In recent workers' compensation law news, California officials recently sanctioned a series of modifications to the basic workers' compensation notice materials (i.e., the resources used to notify employees of their rights and responsibilities under California law).

Accordingly, both insured and self-insured employers are required to implement the following modifications by October 8:

• Provide all injured workers with an updated version of the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC)-1/Notice of Potential Eligibility
• Provide all new employees hired on or after the deadline with a modified version of the workers' compensation new hire pamphlet
• Post amended workers' compensation employee posting notices
• Post new medical provider network (MPN) notices (if applicable)

These modifications to the workers' compensation notice materials cover a variety of topics and accomplish a series of tasks, including updating references to state web sites, terminating all references to vocational rehabilitation and requiring more information on MPNs.

An employer that fails to make the necessary modifications can suffer rather serious consequences, including:

• A complete loss of medical control
• A tolling of the statute of limitations for filing claims
• A fines of up to $7000 for every violation
  

California law allows private employers to prepare and publish their own workers' compensation notice materials so long as they are approved by the DWC in advance. However, a large percentage of these employers choose instead to purchase the most current notice materials from the California Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI).

Currently, the CWCI has submitted the revised notice materials to the DWC and is awaiting final approval. Once this final approval is received, the notice materials will be translated into Spanish (California law mandates this) and distributed to employer-customers. (The anticipated delivery date is the middle of September.)

For answers to your questions or to learn more about workers' compensation law, please contact an experienced legal professional.

Related Resources:
  
• Calif. Employers Face New Workers' Comp Posting Requirements (Insurance Journal)