The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) is offering an on-demand webinar to provide training on recently revised regulations governing California workers’ compensation medical provider networks. The regulations were adopted on an emergency basis and took effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State on August 28. As a result, workers’ compensation professionals need to get up to speed quickly on these regulations. CWCI presented the program live on September 18, and recorded the session for those who were unable to attend and for anyone else who may be interested in the program. The Institute is now offering the recorded program as a pay-per-view, on-demand webinar.

The program, “What You Need to Know About New MPN Regs and Other Recent Regulatory Revisions,” reviews the impact of the recent changes on the development, maintenance and operation of MPNs; the revised notice requirements; the new penalty provisions; the updated MPN access standards; and the new medical access assistant requirement. The focus of the program is on changes affecting MPNs, though it also covers changes to the Outpatient Facility Fee Schedule, which took effect September 1, and changes to the predesignation and chiropractor treating physician requirements, which took effect July 1.

Designed as a half-day session, the program runs for 3.25 hours, with material presented in sections to allow for breaks. Presenters include Ann Taintor, Regional Medical Coordinator for Liberty Mutual and Chair of CWCI’s Medical Care Committee, CWCI Claims and Medical Director Brenda Ramirez, and CWCI Senior Research Associate Stacy Jones. CWCI General Counsel Mike McClain provides legal insight and moderates the program, and Institute President Alex Swedlow discusses CWCI research on the use of MPNs in California.

On-demand webinar registrants will be provided a link to a downloadable PDF of the syllabus and the slides from the program, and will also receive access to the Q&A summary from the September 18 session. Individuals who register can qualify for post-designation training hours, and if they convene in a classroom setting with an instructor, can receive credit toward Department of Insurance claims adjuster certification requirements. Tuition is $125 for CWCI member company employees, $175 for nonmembers, with group rates for companies enrolling 5 or more employees (call 510-251-9470 for group pricing). It’s a great way to train staff without expensive travel or time out of the office, and the on-demand feature allows the program to be viewed either in part, or in total, anytime within the next two months. For details or to register, go to the Seminar section at www.cwci.org.