13 Aug 2012

National and State-by-State Workers' Comp News Roundup Powered by Larson's (8/13/2012)

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NATIONAL NEWS:

MarketScout Report Shows Workers Comp Rates Increased 4 Percent.

Crawford & Company Announces 2Q Results.

MSP: Eleventh Circuit Hears Oral Arguments in U.S. v. Stricker.

Liberty Mutual Returns More Than $1M to Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Assoc. Members.

NIOSH: New Research of Hospital Care Workers and Sleep Deficiency.

AMERISAFE Named to Ward’s 2012 Top 50 Property and Casualty List.

Employers Holdings, Inc. Reports 2Q 2012 Earnings.

STATE NEWS:

CA: The Politics Behind the Workers Comp Reform Bill.

CA: Some Details About Changes Proposed by Workers Comp Reform Bill.

CA: Employer Groups Say Workers Comp Reform Bill Will Cut Costs.

CA: Unions Push for Workers Comp Reform Bill to Increase Benefits.

CA: Workers Comp Insurers May Need to Increase Rates in 2013.

CA: WCIRB Considers 7.6 Percent Rate Increase.

CA: DWC Participates in Free Seminar on Electronic Medical Billing.

CA: DWC Seeks Nominations for Medical Guideline Advisory Committee.

CA: Ninth Circuit Says Ex-Titans Football Player Can’t Pursue Calif. WC Benefits.

CA: SCIF Bans Employees From Using Phones While Driving On State Fund Business.

CA: Governor Appoints Judith Freyman to OSHA Board.

CA: Labor Commissioner Announces Citations for Lack of Workers Comp Coverage.

CO: NCCI Proposes 6.1% Loss Cost Increase Effective 1/1/2013.

IL: State Officials Challenge Ex-Arbitrator’s Workers Comp Payment.

IL: Ins. Dept. Reviews NCCI’s Proposed Rate Reduction of 3.8 Percent.

MA: Governor Signs Bill to Protect Temporary Workers.

NE: WCC Posts Proposed Rule Changes Re Filings, Pleadings.

NM: Widow of Heroic Off Duty Police Officer Continues Fight for Workers Comp Benefits.

NY: NYSIF Posts 2011 Annual Report.

OH: Possible Plea Deal for Met Housing Director Accused of Signing False WC Claim.

OH: Controversial Police Officer May Lose Workers Comp Benefits.

PA: PRCB Posts Manual Revisions Re General Auditing, Classification Information.

RI: DLI Posts New Maximum Compensation Rate for 2012.

TX: TDI Posts 2012 Report for Access to Medical Care in Workers Comp System.

TX: Texas Medical Association Reports 24% Decline in Physician Availability for Injured Workers.