Recent Releases
Notice of rulemaking for utilization review enforcement regulations and administrative penalties for unreasonable denial of compensation
April 27, 2006
The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) proposed regulations for utilization review enforcement and administrative penalties for unreasonable denial of compensation will be published in the California Notice Register on Friday, Apr. 28, 2006. A public hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, Jun. 29, 2006, at the state building in Oakland. Members of the public may comment on the proposed regulations until 5 p.m. on that day. The proposed utilization review enforcement regulations are authorized by Labor Code section 4610, which requires every employer to have and use a utilization review process, and sets out timelines and conditions to be met whenever a request for authorization of medical treatment will be delayed, modified or denied. While utilization review has generally proven an effective deterrent to unnecessary medical treatment, it is also important to ensure that employers, insurers or other entities do not improperly delay, deny or modify recommended treatment for injured employees. For the full notice from the Division of Workers’ Compensation, please click here.