MICHAEL SULLIVAN & ASSOCIATES BLOG

Yesterday we issued a summary of workers' compensation bills recently signed into law. The most significant is SB 1127, which is outlined in depth here. A webinar will be scheduled shortly to delve into these changes and their implications.

On Sept. 29, 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 1127. The bill makes several changes to coverage by a statutory presumption of compensability. As explained in the Assembly Floor Analysis, "presumptions of compensability have been adopted, some many decades ago, to reflect unique circumstances where injuries or illnesses appear to logically be work related, but it is difficult for the injured worker to prove it is work related."^[1]

When the COVID-19 Pandemic brought new attention to occupational health and safety, Michael Sullivan and Associates became the go-to resource for clients and all California employers. Through countless free webinars and the acclaimed live e-book, Navigating COVID-19: A Legal Guide for California Employers, we guided employers through the ever-changing emergency mandates and the onslaught of new legislation.

The 2022 legislative season is over. The Legislature had until Aug 31, 2022 to pass bills, and Governor Gavin Newsom had until Sept. 30, 2022 to sign or veto bills. The bills signed by the Governor take effect on Jan. 1, 2023. Below is a list of bills affecting California workers' compensation.

DVICA's "Cinemas on the Green" Golf Tournament last Friday was a blast! Michael Sullivan & Associates sponsored hole #5 and was awarded Best Decorated Hole! Team Rhino enjoyed networking with all of the golfers and serving up tasty cocktails and snacks. We're already looking forward to next year!

Labor Code § 4600(g)(2)(A) states, "Unless otherwise indicated in this section, a physician providing treatment under Section 4600 shall send any request for authorization for medical treatment, with supporting documentation, to the claims administrator for the employer, insurer, or other entity according to rules adopted by the administrative director." The statute directs that a request for authorization for medical treatment (RFA) must be sent to a claims administrator, rather than somewhere else, although the claims administrator may designate where the RFA is sent (CCR 9792.6.1(t)(3)).

Last Thursday's End of Summer Mixer, hosted by LA RIMS, was a blast! Attendees had full access to SoFi Stadium, home of the L.A. Rams and Chargers, where we got to show off our athletic skills with a number of football-related challenges and even tour the teams' locker rooms. It was an epic evening spent with friends and colleagues!

Last Tuesday's cruise around Dana Point Harbor, hosted by Michael Sullivan & Associates, was a welcome chance to relax and unwind after the first day of this year's Workers' Compensation & Risk Conference. It was a great evening to reconnect with clients and colleagues, while enjoying food, drinks, and a beautiful sunset!

This year's Workers' Compensation & Risk Conference (WCRC) got off to a great start yesterday morning, with a golf tournament held at the Monarch Beach Golf Links! It was a beautiful day on the fairway and a perfect beginning to this week's conference. If you're attending WCRC, we hope you'll come visit us at Booth #1004 in the Pacific Ballroom Foyer, where you can spin our wheel of fortune for an awesome giveaway--and don't forget to bring business cards to enter our raffle drawing!