California Cracks Down on Poor Quality QME Reports with New Bill AB 1293
Post by : Admin | Post on : June 4, 2025 at 10:40 pm
SACRAMENTO, CA – A growing concern over the inconsistent and often inadequate quality of Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) reports within California’s workers’ compensation system has led to the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 1293, authored by Assemblymember Wallis. This significant legislative action aims to streamline communication,
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WCAB En Banc Rules No Automatic QME Panel Replacement for Delays
Post by : Admin | Post on : May 21, 2025 at 10:30 pm
The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) issued a key en banc ruling in Vazquez v. Inocensio Renteria. The Board clarified when parties can get a replacement QME panel if a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) delays scheduling an appointment. It ruled that parties do not automatically receive a replacement panel when QMEs miss the set deadlin
Read moreDWC Reminder: RTWSP Application Requirements Clarified
Post by : Admin | Post on : April 18, 2025 at 8:33 pm
DWC Reminder: Injured Workers Must Follow Strict Criteria to Avoid Delays or Denials The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has issued a fresh reminder about the Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP) application requirements. Th
DWC Reminder: Injured Workers Must Follow Strict Criteria to Avoid Delays or Denials The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has issued a fresh reminder about the Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP) application requirements. This notice comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure injured workers receive timely and accurate benefits. Application Requirements Under California Code As outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 17306, applicants must complete the electronic RTWSP form available on the Department of Industrial Relations website. In addition, the application must include a declaration under penalty of perjury, affirming the truthfulness of all submitted information. Specifically, applicants are required to provide: Full legal name (first, last, and middle) Social Security number or tax ID number Current address, phone number, and email (if available) ADJ number(s) related to any workers’ compensati
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AB 1329: Key Reforms to California’s Second Injury Fund
Post by : Admin | Post on : March 27, 2025 at 12:01 am
Assemblymember Liz Ortega has introduced AB 1329, which proposes significant California injury fund reforms to California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF). The bill seeks to rename the fund to the Second-Chance Employer’s Risk Reduction Trust Fund and aims to reduce costs while ensuring that benefits are awarded to eligible
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Governor Newsom’s Executive Order Grants One-Year License Renewal Fee Postponement for LA Fire-Affected Licensees
Post by : Admin | Post on : February 10, 2025 at 8:08 pm
Renewal Fee Postponement for Fire-Affected Licensees February 10,2025 – License Renewal Fee Postponement: On January 29, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-15-25, allowing eligible licensees impacted by the Los Angeles fires to postpone their 2025 license renewal fees until 2026. The order applies to Department of Consumer A
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Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards to End in February 2025—Employer Responsibilities Explained
Post by : Admin | Post on : February 6, 2025 at 9:44 pm
February 6, 2025 – As of February 2025, Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards will no longer be in effect. These regulations, which began on February 3, 2023, remained active for two years. However, reporting and recordkeeping obligations will continue until 2026. Employers must stay informed to maintain compliance. COVID-1
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Padilla Leads Bipartisan Effort to Support Firefighters With Service-Related Cancers
Post by : Admin | Post on : January 31, 2025 at 11:06 pm
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recognizing the long-term health risks firefighters face in the line of duty, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) has introduced the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, alongside Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). This bipartisan legislation seeks to expand federal support for fire
Read moreThe Importance of Applicant Credibility in California Workers’ Compensation Cases
Post by : Admin | Post on : January 7, 2025 at 10:43 pm
Applicant credibility plays a crucial role in both the success of a Workers’ Compensation claim and the Qualified Medical Evaluator’s (QME) ability to provide a reliable, well-supported medical opinion. A consistent and truthful narrative enables
Applicant credibility plays a crucial role in both the success of a Workers’ Compensation claim and the Qualified Medical Evaluator’s (QME) ability to provide a reliable, well-supported medical opinion. A consistent and truthful narrative enables the QME to conduct a thorough and impartial evaluation, leading to trustworthy conclusions. For a finding of industrial causation, the applicant must present a credible account of their injury, supported by medical records and clinical findings. Facilitating a Trustworthy Evaluation Process The QME’s main duty is to evaluate the applicant’s injury and provide an expert opinion on issues like causation, disability extent, and future medical treatment needs. To deliver an accurate report, the QME relies on the applicant’s detailed account of the incident, symptoms, and medical history. When the applicant offers a consistent and believable story, the QME can confidently draw conclusions, trusting the provided information. This trust a
Read moreAttorneys in California’s Workers’ Compensation System: Key Roles and Responsibilities
Post by : Admin | Post on : January 6, 2025 at 10:32 pm
In California’s Workers’ Compensation system, two types of attorneys play important roles: applicant attorneys and defense attorneys. Understanding their functions helps navigate the complexities of Workers’ Compensation claims. Although th
In California’s Workers’ Compensation system, two types of attorneys play important roles: applicant attorneys and defense attorneys. Understanding their functions helps navigate the complexities of Workers' Compensation claims. Although they serve different interests, both work towards resolving cases efficiently. This article explores their roles and responsibilities. Applicant Attorneys: Advocates for Injured Workers Applicant attorneys represent injured workers, known as applicants, seeking benefits under California’s Workers' Compensation system. Their main job is to ensure that workers receive medical care, disability benefits, and other compensation. Key Responsibilities of Applicant Attorneys Applicant attorneys manage cases proactively. They: Gather Evidence: They collect medical records, accident reports, and employment records to support their client's claim. Guide Clients: They help workers navigate the bureaucratic process and challenge denials of benefit
Read moreQME Appointment: An In-Depth Guide
Post by : Admin | Post on : January 4, 2025 at 7:54 pm
QME Appointment: Maintaining your status as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) in California demands ongoing education and requalification. To stay proficient in medicolegal work, you must hold an active California medical license, earn continuing e
QME Appointment: Maintaining your status as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) in California demands ongoing education and requalification. To stay proficient in medicolegal work, you must hold an active California medical license, earn continuing education credits, and regularly seek reappointment. Continuing Medical Education To retain your QME certification, you must complete 12 hours of Department of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)-accredited continuing medical education (CME) within the last 24 months. Successfully passing the QME examination accounts for 6 hours of CME during the initial appointment period. However, for reappointment after two years, an additional 6 hours is necessary. You can acquire these credits through professional conferences and seminars, either in-person or online. One notable event is the annual California Orthopaedic Association meeting, scheduled for Coronado Island in May 2024. This conference provides a full day of valuable QME education with gues
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