redding Applicant Attorney Appointed to WCAB. American Specialty Launches Workers' Comp Program.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Says Lien Collection Company is Administrator not Assignee. Chiropractor Sentenced for Workers' Comp Fraud. Claimant Guilty in Fraud Case After Three Week Jury Trial. Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Jail and $10.8 Million Restitution for Fraud. WSJ Investigation of WC Spinal Surgery Marketers and Distributors. Proposed Fifth Edition of Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual Mired in Controversy. DEA Takes Aim At Mainstream Pharmacies. Job Site Death Leads to License Suspension. Workplace Homicides Decline.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Serious and Willful Misconduct Award Upheld. Exclusive Remedy Does Not Bar Emotional Distress in Sexual Harassment Case. Providers' Suit Against UR Vendor Survives AntiSLAPP Motion. Contractor Faces 57 Felony Counts. San Francisco Factory Fined $700K For Ammonia Leak. Funding Bill Seeks to Address Drug Shortages. DWC Posts Report on Alternative Dispute Resolution/Carve Out Program. DWC Disability Accommodation Regulations Are Effective Feb. 18. California Workers' Comp Insurers Returns Improved in 2010. Liberty Mutual Annual Workplace Safety Index Shows Lower Costs.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Firefighter Loses Post Injury Discrimination Case Against LA County. No Subrogation When Employer Has Exclusive Possession Of Accident Site. Hearing Representative Escamila Continues Battle Against Suspension. Man Convicted on Five Fraud Counts in Yolo County. Probe Finds City Workers' Compensation Settlements are "Exceedingly Large." New Federal Regulations Will Require Employers to Demonstrate Compliance With Safety Laws, Wage and Hour Laws and Anti-Discrimination Laws. Warehouse Gets $256K in Cal-OSHA Citations. WC Cost Increases Due to Recession. Guidewire Software Closes $115M IPO.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Panel Decision Allows Judicial Notice of AD Website to Prove Valid MPN. Physician Sentenced to 8 Years for $5 Million Scam. DWC Bulletin on "First Fill" Pharmacy Situation. DWC Clarifies Policy on QME Billing Requirements. Carriers Report Combined Premium Increase of 2.8 Percent for 2012. CHSWC Study: California Injury and Illness Prevention Program is Ineffective. CSHWC Study Discusses Impact of AMA Guides Adoption. CHSWC Released the "Construction Case Study Training Guide."
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reverses Dismissal of Petition to Reopen Filed at Wrong Office. Santa Barbara Physician Arrested for Drug Trafficking. Los Angeles Woman Sentenced in $6.2 Million Medical Fraud Case. Turlock Postal Worker Sentenced to One Year for Comp Fraud. Unlicensed Contractor to Serve 90 Days. LAPD Sergeant Arrested for Comp Fraud. Redlands Man Charged With Fraud. Stronger Pain Medications Cause Concern. CDI Forms Insurance Diversity Task Force.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employer Prevails in Malicious Prosecution Action Against Injured Worker. WCAB Continues to Pursue Suspension of Lien Rep Daniel Escamilla. 25% of DME Suppliers Face CMS Enforcement Actions. Many Doctors Claim They Are Going Broke. Medication Shortages Set New Record. Workers' Comp Costs For Older Workers Less Than Expected. 971 SCIF Workers Take Severance Package. Jose Gonzalez New President O.C. Bar Association.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Supreme Court Rules Against Adjusters in Overtime Class Action. Injury to Firefighter While Trimming Bushes at Home Found Compensable. Convicted Worker Need Only Repay Portion of Benefits Obtained by Fraud. Fake Companies Hide Organized Medical Crime. Meat Packer Fined by Cal-OSHA in Death Case. DIR Launches Labor Enforcement Task Force. Study: Washington COHE Program Improves Medical Outcomes. AIG Settles Longstanding Premium Dispute for $450 Million.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Decision Clarifies 5th Amendment Rights. Second DCA Approves Settlement of AIG Claim Adjuster's Class Action. School District Industrial Leave Benefit is Unconditional. Panel of Federal Judges to Consider Consolidation of NFL Lawsuits. Employee Misclassification Class Action Filed Against Apple. Federal Health Care Fraud Cases Reach All Time High. County of LA Workers' Compensation Costs $1 Million a Day. CDI Says Workers Compensation is Stable. 2012 Mileage Rate Unchanged. Defense Attorney Randal Klein Dies at age 54.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Sets Briefing Schedule on Healthcare Law. Medtronic Resolves Illegal Kickback Case for $23.5 Million. LAUSD Police Officer Gets 5 Year Sentence for Shooting Hoax. Fontana Man Arrested For Comp Fraud. Owner of Milpitas Landscaping Company Faces Charges. Study Says Back Pain MRI Unnecessary. WCIRB 3rd Quarter Report Shows Premium Increases With Record High Loss Ratios. SCIF Changes Policy on Distribution of $50 Million Dividend. New OSIP Audit Procedures for 2012. William J. Mudge New President and CEO of WCIRB.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Clarifies Constitutional Limits on Interfering With Comp Law. Federal Medicare Case May Hinder Workers Comp Settlements. Santa Clara Business Owner Charged With $1 Million Fraud. Huntington Pharmacy Owners Plead Not Guilty. Officials Target Underground Economy. DWC Medical Unit Changes Panel Reviews After Messele Modification. GE, Microsoft Form Healthcare Software Venture. DWC Reduces Comp Policy Assessment Rates by $113.3 Million. SCIF Offers Earthquake Catastrophe Bond to Cover Comp Losses. Festa Named Vice Chair of CIGA Board.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Approves Publication in Dorsett Apportionment Case. County of Santa Barbara Invokes Workplace Violence Safety Act. Expedited Hearing Inappropriate in Complex Case. Perpetrator of Largest Known California Comp Fraud Sentenced. U.S. House Passes Work Comp Bill. CWCI Study: MPN Use At All Time High. Former Zenith Executive Joins EK Health Services as VP of Operations. DWC Opens JET File to More Users. DWC Seeks Nominations for 2012 Carrie Nevans Community Service Awards. Len Welsh New SCIF Head of Workplace Safety.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Panel Decision Reverses Penalty for "Late" Salary Continuation. WCAB Issues Final Word in Messele Case. Comp Fraud Conviction Upheld by Court of Appeal. Sandoz Resolves Charges for Over $130 Million Including $40 Million to California. New Study: "White Coat Effect" Inflates 37% of Blood Pressure Readings. SCIF Offers $50 Million Severance Package. WCIRB Appoints Interim President. Services Scheduled For Floyd, Skeren and Kelly Attorney, Norman F. Boxley.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Owner of Construction Company Not Liable for Employee Injuries. Court of Appeal Reverses WCAB Apportionment and No Injury Findings. Prime Healthcare Lawsuit Against SEIU and Kaiser - Claims and Counter-Claims. Claimant Prosecuted for Fake Robbery. Yucaipa Couple Charged With Fraud and Conspiracy. Medicare Fraud Contractors - a Decade of Repeated Systemic Failures. Feds Push for More Generic Drugs. SCIF Glendale Staff Protest Layoffs. Registration for 19th Annual DWC Educational Conference Opens. Zenith CEO Stanley Zax to Retire in January.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Limits Messele Case to Prospective Application Only. Court of Appeal Orders Benson Apportionment in 100% Case. Capistrano Couple To Pay $3.4 Million In Fraud Case. Moreno Valley Man Charged With Comp Fraud. National Committee Considers HIPAA Standards for Workers Compensation. AIG Reports Third Quarter Net Loss of $4.1 Billion. State Fund To Keep Rates Steady. Insurance Commissioner Issues Premium Benchmark. Insurance Commissioner Encouraged by SCIF Rate Announcement. DWC Sets Electronic Filing Expo in Oakland on Dec. 1.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Contractor Without Comp Insurance Must Disgorge All Customer Payments. CIGA Not Obligated to Pay Costs and Interest in Subrogation Action. Glaxo Settles Criminal/Civil Probe With U.S. for $3 Billion. 16 Arrested In $18 Million L.A. Area Medical Fraud Case. Racketeering and Corruption Alleged Against Riverside Doctor. CDC Says Deaths From Painkiller Overdose Surge to Record. Report Says Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Not Safe. NCCI Study: Larger Claims Have Higher Cost Inflation. Bryan Bogardus New CompWest President. Allen Goodwin New Republic Senior V.P.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Pacific Bell Prevails in Discrimination Suit by Injured Worker. Supreme Court Declines Ogilvie Review. Statewide Sting Nabs More Illegal Contractors. DWC Tightens QME Process After Messele Case. DWC Sets TTD Rates for 2012. Interpreter Costs Are Becoming a National "Hot-Button". GAO Study Finds Prescription Drug Abuse. New Federal Disclosure Rules On Promotional Payments to Doctors. Device Makers Pay Orthopedic Surgeons Millions. ACOEM and IAIABC Speak Out Against Opoid Drug Abuse.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Denies Rehearing in COLA Case. Investigators Case Against County of Los Angeles Dismissed Under Anti-SLAPP Law. Statute of Limitations for Premium Suit Starts After Audit is Complete. 14 Charged in LA Medicare Fraud. Another Postal Worker Pleads Guilty in WC Fraud Case. Medicare Often Restores Licenses to Fraudsters. Industry Groups Praise Gov. Brown, But Fret Over 2012. Study Confirms Prevalence of Pre-existing Mental Disorders. "Sticker Shock" Causes Big Orthopedic Device Sales Decline. Workers' Comp Sales Fall 11%.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Governor Brown Vetoed Bill That Would Extend 104 Week TD Cap. Governor Brown Vetoed Modifications to SJDB Program. Governor Brown Vetoed UR Bill Requiring California Licensed Physicians. Governor Brown Vetoes Bill That Would Have Limited Apportionment. Governor Brown Vetoes CPT Code Additions to the OMFS. New Law to Lower Compounded Pharmaceutical Costs. Chamber of Commerce Applauds Death of 2011 "Job Killer Bills". Tree-Trimming Business Owner Faces Fraud Charges.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. New Orleans Saints Prevail in Arbitration Against Ex Players. Kern County Volunteer Firefighter Awarded Benefits. Longstanding city of LA Audit Disputer Case Dismissed as "Moot." Detroit Lions Seek to Limit California WC Claims. DWC Posts Interim Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule. SCIF to Lay Off 1800 People by June. MSC Care Management Acquires Integrated Healthcare Services. Washington "Specific Dose" Opiate Guideline Praised. CHSWC Issues Report on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Chicago Bears Players Lose Bid To Litigate Claims in California. Claimant With Insidious Progressive Disease Awarded TD Beyond Five Year Time Limit. WCAB Affirms Inadmissibility of Non MPN Physician Reports. WCAB En Banc Decision Clarifies QME Panel Request Time Limits. LAPD Detective Pleads No Contest in WC Fraud Case. More Than 10 Million Patient Records Compromised in Last Two Years. Employers Explore Strategies for Opioid Abuse in Workers Comp. WCAB Seeks Suspension of Hearing Representative's Right to Practice. Employers Holdings Ends Efforts to Purchase Guard Insurance. Passing of Former Presiding WCJ Larry Greenblatt.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Doctors Rarely Face Consequences for Drug Kickbacks. Highland Man Arrested for Comp Fraud. Claimant Arrested for Working at DMV While Disabled. Cities and Counties Agonize Over Work Comp Costs. WCIRB Reports 3% Premium Increase In 2011. U.C. Davis Study: Comp Premiums Tied to Investment Returns. CompWest Founder Steps Down. Daniel R. Brown Esq. Appointed Manager of FSK Camarillo Office.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. San Francisco Files Supreme Court Petition in Ogilvie Case. Maxim Healthcare to Pay $130 Million to Settle Fraud Probe. Prosecutors Get Tough on Pain Med Prescribers. Undercover Operation Nets 9 Contractors Without Comp Insurance. Hospital Worker Injury Presumption Bill Fails in Senate. New ICD-10 Codes Define Thousands of Injuries. Feds Limit Public Access to Med Malpractice Database. NCCI Report Ranks California High in Physician Dispensing Prescription Drugs. CWCI Says WC Medical Payments Exceed Pre-Reform Levels. Risk Managers Displaying More Proactive Traits.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Order for Psychological Treatment Does Not Require Finding of Injury to Psyche. Task Force Shuts Down Los Angeles Prescription Mills. Robbery Perpetrator Stress Claim Ends in Fraud Conviction. Convicted Lien Claimant Wins Time Off His 12 Year Sentence. Controversial Babysitter Bill Frozen in Committee. Insurance Policy Transparency Bill Awaits Governor's Signature. Scientists Find Gene That Controls Chronic Pain. City of La Puente Faces Loss of Comp Insurance.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCIF Does Not Owe Policy Holders Interest on Premium Deposits. Court of Appeal Rules on Boy Scout Ranger Earnings. Legacy COLA Cases Start to Unravel. Another Unlicensed Contractor With No Comp Insurance Pleads Guilty. Roseville Gym Owner Sentenced for Workers Comp Fraud. Health Care Fraud Prosecutions Up 85%. Federal Work Comp Fund to Run Out of Cash. Comp Insurers See Higher Rates and Lower Losses. Critics Like "Work Comp" Pilot TV Show. Farmers Insurance Celebrates Grand Opening.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Rules on Subrogation Case. Petition for Rehearing Filed in Duncan COLA Case. Almaraz/Guzman Appellate Process Ends. L.A. Attorney Sentenced for Insurance Fraud. Chino Couple Charged With Insurance Fraud. Broadspire to Administer Claims for Hip Replacement Recall. Bill Increases TTD Costs by $210 Million. Workers' Comp Rates Will Likely Stay Flat for 2012. CWCI Study Says TD Benefits Continue to Climb. Liberty Mutual Develops Predictive Model for Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Study: Doctors Face Constant Risk of Lawsuits. Black Market Drugs Increasing at Alarming Rate In California. Jury Convicts L.A. Physician of Sexually Assaulting Female Patients. Diagnostic Tests May Not Improve Diagnostic Accuracy. Reinsurer Transatlantic in Bidding War with Berkshire Hathaway. DWC Proposes Disability Accommodation Regulations. Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers Fee Schedule Changes Posted. DWC Schedules JET File Transmission Code Testing. Employers Cry Foul Over Bills to Avoid Back Injuries.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Rules on Controversial COLA Case. Fake Social Security Card Bars Injured Worker Discrimination Claim. Experts Say Impact of Ogilvie May be Neutral. DWC Proposes New Lien Rules. Richard L. Newman Appointed DWC Acting Chief Judge. Orange County Doctor Convicted in $154 Million Scam. L.A. DME Supplier Convicted in $14 Million Fraud Scheme. Republic Appoints Allen Goodwin as Senior VP. Fitch Rates $611 Million CIGA Bonds at AA.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Annuls Ogilvie Award. Insurance Code Trumps Federal Arbitration Act. L.A. Physician Pleads Guilty to Selling Painkillers. County To Use Comp Insurance to Weed Out Underground Economy. Medicare Launches "Predictive Modeling" Anti-Fraud Tool Nationwide. Experts Claim Integrity Testing Cuts Comp Costs. Rosa Moran Sworn In as New DWC Director. Entertainment Industry Payroll Company Law Extended. ObamaCare Double-Edged Sword for Comp. PacificComp Appoints New Loss Control Manager.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Personnel Action Must be "Lawful" for Psyche Defense. QME Khristine Eroshevich M.D Charged With Misconduct by Medical Board. IRS Launches Investigation of Bell Comp Settlements. Corona del Mar Doctor Sentenced to 18 Months for Medicare Fraud. Small Business Lacks Understanding of SIG Risks. WCIRB Proceeds with Enhanced Rate Filing System. Treatment Guidelines Not Followed in Pain Medication Cases. Workers Compensation Issue Unresolved by NFL Agreement.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Grants Reconsideration of Their En Banc Valdez Decision. DME Company Owners Convicted for $20 Million Fraud Scheme. LabCorp to Pay $49.5M to Settle Fraud Suit. WCJ Rosa Moran Appointed DWC Administrative Director. California Seeks Medicare Secondary Payer Law Reforms. New E-Billing Regulations Seminar Set for August. Medical Errors Down at U.S. Veterans' Hospitals.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employer Must Find a Physician Who Will Treat the Injured Worker. Three Doctors Convicted of Fraud. Pharmacy Owner Charged With Fraud. Veteran LAPD Officer Indicted in Prescription Drug Case. Doctors Take Aim at State Fund Contract. New Law Limits State Fund Directors and Officers. House Committee. Approves Federal Workers' Compensation Reforms. Majestic Insurance Rehabilitation Plan Now Finalized. Workers' Comp Rates Lead Market. California Seeks Turnaround of Employer Hostile Business Climate Perceptions.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court to Hear Work Comp Loss of Consortium Case. Controversial Cases Nearing Conclusion. LAPD Officer Pleads No Contest in Fraud Case. Navy Employee Sentenced in $300K Fraud Case. Salinas Man Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. $32 Million in Grants to Local Law Enforcement Announced. Surge of NFL Claims Under California Legislative Scrutiny. Upsurge in L. A. County Claims Triggers Probe.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Medicare Rules Keep Comp Cases Open. Bay Area Business Owner to Serve Four Years for Fraud. Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases to 55.5 Cents Per Mile. Public Hearing Set for Proposed New QME Regulations. CHSWC Report Discusses EAMS Shortcomings. DWC Launches the JET File Option. Governor Brown Surprises Democrats With Veto of Union Sponsored Bill. Government Study on Chronic Pain Treatment Released.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Hockey Player Awarded 100% PD under 1997 Schedule. Termination of LAUSD Teacher for WC Fraud Upheld. Employers Sued For Lack of "Suitable Seating" for Employees. California Dept of Corrections Employee Arrested for Fraud. California Medical Supply Firm Manager Sentenced. California Tops Chief Executive Magazine's Worst States for Business List. WCIRB Releases 2010 Annual Cost Report. Obesity and Lack of Exercise Linked to Chronic Pain. Debates Rage Over SCIF Out of State Proposal. CHSWC Publishes Uninsured Employer Booklet.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rejects SCIF Petition in Almaraz case. Attorney Fee Awarded Out of Medicare Set Aside Funds. Indictments Unsealed in $17M Workers' Comp Fraud Case. Oxnard Police Officer Charged with Work Comp Fraud. Whittier Psychologist Arrested on Fraud Charges. Santa Cruz Sting Operation Nets Seven. Study Says Physician Overprescribing Rampant. Information on 300,000 Workers Comp Cases Exposed on Internet.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Attorney Fee Calculation in COLA Case Clarified by WCAB. Court Approves Rehab Plan for Majestic Insurance. Comp Insurance Coverage Issues Add to NFL Team Woes. Top Health Care Fraud Attorney - Changes Sides. Drug Company Pleads Guilty in Federal Criminal Case. Healthcare Fraud Perpetrated by Biggest Healthcare Industry Players. ACOEM Publishes Guidelines for Chronic Use of Opioids. SCIF Seeks to Offer Workers' Comp in Other States. TTD Rates to Increase Next Year. DWC Compounding Pharmaceutical Pricing Error Discovered.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Decision Narrows Definition of Medical Treatment. Excessive Adjuster Workload Does Not Violate Public Policy. Compounding Pharmaceutical Law Passes in Assembly. Florida Governor Expected to Sign Law Limiting California Comp Jurisdiction. Illinois Legislature Passes Work Comp Reform. Sedgwick CMS Acquires Cambridge Integrated Services Group, Inc. Crump Purchases Self Funded Alternatives LLC. WCIRB President to Retire.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Disability Must be "New" and "Further" to Support Petition to Reopen. Ralphs Grocery Defeats Employee's Fraudulent Concealment Claim. Sim Carlisle Hoffman M.D. to Face Criminal Charges. Couple Arrested on Premium Fraud Charges. California Chamber of Commerce Lists 2011 Job Killer Bills. Employers Holdings Expands In Four More States. Workers Compensation Premium Total Rises. Common Pain Pills Increase Heart Risks.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Court Enjoins Medicare Collection Practices. Air Ambulance Multi Million Dollars Cases Thrown Out. Quest Diagnostics Settles Illegal Kickback Case for $241 Million. Orange County Couple Charged in $2 Million Fraud Case. Valley Springs Contractor Sentenced. Assembly Passes Apportionment Law Redux. Many States Plan Work Comp Cutbacks. After 173 Years,Titanic Insurer Atlantic Mutual - Sinks!
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court to Hear Adjuster Overtime Pay Class Action. Conviction for Fraud and Unauthorized Practice of Law Upheld. Ex-Daly City Councilwoman Gets 6 Months in Jail. Sacramento Business Owner Pleads No Contest in Fraud Case. Window Cleaning Company Owner Arrested in Million Dollar Fraud Scheme. California Asks Bell to Investigate Police Disability Pensions. WCIRB Withdraws "Informational Filing" From CDI. WC Educational Events Scheduled for June.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Calendars Oral Argument in Duncan Case. Colton Woman Arrested for Workers' Comp Fraud. Florida Senate Passes Comp Reciprocity Bill to Circumvent California Claims. Is Dementia Caused by Football? Or is it Obesity? Insurance Market Rate Declines Improving. Patriot National Appoints New Claim Manager. More Firms Unbundle TPA Services. Mobile Devices Increase Workers' Comp Exposure.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.S. Supreme Court Arbitration Ruling May Help NFL Teams. Chicago Bears Prevail in Arbitration Against Players in California Work' Comp Dispute. WCAB Awards Over $45K In Costs, Attorney Fees and Sanctions in Lien Case. Court of Appeal Rules on 5814 Penalty for TTD Underpayment. Fraud Conviction Upheld. DIR Revokes Mainstay Business Solutions SI Certificate. Actuarial Society: Health Reform Poses WC Challenges. Frequent Business Travel Linked to Increased Health Risks. Painkillers May Limit Antidepressaant Effectiveness. CWCI Opiod Study - Part II Shows Fentanyl Abuse.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Reports of Non MPN Physicians Ruled Inadmissible. Federal Court Rejects California Exclusive WCAB Jurisdiction. Bakery Owners Sentenced in Fraud Case. Janitorial Company Owner Arrested for Premium Fraud. Medical Treatment Billing Regulations Approved. San Jose Audit Slams. Police and Firefighter Retirement Program. Majestic Insurance Ordered Into Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan. Calif. Workers' Comp Insurers' Net Worth Declining.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.S. Tax Court Rules Workers' Comp Payments are Taxable. $50,000 Costs Imposed on Injured Worker for Rejecting CCP 998 Settlement Offer. WCAB Rules That EAMS Scanning Backlog Is No Excuse for Incomplete Record. Failure of QME to Issue Supplemental Report on Time Justifies New Panel. CDI Intervenes in Fraud Case Against Sutter Hospitals. Healthcare Fraud - One of America's Top Crime Problems. NICB Reports 9 Percent Rise in California Suspicious Claims. Is California Comp Near a Crisis Point? Study: Mechanical Lifts Improve Injury Rates in Long-Term Care Facilities. WCIRB Expands Online Information.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Players Win NFL Work Comp Dispute. Turlock Postal Worker Arrested on Fraud Charges. Medical Errors Happen in One-Third of Cases. Governor Appoints Two to Fill DIR Positions. Former DIR Director Joins Bickmore Risk Services. NCCI Says Work Comp Market Continues Its Precarious Position. WCIRB Avoids Mid-Year Rate Filing. State Fund Reports Net Income of $171 Million. Another Hollywood Heavyweight Joins TV Pilot "Workers' Comp".
Brad Hutchins, MPT, CEA, CIEE is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.S. Supreme Court Approves Drug Pricing Secrecy. Bad Faith Claim Against SCIF Upheld. Court of Appeal Approves Loss of Consortium Expansion of Power Press Exception. Claim Adjusters Plead Guilty in Fraud Case. CWCI Study: Medical Costs Now Above Pre-Reform Levels. Study: Guideline Experts Have Conflict of Interest. CWCI Elects Board of Directors For 2011. Triangle Fire 100 Year Anniversary Marks Birth of Workers' Compensation
Darlene M. Ball, Esq.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Claimant Who Litigated For 20 Years Sues Everyone - And Loses. Fighting Off LeBoeuf Awards. DWC Readies Launch of New Electronic Filing Method. Feds Try to Clean Up MSA Hurdles - Again! Bristol Myers-Squibb Accused of Illegal Kickbacks. Three Arrested for Workers' Compensation Fraud. AIG Suffers $1 Billion Loss From Japan and Other Catastrophes. Majestic Capital on the Verge of Bankruptcy. Defining Normal in a Work Comp World.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Clarifies Interpreter Liens. Reports by Treating Physicians Outside MPN Without Proper Referral Held Inadmissible. WCAB Rules That DOR is a Timely Petition to Reopen Within Five Years. Marathon Runner Arrested For Fraud. Remaining Fraud Fugitive Sentenced to 15 Years. GAO Study: Drug Price Increases Faster than Other Medical Costs. Study: $4 Drug Programs Could Save Billions. OSHA Publishes New Guide for Cranes, Derricks.
Robert Nichols Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Discusses Effects of MPN Notice on Claimant Who Cannot Read or Write. UR or Spinal Surgery Process Required for Authorization Request by Any Physician. Kern County Increases Fraud Prosecutions. Tire Shop Owners, Contractor Sentenced in Monterey County WC Cases. SB Woman Booked for Alleged Insurance Fraud. SCIF Criminal Probe Ends With No Charges. Financial Conflicts Influence Medical Research. CWCI Study Shows 3 Percent of WC Physicians Prescribe More Than Half of all Opioids. U.S. Camber of Commerce Places California Business Climate in Lowest Rank. Workers' Compensation - The Sitcom!
Brad Hutchins, MPT, CEA, CIEE is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Insurers Report 24% Rise in Suspicious Claims Since 2008. Employer to Serve 10 Years for Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud and Tax Evasion."Maki Maki" Owners Sentenced in Million Dollar Fraud Case. Daly City Councilwoman Pleads No Contest in Fraud Case. Fourth Hacienda La Puente School District Employee Fraud Case This Year. DWC Posts Updated Utilization Review FAQs. Study Says Widely Read Free Medical Journals Hype Drugs. CWCI Continues Case Law Series With 2011 Update.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Johnny Depp Stunt Double Loses Civil Case After Industrial Injury. U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Comp Death Case. Carrier Seeking Contribution Not Bound by Their Stipulations. President of R J Haas Construction Convicted For Fraud. Feds Critical of State Workers' Compensation Systems. Defensive Medicine Common in Orthopedics. Fremont Indemnity Company Former Employees Enjoy Reunion. DWC Announces 2011 Community Service Awards. Recipients.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Decision Denies Apportionment in Conclusive Presumption Case. Another Federal Judge Asked to Rule on NFL Player's Injury Case. Over 100 Charged In Massive Medicare Fraud Sweep. Three School District Employees Charged With Fraud. The Impact of an Aging Workforce on Occupational Injury and Illness Costs. A.B. 11 May Help California Small Business With Comp Costs. Fusion Surgery Provides Worse Outcomes in Workers' Compensation Patients. Several States Seek Aggressive Comp Reform This Year. WCIRB Recognizes Employers Compensation Insurance For Excellence.
David L. Jimenez Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Examines General Special Employment Relationship. Whittier Railroad Switchman Awarded $4.9 Million for Industrial Ankle Injury. Statewide Sting Nets Unlicensed Contractors and Workers' Compensation Violators. Employers Reminded to Post Work-Related Injury and Illness Summary. Healthcare Industry Has the Highest Rates of Workplace Violence. Not All Treatment Guidelines are Based on Good Science. 25% of People On Antidepressant Medication Lack Appropriate Psychiatric Diagnosis. Chartis Boosts Reserves by $4.1 Billion. Berkshire Hathaway Expands Comp Coverage to 44 States. DWC Acting Director Carrie Nevans Dies of Kidney Failure.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Claim Adjusters Lose Class Action Bid for Overtime Pay. Couple Arrested for Failing to Report Estimated $15 Million in Payroll. Daly City Councilwoman Heads for Trial. Sacramento Postal Worker Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case. DWC Issues Second 15-Day Notice of Revisions to Electronic and Paper Medical Billing Regs. RAND Study: Use of Compound Drugs, Medical Foods, and Co- Packs. Los Angeles DWC Office Launches E-Billboard. Comp Ethics Advisory Committee Reviews 20 Complaints Against WCALJs. DWC Audit Unit 2010 Report Now Available. More States Propose Ban on Work Comp For Illegal Immigrants.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $1.5 Million WCAB Award for Attendant Care Services Overturned. $72,000 Civil Penalty for Employer's Misclassification of Employees Upheld. Self Insured Group Funding Levels Report Shows Problems. Division of Workers' Compensation Posts New Time of Hire Pamphlet. Calif. Contractors Board Cracking Down on Those Who Skirt Workers' Comp Regs. CHSWC Announces the 2011 Young Worker Leadership Academy in Northern California. Bill Precluding Illegal Immigrant Comp Claims Clears Montana House. Medical Costs Drive Up Calif. Municipalities' Workers' Comp.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Coachella Valley Physician Convicted of Work Comp Fraud. Owner of Brookdale Inn and Spa Faces Four Years in Prison. NCIS Investigation Leads to Guilty Plea for Comp Fraud. Back Surgery Does Not End Careers for NFL Linemen. Study: Generic Drug Could Save Lives of Many Trauma Victims. Chartis CEO: Company Exited $2 Billion in Workers' Comp Business. Study: U.S. Tort Costs Decline in 2009. Employment Law Conference Set for February 16.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. San Diego Federal Judge Orders NFL Work Comp Case to Proceed Under Tennessee Law. Court of Appeal Orders Apportionment When AME Opinion Meets State Standards. WCAB Panel Decision Suggests VR Expert Should Provide Written Report to Support Ogilvie Claim. RAND Study: Workers' Compensation Return to Work Rates Improved Over Last Decade. Insurance Industry Sees Slight Uptick In Employment. Surgical Checklists That Prevent Medical Errors Are Not Often Used. California Man Arrested for Insurance Fraud, Grand Theft. American Claims Management Promotes Three to Senior VP.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Public Comments About the CSHWC Lien Report Show a Variety of Views About the "Lien Problem." CHSWC Study Wants More Workers' Compensation System Monitoring. DWC Publishes New Proposed Electronic Billing Regulations. Federal Workers' Comp Beats Retirement Benefits. Affiliate of Sedgwick CMS Acquires a Controlling Stake in Progressive Medical. Cunningham Lindsey Acquires Loss Adjusting Unit of GAB Robins NA. MRI Can't Tell Whether Knee Cartilage Can Be Fixed. Mulryan to Replace Cain on California State Fund Board.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. AIG to Pay $146M Over Workers' Compensation Lawsuit. Owner of Los Angeles Janitorial Company Arrested for Premium Fraud. Are Doctors Getting Rich With Unnecessary Fusion Surgeries? Patients Knowingly Taking Placebo Medications Got Better. Unusual Coalition Pushes for Restrictions on Compounded Drugs. Montana Could Be First State to Withhold Workers' Comp. From Illegals. San Jose Work Comp Software Company Thrives. Decline in Comp Claims Coming to an End?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Affirms Sentence of 53 Years to Life for Claimant's Murder of Comp Attorney. Court Ordered Restitution by Fraudulent Claimant Not Reduced by Possible Valid Benefits. CHSWC 70 Page Report Finds Liens are "Choking" the Comp System. State Fund Probe Is Very Quiet. DWC Proposes More Changes to the Official Medical Fee Schedule. EAMS Launches Public Information Case Search Tool. The Hartford Expands Pay As You Go Comp Insurance to Large Employers. Sedgwick CMS to Acquire SRS Nationwide.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Court of Appeal Defines General Contractor Duty of Care. Longshore Case: Last Employer Responsible for Asbestos Exposure. Workers’ Comp Conditions Risky For Reinsurers. WCIRB: California Workers' Comp Indemnity Claim Costs Significantly Higher. Former Riverside Police Chief May get Workers/ Comp Pay. Governor Schwarzenegger Announced More Comp Related Appointments. State Fund to Cut Back Operations. Retired Judge David O'Brien Speaks at AHRC Luncheon.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Third District Court of Appeal Disagrees with the Duncan COLA Case. Neuropsychologist Not Always Qualified to Testify About Causation of Brain Injury. Farm Owner Not Special Employer of Contract Farm Worker an Not Protected by Exclusive Remedy. California Employers See Lower Ex-Mods With New Rating Formula. DWC Names Appointees to Ethics Advisory Committee. Mileage Rate Increases to 51 Cents Per Mile in 2011. Cal/OSHA Issues New Regulations for Diacetyl Food Flavoring. Insurance Industry Outlook Improving, Slightly. New Research Offers Hope for Chronic Pain Treatment. E-Comp Offers Pay-As-You-Go Workers' Comp Program.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Carrier's Denial of Claim Does Not Limit Exclusive Remedy Doctrine. Concrete Company Owners Accused of Tax Evasion and Insurance Fraud. Drug Makers Cut Tens of Thousands of Jobs. Fireman's Fund Insurance Rating Lowered To 'A+,' Outlook Stable. County of Los Angeles Distributes Annual Risk Management Report. Workers’ Compensation Information System Regulations Approved. 2011 Workers' Comp Assessment Rates Announced. Report Questions OSHA Effectiveness. Former DWC Administrative Director Appointed to Court of Appeal. State Fund Names Tom Clark as COO.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Overcoming LA County Sheriff Cancer Presumption is Difficult but Not Impossible. Petition to Reopen for Injuries to Different Body Parts Requires Due Diligence. Court of Appeal Clarifies Application of Distinct and Separate Bases for Continuing WCAB Jurisdiction. Workers' Compensation Judge Paul DeWeese Discusses Lien Litigation Status. Monterey Garage Owner Pleads Guilty to Failure to Secure WC Policy. Poizner Rejects Request for Increase in Workers' Comp Cost Benchmark. Oregon Study: California's Workers' Comp Costs Fifth Highest in Nation. FDA: No More Darvon for U.S. Market.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Determines Correct Calculation for Good Faith Personnel Action Defense. Court of Appeal Rules on Criminal Case Involving Claimant Attack on Defense Attorney. Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Clarifies Compensation Rate in Longshore Case. Superior Court Settlement Requires WCAB Approval. Certain CMS Section 111 Mandatory Reporting Delayed - Again. DIR Defaults CRM California Self Insured Group. Liberty Mutual CEO: Workers' Compensation A 'Time Bomb' For Insurers. DWC Opens Registration for 18th Annual Educational Conference. CAAA Schedules 2011 Winter Convention in San Diego. Spencer Donkin Appointed Golden Eagle Insurance President and CEO.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Guzman AMA Guides Case Now Final. State Fund Prevails in Case Brought By Terminated Brokerage. Laguna Hills Contractor Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison. Transportation Operators Arraigned on Charges of Defrauding Federal Workers' Compensation Program. GENEX to Expand With Intracorp Purchase. State Fund Boosts Rates 5.2%. Chartis to Layoff 2 Percent of Workforce After $2.4 Billion Loss. U.S. Doctors Still Too Cozy With Drug Industry. Consumer Reports Coventry is Number One PPO As 3Q Profits Increase. Suzanne Honor-Vangerov Joins The Firm of Floyd, Skeren and Kelly
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. New Lien Consolidation Pleadings Page Added to DWC Website. Majestic Announces $41 Million Settlement and $8 Million Quarterly Loss. Last Defendant in AIG Adjuster Fraud Case Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison. Employers Holdings Announces $20 Million Decrease in Third Quarter Earnings. Optimistic Financial News From The Travelers. Dave Jones Elected California Insurance Commissioner. Washington Voters Reject Privatization of Workers' Compensation. Medi-Cal Scheduled Drugs Now 93% of All Work Comp Prescribed Drugs. Eli Lilly's Cymbalta Gets FDA Nod for Pain. More Drugs Do Not Always Mean Better Care.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. New Panel Decision Clarifies QME Report Deadlines. "California Blitz" Sting Operation Leads to 111 Arrests. Rancho Cucomonga Man Pleads Guilty to Comp Fraud. San Diego County Launches Anti-Fraud Movie Campaign. Work Comp Patients More Likely to Undergo Electrodiagnostic Testing or MRI. DWC Posts Changes to the DMEPOS Section of the Medical Fee Schedule. Insurance Commissioner Hopeful: Assemblyman Mike Villines. Insurance Commissioner Hopeful: Assemblyman Dave Jones.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Decision Clarifies Ogilvie Formula. Neither the Labor Code Nor MPN Regulations Impose Geographical Limitations on Choice of PTP. US Agents Make More Arrests in Massive Medicare Fraud Cases. Medical Pot and Workers’ Comp- Utilization Schedule Says No! Reports Finds Drug Companies Pay 17,000 U.S. Doctors. Study Finds Drug Companies Influence Prescribing. Surgery on the Wrong Patient? It’s Still a Problem. Calif. Workers Compensation Insurance Rates Rise 3%. Marsh Report- Soft Market Persists; Fierce Competition to Continue into 2011. SCIF is Searching For New CFO.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Limits Discovery of HIV Patient Records in Employee Claim Against Hospital. Caremark Target of "Qui Tam" Whilstleblower Lawsuit Over Prescription Drugs. CIGA Dismissed Despite Special Employer's Coverage Agreement With General Employer. AIG And Major Carriers Continue Battle Over Alleged Premium Under-Reporting. 44 Charged in $100 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme. Temporary Total Disability Rate for 2011 Remains $986.69. Insurance Commissioner Poizner's Iranian Investment Moratorium Regulations Declared Invalid. City of Los Angeles Overhauls Workers' Comp Unit. CHSWC Study - Evaluating the QME Process: Is it Equitable and Efficient?
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Backs Schwarzenegger on Furlough Plan. Court of Appeal Rules New Conflicting Law on PDRS is Good Cause to Reopen Award. Court of Appeal Annuls Serious and Willful Award Against Crane Company. Another LAPD Officer Arrested For Fraud. City of Compton Wins Jury Verdict Against WC Medical Providers. Former Southern California Police Chief Target of Disability Investigation. Schwarzenegger Vetoes Workers Compensation Arbitration Restriction. DWC Reports - No Money Left to Pay Benefits to Injured Workers' Workers Comp Combined Ratio Climbs to 111%. Paul Ramont Joins Zenith Insurance Company as Chief Underwriting Officer.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal- Emotional Distress Claim Not Barred by WC Exclusive Remedy. County of Ventura to Get 1.65 Million Dollars in Workers Compensation Settlement. Claims Adjusters Arrested for Alleged Work Comp Fraud Scheme. Veteran LAPD Officer Accused of Worker's Compensation Fraud. Modesto Motel Owner Arrested for Alleged Insurance Fruad. New Law Facilitates Work Comp Fraud Investigations. California Legislature Passes PacfiicComp-Sponsored Resolution. Schwarzenegger Vetoes Proposed Law Limiting Apportionment.Scwarzenegger Vetoes Proposed Law for California Licensure. DWC Approves Non-Substantive Amendments to Medical Provider Network Regulations.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Reverses Serious and Willful Award.Los Angeles DWC District Office Schedules Two New Lien Conferences. Victorville Woman Arrested for Cashing Deceased Husband's Checks. Labor Commissioner Issues 450,000 dollars in Citations to Restaurant Industry. Recreational Boatbuilders and Boat Repairers Uncertain About Longshore Risk. DWC Proposes Changes to UR Regulations. More Doctors Moving to E-Prescriptions. Intercare President Moves to Professional Dynamics Inc.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. DWC Proposes New Changes to QME Regulations Without Complying With WCAB En Bank Decision. CWCI Ships Revised WC Posting Notices, Pamphlets and Claim Forms. Victorville Man Arrested for Workers' Compensation Fraud. Vista City Councilman and Wife Plead Guilty to Misdemeanor. NICB Reports 9 Percent Decline in Workers' Compensation Fraud Reports. California State Fund Reports Net Income Doubled in 2009.WCIRB Lowers Recommended Premium Rate Increase With Amended Filing. Fitch Revises U.S. P/C Industry Outlook to Stable. Less-Potent Opiates May be Safer for Long-Term Use. Intercare Names Rothman as EVP, Business Development.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. City of Rialto Attorney Violated Constitutional Rights of Injured Firefighter. WCAB Panel Decision Approves of Ex-Party Communication With QME Staff. Lakewood Man Sentenced in $5 Million Fraud Case. Convicted Prison Librarian Claims Juror Misconduct. Study Finds 78 Percent Error Rate in AMA Guides Impairment Ratings. The Iatragenic or Jurigenic Effects of Industrial Medicine and Litigation. Workers' Compensation Payments for Medical Care Exceed Cash Benefits for the First Time. 8th Annual California Workers' Compensation Forum Set for October.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Clarifies Standard for Proving Causation of Valley Fever.Los Angeles WCAB Schedules Conference to Discuss Consolidation of Compound Pharmacy Liens. Several Comp Bills Await Governor’s Signature While Major Issues Remain Unresolved. The Politics of California Workers' Compensation. CWCI Study Confirms Concern Over Compounded Pharmaceuticals. Couple Arrested for Forging Work Comp Insurance. Sacramento Physician Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charges. AG Eric Holder Speaks at Los Angeles Health Care Fraud Summit. U.S. Risk Acquires Workers’ Compensation Wholesaler – Unisource. WCIRB Reports California Workers’ Comp Combined Ratio is Highest Since 2001.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCIF Loses Fraud Recovery to Bankruptcy Court Trustee. Exclusive Remedy Defeats Television Extra's Premises Liability Claim Against CBS. Division of Workers' Compensation Marks Second Anniversary of EAMS. Bill to Stop 'Tax and Workers' Compensation Fraud Epidemic' Set for Vote. "Dallas" Jones Cancer Presumption Act of 2010 Awaits Governor's Signature. DWC Posts Proposed Amendments to Benefit Notice Regulations. Radiologists Call For Curbs on Overuse of Imaging. FDA Tells J and J Unit to Halt Hip and Knee Device Sales. DWC Announces Activities for "Labor Rights Week 2010". Workplace Fatalities Decline in 2009.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 6th District Court of Appeal Upholds WCAB in Guzman Case. Court of Appeal Softens Opinion on Ex Parte Communications With QME After Re-Hearing. Payment to Attend QME Appointment Does Not Start 104 Week Limit on TTD. Farmers Moves Simi Valley Employees to Woodland Hills. Travelers To Send an EOB Notice In All Workers' Compensation Claims Nationwide. Division of Workers' Compensation Unveils New EAMS Web Site Tools. Calif. Employers Face New Workers' Comp Posting Requirements. Workers' Comp Hammered By Recession, Experts Report. FDA Panel Backs Use of Eli Lilly's Cymbalta for Back Pain.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drug Pricing and Average Wholesale Price (AWP) Controversy Continues. New MPN Regulations Become Effective October 8. New Workers’ Compensation Information System Regulations Proposed. Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center Fee Schedule Revisions Proposed. Crawford Reports 2010 Second Quarter Net Loss. Employers Holdings Q2 Net Premiums Written Declined 15.5%. Schwarzenegger Sends Letter to Poizner on Workers’ Compensation Rates. After ACL Injury, Lubricating The Knee Cartilage May Prevent Osteoarthritis. Ultrafine Particles Could Increase Coronary Risk in Firefighters.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Concludes That Use of A-M-E to Determine Treatment Issue is Implicit Objection of U-R Opinion. Work Comp Benefit Notices Highly Criticized in CHSWC Study. York Risk Services Acquires Great Western Administrators. DWC Schedules Physician Fee Schedule Stakeholder Meeting. QME Panel Request Backlog Essentially Resolved. Loss Control Tool Urged for Radiofrequency Radiation Risk. State Compensation Insurance Fund Receives Seven Awards. Workers' Compensation Woes in California Hit SeaBright. Work Comp Benefit Notices Highly Criticized in CHSWC Study. Panel Urges 30% Workers' Comp Rate Hike.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Rules that Defective MPN Notice Can be Corrected. Split WCAB Panel Decision Allows Employer to Attend Employee Deposition in Psychiatric Injury Case. Physician Repackaged Drugs Now Replaced by Compounding Drugs and "Medical Foods" as Cost Driver. FDA Panel Narrowly Backs Medtronic Spine Device. Doubt Cast on Common Back Pain Management. Animal Studies Show Ability to Grow Their Own Joint Replacements. CSIMS Physicians Angry Over DWC Proposed Changes to OMFS. Division of Workers' Compensation Makes Changes to Select EAMS Forms. PacificComp Appoints Chris DeSales to Agency Relations Manager. State Compensation Insurance Fund Board Names Tom Rowe President and CEO.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Decision Clarifies COLA Application in Death Benefits Case. Some Appellate Cases Heat Up and Others Cool Down in July. Dozens Arrested in Medicare Fraud Totalling $251 Million. Prosecutors Confirm QME Munir Uwaydah is a "Subject of Interest" in Murder Investigation. New Federal Financial Reform Law Creates Federal Insurance Office (FIO). Air Ambulance Fee Schedule Modification Effective July 13. Markel to Acquire FirstComp to Expand Workers' Compensation Penetration. CAAA Claims Insurance Carrier Profits "Skyrocketed" Since 2004. Knee Ligament Tears May Not Require Surgery.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Court of Appeal Applies California Standard for Employee Relationship. Court of Appeal Finds Order For Further Diagnostic Studies Is Inconsistent With MMI Status. Statutory AME-QME Scheme Does Not Apply to Subsequent Injury Cases. Attorney Sanctioned for Inappropriate Walk Though Order. WCIRB Article Clarifies Experience Rating Eligibility. Workers' Comp. Pharmacy Spending Increased 6.5% In 2009. Abuse of Prescription Pain Medication Increases by 400 Percent. After Announcing Cancellations, The DWC Schedules the Next QME Competency Examination for October 23. Voters to Decide if Private WC Insurance Becomes Available to Washington Employers. Employer's Self Funding Conference Slated for September in Los Angeles
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Applicant Attorneys Class Action for Interest on Attorney Fees Rejected by Court of Appeal. AIG Cleared To Pursue Rivals In Workers' Comp RICO Lawsuit. Local Law Enforcement Receives $30 Million in Grants to Fight Work Comp Fraud. Bank Accounts of QME Munir Uwaydah M.D. Frozen by Judge In Murder Case. Employers Holdings Cuts 161 Positions. Workers' Comp Insurers Show $1.5B Underwriting Loss in 2009. Modifications to Draft Physician Fee Schedule Posted to DWC Website for Public Comment. Best Fix For Rotator Cuff Tear Remains Uncertain.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Clarifies "Sudden and Extraordinary" Requirement for Psychiatric Claims. Court of Appeal Clarifies Exclusive Remedy Provisions. Marina Del Rey QME Sought for Questioning In High Profile Murder Case. CHSWC Investigation Confirms DEU Delays Exceed Statutory Timeline. Work Comp Self-Insurance Pools Are Popular with Small California Employers. HISIG Approved to Expand Work Comp Membership to Other Retailers. New York and California Self Insured Pools - The Tale of Two States. City of Maywood Says It May be a Business Model for Tough Times. CNA Opens New Branch Office In Los Angeles.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Failure of Injured City Employee to Request Interactive Process Precludes FEHA Award. Court of Appeal Finds Lack of Evidence to Support RICO Case Against Employer. CWCI Data Quantifies Attorney Involvement in California Workers' Comp. Woodland Man Arrested for Allegedly Faking Injuries to Receive More Than $400,000 in Workers' Comp. Vista City Councilman Faces Charges For Failure to Have Comp Coverage. Charges Against Physicians; Assistant Dropped in Smurfit-Stone Case. Rush to Electronic Health Records Could Increase Liability Risk. U.S. Experts Weigh How to Reduce Radiation from Scans. Broadspire Launches the First Alternative Dispute Resolution Process Offered by a National TPA. Maywood City Council Votes to Lay Off All City Employees Over Loss of Comp Coverage Benefits.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Vacates Their Prior Opinion and Grants Re-Hearing On Ex Parte QME Contact. Safeway Ex-Employee Declared to be a Vexatious Litigant by Court of Appeal. Court of Appeal Rules Workers' Comp Furloughs are Illegal. Final Defendant in AIG/Matrix Case Pleads Guilty to $1.5 Million Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud. Jury Convicts Centinela State Prison Librarian for Workers' Compensation Fraud. Smurfit-Stone Settles Workers' Comp Case for $100,000. Work Comp Judges Devine and DeWeese Discuss the L.A, Lien Unit at AHRC Luncheon. DWC Encourages External Users to Become E-Form Filers. CWCI Study Confirms Reduction in TD After S.B. 899. Maywood to Disband Police Department After Loss of Coverage.
Troy Slaten Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal to Review "Sudden and Extraordinary" Requirement for Psychiatric Claims. Potential Gulf Oil Claims on Heels of Settlement Proposal For WTC Workers. California Medical Board Reinstated Convicted Felons. Solano County Deputy Sheriff Arrested for Alleged Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud. California Workers' Comp Premium Volume Falls Fifth Year in a Row. No Cost-of-Living Increase for Injured Worker. Salinas Chiropractor Arrested in Connection with Workers' Comp Fraud.DWC Proposes Regulations for Spinal Hardware Pass Through Payments. JPA Cancels Comp Coverage for City Of Maywood. Octuplet Mom Settles Work Comp Claim for $23,000.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Finds New Regulation Limiting Right to QME Panel to be Invalid. WCAB Clarifies Role of Disability Evaluation Unit. Comp Carrier Has No Duty to Call Bank to Save Injured Worker From Mistaken Arrest. Oral Arguments Presented in Schwarzenegger Furlough Case. Claims Examiner with the City and County of San Francisco Arrested. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies' Anti-Fraud Efforts Collect More Than Half a Billion Dollars in 2009. Older, Less Expensive, Antidepressants Are As Effective With Less Side Effects Than Newer Drugs. DWC Adjusts Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Section of OMFS
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Calif. Supreme Court Clarifies Employment Relationship in IWC Wage Order. LA Fire Battalion Chief Awarded Partial Back VRMA, Bankrupt Employer With "Self-Funded Retention" Policy Provision Was Not Uninsured Employer. Jury Verdict Favors City of Oceanside in Police Office DFEH Claim Following Work Comp Injury. Defense Asks Judge to Admonish District Attorney For Pursing Fraud Case for Grant Funds. U.S. Drops Criminal Probe Against AIG Financial Products Executives. DWC Posts Revised Draft of Physician Fee Schedule. DWC Issues 15 Day Notice of Revisions to Proposed WCIS Regulations. New CWCI Study Confirms Medical Costs Higher Now Than Before S.B. 899. States' Financial Woes Squeeze Comp Systems
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. State Supreme Court to Review Furlough Case. California Supreme Court Allows S.B. 899 New Apportionment Rules to Apply in LeBoeuf Situations. Court of Appeal Rules On Illegal Ex Parte PQME Contact. California's Anti-SLAPP Statute Protects SCIF Attorney From Lawsuit Filed by Physician/Lien Claimant. Sacramento Roofing Business Owner Arrested for Alleged Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud. DWC Introduces Optional Medical Unit PQME Request Forms. Conservator Appointed to Manage Contractor's Access Program of California. Agency Clarifies Workers Comp Medicare Set-Aside Rules for "Off-Label" Drug Use. Association of Hearing Representatives Appoints New Officers. PacificComp Optimistic on California Workers' Compensation Market Despite RAND Study
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.Oral Argument Set for June 10 in Guzman Appeal. Calif. Insurance Guarantee Association Could Issue Bonds to 2013. Legislative Committee Claims That the California DWC is Ignoring the Law. Woman Ordered To Pay $40,000 Restitution For Insurance Fraud, Perjury And Elder Abuse. DWC Study Shows Injured Workers Getting the Care They Need. Network Physician Use Increases in California Workers' Comp Claims. Mountain View Man Charged with Work Comp Fraud. NCCI Says Workers' Comp Insurers in 'Precarious Position'. Crawford Names Laytin Vice President of Western Region Claims Operations
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Affirms PD Award Resulting From Unauthorized Self Procured Spinal Surgery. Santa Clara Bakery Founder, CEO and Accountant Arrested, Charged in Workers' Comp Fraud Scheme. Raley's to Pay $550,000 to Settle Workers' Comp Accusations. Battle Heats Up Between Nurses and Hospitals Over Proposed Law on Injury Presumption. L.A. County Hospital Audit Finds Overpayment of Work Comp and Other Benefits. Showdown Between Louisianan Legislature and California WCAB Shelved - For Now. 74% of Nation's Top Insurance Companies Are Hiring. State Fund Lowers Base Rates, Credit Threshold. Troubled Workers Comp Insurer Considers Options. Zenith Shareholders Approve Merger With Fairfax.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. High Court Denies Quick Ruling on Calif. Furloughs. Benefits Awarded to Undocumented Immigrant Under Longshore and Harbor Workers' Act. WCIRB Reports on Analysis of Change in Experience Modification Formula. PacificComp Launches as Agency Company to Meet Long-term Needs of the California Workers' Compensation Market. Industry Opposed Workers' Comp Bills Before Calif. Appropriations Committee. Healthcare Solutions and Broadspire Partner To Lower Workers' Compensation Costs. Body's Own "Heat Messenger" Offers New Painkiller. FDA Planning More Regulation Of Drug-Infusion Pumps. Worker's Compensation Fraud Gets Auburn Man Prison Time.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Zenith National Investors Lose Bid to Halt Buyout. Former Orange County Sheriff Pursues Workers' Comp Claim Against County. Despite Tough Times, Insurance Industry Employee Benefits Secure. Zenith Announces Net Loss for First Quarter of 2010. County of Santa Barbara Anticipates Work Comp Savings. WCIRB Report Suggest Workers' Comp Rates are Inadequate. Drug Could Stop Spinal Injuries, Researchers Say. Changing Old Habits Could Save Big on Drug Costs. NAIC, ISO, NICB Pact Simplifies Insurers' Fraud Reporting. Health Care Reform's Black Lung Provision Could Mean Red Ink for Workers' Comp Carriers.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Clarifies "Medical Necessity" in Discipline Case Against Chiropractor. Louisiana Lawmakers Target Work Comp Claims in California For Saints Football Team. San Jose Man Arrested, Charged with Felony Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud. Workers' Comp Billboards Fuel Political Campaign Debate. Employers Direct Changes Name to PacificComp. Montebello Police Officers' Lawsuit Dropped With Agreement to Pay Work Comp Claims. Claims Adjuster Hector Porrata Pleads Guilty. Judge Pamela Foust to Speak at Association of Hearing Representatives of California Friday Luncheon. Zenith Announces Craig Thomson to Lead Non-Workers' Compensation Property and Casualty Operations. Employers Promotes Barbara Giannini to Vice President of Strategy and Management Reporting.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Grants Amicus Requests in Guzman Case. Dementia Claims Find California Home - At Van Nuys WCAB. Teams Dispute Workers' Comp Rights. Former Insurance Broker Gets 10 Years for $4.6 Million Comp Scam. Cost for W.C. Insurance Keeps Arena Football League From California.No Action Sac Doctor Arrested on Suspicion of Sexually Assaulting Patients. Taken During Court Session in Sex Club/Workers' Comp Case. Health System Bears Cost of Implants With No Warranties. X-Rays Often Inaccurate In The Diagnosis Of Hip And Pelvic Fractures. CRM Holdings Forms Strategic Alliance with AmTrust Financial Services.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. More Federal Encroachments on Exclusive Remedy. Court Issues Stay Order in California Furlough Battle. Adjuster Cara Cruz-Thompson Pleads Guilty to Defrauding AIG of $1.4M. Newbury Park Drywall Firm Faces Fraud Charges.Oxnard Office of WCAB Moving to New Location. CWCI Estimates Workers' Comp Spinal Implant Pass-Through Payments Cost $55 Million in 2008. Last Proposed Sale of State Owned WC Insurance Companies Ends - For Now. Health Reform To Impact Workers' Comp. CWCI Elects Board of Directors For 2010. DWC Expands Customer Service Initiative to Anaheim.
Troy Slaten Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Issues Writ in Duncan COLA Case. WCAB Panel Decision Clarifies Benson Apportionment Math. SCIF Unpaid Premium Collection Effort Fails in Court of Appeal. Furloughs of State Workers' Comp Lawyers Illegal. Survey Ranks California's Lawsuit Climate Among Worst in the Nation. California Correctional Officer Accused of Lying About Being Shot at Sex Club. Ex-Managers Plead Guilty in Workers' Comp Case. DWC Moves Grover Beach WCAB to San Luis Obispo. DWC Opens Forum and Posts Proposed Modifications to UR Regs. SCIF Reformer was Paid a Salary of $450,000 a Year, Plus Perks.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Proposed OSHA Recordkeeping Change Would Restore Column for MSDs. Re-Appointments Made To Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau Governing Committee. Pinnacol Ups Buyout Offer to Colorado Government. CWCI Scorecard Examines California's Long-Term Care Industry. AIG Issues Subpoenas Against Competitors in Workers' Comp Dispute. Rand Report: Calif. Workers' Comp Insurance Market Still Needs Improvement. E-Prescriptions Cut Medication Errors. Antidepressants Found to Help People With Physical Ills. California Workers' Comp Fund Nearly Doubles 2009 Net Income. CWCI Scorecard Examines Job Injury Claims in the California Trucking Industry.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. DWC Proposes Amendment to Air Ambulance Fee Schedule Preempted by Federal Law. DWC Proposes Regulations for Electronic Medical Treatment Billing Standards. Division of Workers’ Compensation Posts Proposed Pharmacy Benefit Network Regulations. Bill Would Limit Medicare Secondary Payer fines. Still No Deals in Potential Sales of State Workers' Compensation Companies. Ground Zero Workers Settle Injury Claims with NYC for $657.5 million. Postal Service Letter Carrier Indicted for Workers’ Comp Fraud. California Attorney General Sues Farm Labor Contractor for Workers Safety Violations. Evidence Missing - In Evidence Based Medicine! Common Pain Meds Linked to Hearing Loss.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employers Holdings Reports Full Year Income Decline. Injuries Among Public Sector Employees Increased for the First Time in Five Years. CIGA Prevails Against City of Laguna Beach in Reimbursement Case. Calif. Construction Company Sued for Misclassifying, Underpaying Workers. DWC Proposed Changes to MPN and Employee Information Regulations. CWCI Scorecard Examines Restaurant Claims in the California Workers' Comp System. Talk Therapy Reduces Back Pain? Contractor Guilty of Workers' Comp Fraud. Court Orders End to Furloughs for DWC, WCAB and Other State Workers. AIG Pumps $2.3 Billion Into "Long-Tail" Loss Reserves.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. The Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District Grants Writ in Guzman Case. Couurt of Appeal Confirms WCAB Position on SSSOP. Court of Appeal Reviews Requirements for Independent Contractor Status. SCIF Prevails in Claim for Premiums Against Employer in Court of Appeal. Investor Lawsuit Filed Against Zenith National Insurance Corp. Board. DWC Posts Proposed Amendments to Benefit Notice Regulations and Opens Discussion Forum. U.S. Study - Newer Heart CTs Deliver Far Less Radiation. Former Calif Prison Guard to Pay More Restitution. Premier Medical Owners Plead No Contest - Waive $60 Million in Liens. CMS Delays Medicare Reporting Requirement - Again.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Fairfax To Pay $1.3 Billion to Purchase Zenith National Insurance. U.S. Crack Down on Independent Contractors May Help Stop Comp Cheats. No Contest Plea from Commerce Man in Workers' Comp Fraud Case. Woman Gets Three Years for Workers Comp Fraud, New Members Appointed to Fraud Assessment Commission. Occupation a Key Factor in Men's Lung Cancer Risk. Spine Stimulation May Not Help After Failed Surgery. California Comp Politics Becomes Focus of Attention. One Million Document Batches Successfully Processed Into EAMS. First State Fund "Sale" Getting Close in Colorado.
John B. Floyd Esq. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CMS Gets Tough in Six Year Old - Settled Tort Class Action. Illegally Uninsured Employer Prevails in Court of Appeal. OC Couple to Be Trading Their Pradas for Prison Garb. Broker Accused of $4 Million Pechanga Casino Insurance Embezzlement. Man sentenced in Marina payroll case. StrataCare, Disney and Others Implement EOB Program. DWC Attempts to "Uncork" EAMS Filing Bottleneck. Investor Class Action Filed Against CRM Holdings. Some Cash-Strapped States Raiding Workers Comp Funds. Home Improvement Self-Insured Group Announces Record Growth.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories.CIGA May Not Set Aside Stipulation Because of Change of Law. California AG Wins Suit Against Port Trucking Companies. CWCI Score Card Looks at Durable Goods Manufacturing. Apirl QME Examination Canceled. California Insurance Commissioner Says His Post Should Be Appointed. CorVel Announces Substantial Increases in Revenues and Earnings. Not All CT Scans Are Created Equal. Immune Treatment Helps Chronic Pain Patients. Zenith Income Plummets in Fiscal 2009. Fontana Man Arrested for Alleged Worker's Compensation Fraud.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Cervantes SSSOP Procedure to Be Reviewed by Court of Appeal. CAAA Convention Draws Large Crowd. Too Many Rogue IRS Agents - Including Special Agent Suspected of Workers' Compensation Fraud. $20 Million in Restitution in Staffing Services Inc. Fraud Case. Workers' Compensation Patients Get Less Benefit from Back Surgery.Study Reveals Predictors Of Long-term Opioid Use For Back Pain. CWCI Scorecard Examines Agriculture Claims. Travelers Sees Record Profits. State Fund Attorney Attacked at Anaheim Appeals Board. Calif. Insurance Commissioner Poizner Trailing in Governor's Race.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Technicolor Inc. Prevails With Exclusive Remedy Defense of Cancer Case. Clarification of Sandhagen UR Process Made by WCAB. Hollister HVAC Company Charged with WC Fraud. More State Funds May Be Up For Sale. No Big Comp Reforms This Year In Any State. WCRI Details Comp Market Post Recession. Workers Over 65 Have Lower Comp Indemnity Cost, NCCI Finds. Restaurant Self-Insured Group Wins 4th Conviction for Work Comp Fraud.
Juan Naranjo, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Hands DFEH Victory to City of Los Angeles. Unfinished Appellate Backlog from 2009. Workers' Comp Research Provides Insight Into Curbing Health-Care Costs. GAO Study Shows "Extraordinary" Increases in Drug Prices. Former State Fund CEO Janet Frank to join Zenith Insurance as President. US Insurance Industry Sees Jobs Gain in December. Smoking, Low Back Pain and Apportionment? Tips on Managing Prescription Drugs in California Workers' Compensation.
Darlene Ball, Esq., is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CIGA Prevails Against AIG for $517 Million in Reinsurance Claims. Court of Appeal Rejects Serious and Willful Claim of Untrained Worker. Schwarzenegger's Furlough Days for Thousands of State Workers Ruled Illegal. Gang Member Pitchess Motion Cannot Discover Allegations of Police Officer False Workers Comp Claims. Lien Claims Filings Explode (Again). New NCCI Research Brief on Narcotics in Workers Compensation.Nose Treatment Cuts Hospital-Acquired Infections. DWC Publishes Guideline Clarifying Spinal Surgery Process.Fraud: Have We Really Seen it All? Long Beach Presiding Workers' Compensation Judge Retires. Employer's Fraud Task Force Conference and Awards Ceremony Next Monday January 11.
Rene Thomas Folse JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Texas Court Awards Record $70 Million to Workers Comp Claimant. Health Care Reform To Have Major Impact on Mileage Rate for Travel Expenses Will Decrease on January 1. Workers' Compensation. Division of Workers' Compensation Posts Revised Benefit Notice Manual. California AG Files $2.6 Million Suit for Workers' Rights Violations. WCIRB Reports 2009 Q3 Insurer Financial Results. Court Rules on City of Los Angeles Battle with City Controller Over WC Audits. Former Prison Officer Owes CalPERS $244,400 for Workers' Comp Fraud. RAND Says California Must Address Workers' Comp Volatility. Rogue Physicians Found in Florida Pain Clinics
Joel Allan Esq is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. High Court Declines Controversial Workers' Comp Ruling. CHSWC Reports on Oversight of Self Insurance Groups. Prunedale Woman Arrested on Workers' Compensation Fraud, Elder Abuse Charges. Southern California Agent Sentenced in Workers' Comp Theft Case. Insurance Fraud Charges Filed Against CHP Dispatcher. Workers' Compensation Drug Cost Inflation is Up. California to Have Relatively Stable Workers' Comp Rates for 2010. San Francisco Saves $4 Million in Workers' Compensation Claims. Pill as Good as Steroid Injection for Tendon Problems. FDA Seeks Plan to Curb Opioid Pain Killer Abuse.
Robert Nichols Esq is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Spinal Surgery Second Opinion Process Clarified by WCAB. Multiple Amicus Briefs Filed in Ogilvie Appeal. Daly City Councilwoman Pleads Not Guilty. CDI Terror Financing Probe Targets California Insurers. Harvard Study: Computers Don't Save Hospitals Money. Workers' Comp Managers Going Back-to-Basics to Manage Claims Costs. Some Comp Cost Increases Blamed on Medicare Rules. Court of Appeal Clarifies. Commencement of Cost of Living Adjustment for Life Pensions. CMS Network Lien Reps Face Sanctions for Frivolous Litigation. San Bernardino Bus Driver Convicted of Workers' Compensation Fraud.
Debra Tobias Esq is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Medicare Set Asides Hot Topic at 18th National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference. Personal Info Jeopardized After Nebraska Workers' Comp Court Computer Hacked. Auburn Business Owner Faces Prison for Federal WC Fraud. Zenith Files 2.7% Increase in Its California Workers' Compensation Rates. Business Community Pushes for Hearing on Obama's Nominee to Head OSHA. Farmers Senior WC Examiner Loses DFEH Case. Owners of Rancho Mirage Restaurant Face Felony Charges. G.A.O. Claims Work-Related Injuries Underreported. Gelson's Supermarkets Reverses 132a Award in Court of Appeal. More AIG, Liberty Mutual, Chubb Claims and Counter Claims.
Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. City of Los Angeles Has Court of Appeal Victory. Poizner Rejects Proposal for Workers' Comp Insurance Rate Hike. SCIF Files for 5% Workers' Comp Rate Increase. Texas Mutual's Dividend Payout for 2009 is $75 Million. Georgia Insurer SEUS Loaned $10 Million to CEO Before Being Liquidated. Ventura County Restaurant Worker Sentenced for WC Fraud. Redding Man Sentenced for Workers' Compensation Fraud. Nanotechnology Holds Promise for Spine Injuries. State Fund Rolls Out Pandemic Planning Seminar Series.
David Weitzman Esq is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Los Angeles County Discrimination Case Remanded for Trial on Interactive Process Issue. Gas Stations Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion, Workers' Comp Charges. Genes May be Important in Back, Neck Pain. Sleep Disorder Research Shows High Rates in General Population. Colorado, N. Carolina, Maine lower 2010 Workers Comp Rates. ACOEM Publishes New Guidelines for Injuries to Hand, Wrist and Forearm. Working with Poultry Linked to Certain Cancers. CA Labor Commissioner Levies Nearly $1 Million in Citations. California to Update Workers Compensation Regulations. California Pizzeria Owner Pleads to Insurance Fraud.
Erica Willis Esq is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. U.C. Berkeley Study Shows Integrated WC Cuts Medical Costs. CompWest Named to 2009 'Best Places to Work in Insurance' List. RAND Study Suggests Ways to Save on Medical Costs. Employers Gets URAC Workers' Compensation Utilization Management Accreditation. Liberty Mutual Cautious About California and Florida Market. Civil Judgment Reached in Workers' Compensation Case. Santa Clara County Tries Workers' Comp Alternative. Ailing Department Seeks Workers Comp Change. CWCI Studies Effects of SB 899. Appeals Filed in Almaraz, Guzman and Ogilvie.
Debra Tobias Esq is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Gunman Takes Hostages in Canadian Work Comp Board. Fraud Conviction of Riverside Police Officer Upheld. Brookdale Inn Owner Arrested for Alleged Workers Compensation Problems. Zenith Profits Rise Despite Revenue Decline. NM Workers Comp Rates Drop for 4th Year. Watsonville Woman Pleads No Contest in Fraud Case. Huntington Park Man Arrested for Workers` Compensation Fraud. California DIR Hosts International Disability Forum in Los Angeles - Call For Papers Deadline November 30. Wells Fargo Acquires Sierra Self Insurance Services. Stable L.A. County's Work Comp Costs Defy WCIRB Request for Rate Hike. SCIF Board Appoints Doug Stewart Interim President and CEO.San Bernardino County May Have State-of-the-Art Claim Reporting.
Retired Judge David O'Brien is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. The Court of Appeal Rejects a Compensable Consequence Injury On Way to Medical Treatment. The Court of Appeal Grants a Writ Seeking to Extend Sandhagen. Wanda Ogilvie Files For Review in Court of Appeal. U.S. Surgeons Do a Mediocre Job of Following Treatment Guidelines. The Placebo Effect is in the Spine as Well as the Mind. A San Jose Doctor Faces Ouster for Questioning Disability Claims. Governor Schwarzenegger Approves Taneka's Law. New California Law Blocks Workers' Comp Payment Rescission. CAAA Attorneys Start Website and eBAY Auctions to End "Discrimination". Oregon Drops WC Rates for 2010.
David Jimenez Esq.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Poizner Suggests Reforms to Cut Costs. California Workers' Comp Group Expands to Country Clubs. Nation's Orthopaedic Surgeons Join Electronic Prescribing Initiative. Medical Malpractice Insurance Market Stable But Faces Challenges Ahead. CIGA Sent Back To Trial in Reimbursement Case. Hawaii Shows Greatest Five Year Work Comp Cost Decline In Nation - Without "Reforms". Workers' Compensation State Funds - A Significant and Growing Competitive Force. 24 Hour Health Care Amendment Lurking in Senate Concerns Work Comp Industry. "Hospitalists" Shorten Stays and Cut Costs for High-risk Orthopaedic Surgeries. October is National Ergonomics Month.
Todd Kelly Esq.is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. HHS Will Fund $25 Million in Tort Reform Projects Which May Lower WC Costs. A Salinas Wienerschnitzel Owner Was Sentenced in Workers' Comp Case. Work Comp Fraud Up Slightly Nationwide in 2009. Sears Settles Discrimination Claims of Injured Workers for $6.2 Million. Electronic Medical Test Results Overlooked by Doctors. The Court of Appeal Opinion gives a QME a Seventh Chance to Get Apportionment Right. AIG Seeks to Reinstate RICO Claims Against Rival Comp Carriers. Cal/OSHA Probes Death of Worker at BART Yard. Two West Covina Men Surrender on Workers' Comp Premium Fraud Charges. State Fund CEO Janet Frank Leaves on Good Note
This episode covers the dismissal of the Premiere Medical Management liens in the amount of $70 million. The SCIF announces the resignation of Janet Frank. The California Nurses Association surveyed hospitals and determined there is a high risk of health workers being infected with H1N1 virus. The California DIR prevailed in a sexual harassment suit. The CWCI issued a Spotlight Report on Schedule II prescription drug costs. Utah "meth-cops" are having difficulty filing claims for injury resulting from methamphetamine exposure during arrests. Adam Dombchik, partner with the Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation firm Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein, has been named President of the California Applicants' Attorneys Association leadership team (CAAA) for 2009-2010.
This episode covers some fraud convictions around the state and some abuse by medical journal article authors. The technology section covers some new developments in bill review and document imaging. Two cases are reported from the court of appeal, one is about a dispute over attorney fees between two defense firms, and the other is about the special errand exception to the going and coming rule. Financial news includes a report from the SCIF about declines in their income as a result of bankruptcies. We also have a follow up story about investigators using Facebook to investigate claimants.
This episode covers the secret negotiations in Sacramento attempting to reform Workers' Compensation, and regulatory announcements by the DWC to cut costs. Two appellate cases are discussed. One deals with a malpractice case against an insurance broker, and the other was an antitrust case against the SCIF. The Cincinnati Bengals filed suit in Ohio to force 31 former players to file the claims in Ohio instead of California. We also have an interesting story about an investigator who found information about a bogus claim from Facebook.
In this episode the WCAB retreats somewhat in new Almaraz/Guzman opinions. The WCAB maintains the same DFEC formula in Ogilvie. Pfizer pays $2.3 billion fine for fraud. Zurich net income drops 53% ss recession takes toll. A study shows low wage earners "pressured" not to make Work Comp claims. Emerging model of "retail" delivery of health care is cost effective. Section 111 reporting requirements for the MMSEA delayed until 2010 or later. WC lawyers and doctors must comply with FTC red flags identity theft rule by November 1. Judge exempts 6,000 SCIF workers from furloughs. Comp premiums decline as layoffs shrink payrolls. Health care reform likely to indirectly affect workers compensation.