California Division Of Workers’ Compensation Announced Appointment To Workers’ Compensation Ethics Advisory Committee

San Diego, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) Administrative Director Carrie Nevans has reappointed Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge Norman Delaterre to the workers' compensation ethics advisory committee. The committee, established in 1995 by Title 8, California Code of Regulations, section 9722, reviews all complaints from the public alleging violations of the California Code of Judicial Ethics by workers' compensation administrative law judges.

“This committee helps ensure public confidence in the ethical standards of California’s workers' compensation system,” said Nevans. “New complaints decreased from 42 in 2006 to 24 in 2007.”

Judge Delaterre’s new term will commence March 1, 2008, prior to the committee’s March 3 meeting. There are no vacancies on the nine-member committee.

After its review of complaints, the committee makes recommendations to the administrative director and the DWC court administrator. The committee reviews all complaints anonymously and does not learn the names of either the complainant or the judge complained against. The committee meets quarterly and members serve four year terms without compensation.

The committee mix includes: a member of the public representing organized labor; a member of the public representing insurers; a member of the public representing self-insured employers; an attorney who formerly practiced before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board and who usually represented insurers or employers; an attorney who formerly practiced before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board and who usually represented applicants; a presiding judge; a workers’ compensation administrative law judge (WCALJ) or retired WCALJ; and two members of the public outside the workers' compensation community.

Judge Delaterre has been reappointed to the position on the committee designated for a WCALJ or retired WCALJ.

A judicial ethics complaint form and instructions can be found on the forms page of the DWC Web site at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/forms.html.

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