California DIR Seeks Input On The Workers’ Comp System

“We want to gather input on areas of improvement for the workers' compensation system in our effort to ensure a balanced approach for both injured workers and employers,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. “Our effort is to identify efficiencies and improvements that will ensure adequate and timely benefits to injured workers while ensuring that the costs of the system are sustainable. Those who are familiar with the workings of the system are more likely to be able to point out areas of focus for our efforts.”

“Improvements are needed to get injured workers back to work and to remove the imbalance of costs and benefits currently in the system,” said DWC Administrative Director Rosa Moran.

DIR Director Christine Baker and DWC Administrative Director Rosa Moran will host the forums and topics of discussion will include:

• Provision of appropriate medical treatment without unnecessary delay, the medical provider network (MPN), utilization review (UR) or other issues
• Enabling injured workers to return to work as quickly as medically feasible
• Adequate compensation for permanent disabilities
• Reducing the burden of liens on the system
• Identification of appropriate fee schedules
• Reducing  unnecessary litigation costs
• Assessing appropriate use of opiates and other care
• Any other improvements needed

The forums will be held:

• Tuesday, April 10, 2012—West Sacramento, CA 95605 (click here to register)
• Monday, April 16, 2012—Los Angeles, CA 90013 (click here to register)
• Wednesday, April 18, 2012—Fresno, CA 93721 (click here to register)
• Tuesday, April 24, 2012—San Bernardino, CA 92401 (click here to register)
• Wednesday, April 25, 2012—La Mesa, CA 91942 (click here to register)
• Monday April 30, 2012—Oakland, CA 94612 (click here to register)

The Workers' Compensation public forums are scheduled to be held statewide during the month of April. Seating is limited at many of the locations and registration is required. Verbal testimony at the open forums will be limited to three minutes per speaker and written testimony can be submitted to DIR@DIR.ca.gov in advance of the meeting. 

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