Experiencing a delay in workers' compensation utilization review decisions? File a complaint The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has finalized regulations to ensure that utilization reviews (UR) are conducted in compliance and within specified timeframes (see chart below). The regulations authorize DWC to conduct periodic reviews of all utilization review organizations (URO), including a review of any credible complaints against the organization received by the DWC Administrative Director. The California Medical Association (CMA) encourages physicians experiencing delays in the receipt of workers’ compensation UR decisions to be diligent in submitting complaints to DWC to highlight organizations that fail to meet the ... September 25, 2017 General Division of Workers' Compensation, Utilization Review, Workers' Compensation 0 0 Comment Read More »
Chronic pain and opioid treatment guidelines for injured workers now in effect The California State Division of Workers’ Compensation’s (DWC) new guidelines on the treatment of chronic pain and opioid prescribing for injured workers are now in effect. The guidelines include best practices and universal precautions for safe and effective prescribing of opioids for pain due to a work-related injury. According to DWC, the new guidelines encourage safer prescribing of opioid pain relievers with the primary goal of significantly reducing the rate of opioid-related adverse events and substance misuse and abuse. Since 2014, the California Medical Association (CMA) has provided input to the ... August 25, 2016 General Drug Prescribing, Opioids, Pain Medicine, Workers' Compensation, Division of Workers' Compensation 0 0 Comment Read More »
