Revised Pamphlets, Posting Notices and Claim Forms Required As Of October 8

Last week, the state Office of Administrative Law approved Medical Provider Network (MPN) notice regulations submitted by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The regulations, which take effect October 8, 2010, not only establish new requirements for a "complete written MPN employee notification" (CCR §9767.12); they also amend the regulations governing the workers’ compensation new hire pamphlets (CCR §9880), posting notices (CCR §§ 9881-9881.1) and DWC-1 Claim Form/Notice of Potential Eligibility (CCR §10139). As a result, the current versions of the new hire pamphlets, posting notices, and claim forms will only remain in effect until October 8, at which point updated versions of these notices will be required.

Because of the short time frame for producing and distributing the revised materials, CWCI consulted with the DWC to develop appropriate changes to our new hire pamphlet, "Facts About Workers’ Compensation" and our posting notice, "If A Work Injury Occurs." Among the changes are new language on MPNs, updated contact information for the DWC and emergency services, and changes to the Spanish language translations. The Institute submitted revised drafts of its new hire pamphlet and posting notice for DWC approval last week, and the approvals were granted this morning. As a result, CWCI is proceeding with production of the updated notices in English and Spanish, as well as the revised DWC-1, which we will continue to produce as a 5-part form (with the NOPE as a tear-off cover sheet and the 4 required copies of the claim form printed on NCR paper to eliminate the need for photocopying). In addition, the Institute is updating its "Facts For Injured Workers" pamphlet, which is no longer mandatory, but which many claims operations continue to provide as a way to provide claimants with basic information early in the life of the claim. The "Facts For Injured Workers" also can be used to meet the Insurance Code §1871.8 notice requirement on fraudulent receipt of temporary disability, and the LC §3553 notice requirement for victims of workplace crime.

We expect to begin shipping the revised materials by mid-September so they will be available by the October 8 effective date. To pre-order these publications, visit the Store at www.cwci.org. If you need current versions of the pamphlets, posting notices or claim forms to use prior to October 8, you can also order them from our online store, and we have reduced the minimum quantities for those who need a small supply for the interim period. If you have ordering questions, call Fran Perry at CWCI, 510-251-9470.

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