Shows
WorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 16, 2024Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Severability and Poison Pill Clause Makes Arbitration Agm't Null and Void. 9th Circuit Revives Rest Break Class Action Against California Retailer. School District Prevails in Employee Termination for Cause Case. Plaintiff Attorney Thomas Girardi is Malingering and Competent to Stand Trial. DOL Publishes a Guide to the New Independent Contractor Test. Budget Deficit Threatens Healthcare Worker $25 Minimum Wage Law. 18 Years of Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest Taint DSM-5 Mandated by LC 3202.3. NIH Partner to Open Neural Clinical Trials Ecosystem in Bakersfield.2024-01-1926 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 31, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Couple Injured While Assisting Sheriff Limited to Workers' Comp. Ascertaining the "Date of Injury" in a CT Case Matters. So. Cal. Compounder Sentenced for Kickbacks in $62M Fraud. L.A. Chiropractor Sentenced for $4.8M Fraud. Mountain View Contractor Gouged NASA for Comp Costs. CMS Webinar on First Level Appeal of Demand Determination. DWC Posts Updates to MTUS. New SIU Regulations Effective on October 1. Liberty Mutual Receives Innovation Award. Telecommuting New Normal for Comp Industry.2020-09-0626 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 24, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Uber and Lyft Avoid Shutdown With Last Minute Stay. Teva Pharmaceuticals Kickback Case Settled for $3.5M. National Law Review Highlights COVID Litigation Risk. OC Comp Attorney Arrested for Investment Fraud Scheme. Trump Signs Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020. Mostly Positive News for California COVID-19 Developments. 31,612 California COVID Comp Claims - So Far! Proposed Law Targets Garment Industry Wage Theft. Duke University Studies COVID Mask Effectiveness. 3.8 Billion Views of Misleading Health Info on Facebook.2020-08-3129 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 17, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories:Uber and Lyft Ordered to Classify Drivers as Employees. Daly City Restaurant Resolves Wage Theft Claim for $2.6M. Construction Worker Faces Fraud Charges for False Statement. Man Arrested for Selling Fake COVID Medication. Each New Drug Costs $2.6B and Takes 15 Years! WCIRB Suggests 2.6% Rate Increase for 2021. WCAB Expands Hearing Options with LifeSize Video. Conference Call Public Hearing Set for MTUS Update. Surgical Specialties Fees Reduced in 2021 Medicare Fee Schedule. Safeway Store Janitors Protest Limited COVID-19 Safety Gear.2020-08-2422 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 10, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Abbvie Resolves CDI Insurance Fraud Act Claim for $24M.DOL Accuses Uber and Lyft of Wage Theft. Floyd Skeren Firm Outlines COVID-19 Defense Strategies. Indictments Say 10 ChiroMed Operatives Ran "Sham" Clinics. San Jose Cop Faces $18M Payroll Fraud Charges. Claimant Convicted for Forging Medical Reports. CWCI Tracking Tool Reports 14,470 COVID-19 Claims So Far. Healthcare Workers at High COVID-19 Risk Despite PPP. Coventry Workers' Comp Services Sale Closes. Liberty Mutual Reports $320M Q2 Loss From COVID-19.2020-08-1523 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 3, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Failure to Warn Teacher Supports Serious and Willful Award. Contra Costa Contractor Convicted for $2M Payroll Fraud. Six NFL Players Charged in Superseding Healthcare Fraud Indictment. San Diego Laboratory Pays $49 Million For Fraud and Kickbacks. California Hospitals Appear on Best Ortho Hospital List. Ergonomics a Big Problem for Workers at Home. CMS Announces Webinar on New NGHP Reporting User Guide. DEA Closes and Fines Yreka Pharmacy for Multiple Violations. 4000 Federal COVID-19 Comp Claims Strain Resources. Lawmakers Consider List of COVID-19 New...2020-08-1126 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 27, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: California Class Action Claims TeamHealth Inflates ER Charges. MSP Reimbursement Not Time Barred 6 Years Post Settlement. Mandated COVID-19 Vaccinations Clash with Employee Rights. DWC Announces New Ethics Committee Appointment. At Least 13 States Considering COVID-19 Liability Limits. Congress Begins Permanent Medicare Transition To Telehealth. AG Approves Sale Of St. Francis Medical Center to Prime Healthcare. Study Says Household Exposure Most Likely Source of COVID-19. Researchers Report on Effectiveness of COVID-19 Masks. Independent Physicians Face Financial Pressure from COVID-19.2020-07-3127 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 20, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: WCAB En Banc Rescinds Some Suspension Orders in September. Mobile Wash New Target of AB-5 Misclassification Suit. San Diego Psychiatrist to Serve 21 Months for Fake Treatment. 27 So. Cal. Nursing Facilities Pay $16.7M for Inflated Medical Bills. Claim Volume Declines as Insurance Fraud Storm Arrives. Major Carriers Report Massive Q2 COVID-19 Losses. WCIRB Expects $1.2B in COVID Comp Claims. Complex Matrix of National Requirements for Job Re-Opening. Smoking or Vaping are COVID-19 Complications Risk Factors. FDA Approves Device Reducing Disc Reherniation Risk.2020-07-2227 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 13, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Judge Rules OSHA Injury Report Form 300 is Not Confidential. Court Jurisdiction in Subrogation Action Ends When Case Dismissed. Privette Doctrine Tested Again in Roofer Fall Claim. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Resolves Kickback Case for $51M. Bay Area Woman Sentenced for Filing $9.5M Fraudulent SDI Claims. Monterey County DA Reports Two Premium Fraud Cases. CASISF Approves 2020-21 $6.5B Alternative Security Program. New Reporting Forms Required for Public Self-Insureds. Smartphones Cause Uptick in Motor Vehicle Accident Comp Claims. Blood Type Research May Support COVID-19 Apportionment.2020-07-1926 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 6, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Tort Claim Rejected for SCIF Refusal to Pay WCAB Order. Texas Supreme Court Approves Limits on Air Ambulance Costs. Injured Worker Mail Order Pharmacy Settles Opiod Suit for $11M. Beverly Hills Doctor Arrested for $52M Insurance Fraud. Telemedicine in Workers' Comp - New Normal or Fraud Opportunity? California Workers' Compensation - Where Did $16.1B Go? Researchers Alarmed by Muscle Relaxer Prescription Increase. CSHWC Publishes 2019 Annual Report.2020-07-1022 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 29, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: $1M Fees and Costs Awarded in FEHA Claim Following Industrial Injury. En Banc WCAB Adds Disabilities for SIBTF Calculation. L.A. Pharmacist Charged with Price Gouging KN95 Masks. PBS Documentary Investigates Opioid Drugmaker Corruption. 25 Year Veteran CHP Officer Arrested for Comp Fraud. Santa Ana Police Officer Faces Comp Fraud Charges. Three Guilty in $65M Compound Med Fraud Scheme. DWC Proposes Increased Fees for Med-Legal Evals.
DWC Sets Online MTUS Public Hearing for July 23. WCIRB Expands Classification Inspection Report Program.2020-07-0325 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 22, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: SCIF Sent Back to Trial After a 15 Year Premium Collection Effort. S.F. District Attorney Files DoorDash Misclassification Case. Five Charged in Sober Living Facility Insurance Fraud. Global Insurance Fraud Detection Market to Grow 22% Annually. Emergency Regulations Mandate Recalculation of Comp Premiums. COVID-19 Distancing Rules Becoming a "Political Hazard". DWC Posts Draft Revisions to the Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule. Contracting Industry Injuries Highest in Opioid Use. WCRI Reports on Workers’ Compensation Prescription Regulations. ACOEM Studies Employer Costs for Opioid Use Disorders.2020-06-2726 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 15, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Stipulation to "Upper Extremity" Includes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Workers Sue Amazon Over COVID-19 Working Conditions. 3M Sues California Company Selling Fake N95 Masks. California Agricultural Industry Braces for COVID-19 Claims. Head of Las Gatos Testing Lab Charged with $69M Hoax. Reopenings Continue Despite COVID-19 Hotspots. EU Regulators Join FTC Efforts Against Drugmaker Pay-for-Delay Deals. Fake Hydroxychloroquine Study Retracted by Lancet and NEJM. Workers' Comp Trails Commercial Lines Growth.2020-06-2028 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 8, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: 5000 COVID-19 Workers' Comp Cases Filed in Calif. Carriers Sue CVS Health for Fraudulent Overcharges. Law Firm Class Action Seeks Damages for Court Closures. Hollywood Producer Arrested for Paycheck Program Fraud. Sudden Turnaround - Payrolls Unexpectedly Rise by 2.5M in May. Employer Group Argues Against Additional COVID-19 Presumptions. Experts Unsure About Downturn Comp Claim Frequency. ICN Estimates 450K Healthcare Workers Infected With COVID-19.2020-06-1523 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 1, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories: Court of Appeal Clarifies Hikida Limits on PD Apportionment. Insurance Agent Who Stole .5M in Premiums Faces 9 Felonies. Four More Convicted in $199M Illegal Prescription Drug Conspiracy. Uber/Lyft AB-5 Initiative Qualifies for November Ballot. WCIRB Estimates Costs of COVID-19 Executive Order at $1.2B. CWCI Reports on Effects of COVID-19 Presumptions. Hollywood Spawns New Cottage Industry - COVID-19 Consultants.2020-06-0519 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 25, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Trial Lawyers Predict COVID-19 Legal Battles “Most Expensive” in History. Encino Opioid Ring Conspiracy Ringleader Sentenced. Secret Service Reports Large-Scale Unemployment Fraud. Palo Alto Cardiologist Indicted.53 of 58 CA Counties Assess Reopening. California Bar Examination Pass Rate Hits All Time Low. IMR Determination Letters Fall by 11.3%. CA Employers Deploy Contact Tracing Systems. DWC Cancels Educational Conference in Los Angeles.2020-05-3021 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 18, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Says 5814 Penalties Inapplicable to Timely UR, Newsom Faces Several Lawsuits Over Reopening Plan, CVS Subsidiary Pays $15.3M for Illegal Opioid Dispensing, SBA Payroll Loan Fraud Rates Estimated at 10 – 12%, Tesla CEO Musk Defies Lockdown Order, DWC Updates OMFS for Telehealth Services, Sense of Touch Restored in Severe Spinal Cord Injury, COVID-19 Tests Now Available for Workplaces.2020-05-2323 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 11, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Wave of COVID-19 Lawsuits Hit State and Federal Courts, California Sues Uber and Lyft to Enforce AB-5, Court Order Halts Sale of $45M Counterfeit N95 Masks, Scams and Fraud Involving CARES Act Economic Payments, Scams and Fraud Involving Fake COVID-19 Cures, Executive Order Creates COVID-19 Compensability Presumption, California Legislature Re-Convenes With Major Comp Issues, COVID-19 Triggers Increase in Opioid Deaths.2020-05-1523 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 4, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Lack of Overlap no Justification for Adding Disabilities, Non-utilization of Comp Admissible to Limit Damages in Tort Case, 3rd WCAB En Banc Decision Suspends 20 Day Filing Rule, Court Order Prohibits Fake "Ozone Therapy" for COVID-19, Bay Area Victims Duped by Non-Existent $40 N95 Masks, San Diego Psychiatrist Resolves Opioid Case for $145K, FDA Raises Safety Concerns Over Ethanol Hand Sanitizers, DWC Authors New Regulations for QME and AME Evals, Telemedicine Will Have "Big Impact" on Comp in Next Five Years, Insurers Say...2020-05-0826 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 27, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. L.A. Class Actions Claims Banks Defrauded Employers, VR Expert Opinion Justifies Total Disability Award, WCAB Panel Elaborates on SIBTF Eligibility Requirements, Penalty for Failure to Carry Comp Insurance Affirmed, WCAB and DWC Allow for Limited Email Filing, Business Groups Push Back at Newsom's Expansion of Comp, Much Controversy Surrounds COVID-19 Antibody Tests, DWC Reports 1,542 COVID-19 Coded Claims - So Far, WCIRB Estimates Cost of Conclusive COVID-19 Presumption, SCIF Announces $165 Million in Additional COVID-19 Support.2020-04-3029 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 20, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. En Banc WCAB Invalidates AD Rule 10133.54 on SJDB Jurisdiction, Carmel Valley Physician Charged for COVID-19 "Miracle Cure", FBI Says Sale of 39M N95 Masks in California was Fraud Scheme, DME Operator Charged in Telemedicine Kickback Scheme, WCIRB Considers COVID-19 Regulatory Changes, DWC Modifies OMFS to Provide for Telehealth Fees, California First Responders Alarmed by COVID-19 Risks, Scientists Study Cause of COVID-19 Relapse, New Direct-to-Business Carrier Launches in California, Comp Industry Survey Shows COVID-19 Disruption Patterns.2020-04-2428 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 13, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Class Action Filed Against Cigna and Viant, Medicare Sues Lawfirm to Challenge Jurisdictional Issues, WCAB Orders Additional Emergency Filing Rules En Banc, COVID-19 Fraud Task Force Organizes in Arizona, OSHA Issues Respirator Interim Guidance, WCIRB Responds to COVID-19 Rating Issues, U.S. Plans to "Ease" Back to Normal.2020-04-1718 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 6, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Reverses Two Concurrent 100% Awards to Same Worker, Negligence in Obtaining Green Card not Barred by Exclusive Remedy, OSHA Declares Coronavirus to be a Recordable Event, CDI Extends Insurance Policy Cancellations, SCIF Moratorium on Policy Cancellations and Late Penalties, DWC Emergency Measures for Med-Legal Evaluations, WCAB Transitions to Free Teleconference Hearings, Thousands of Payroll Bail Out Loans Fund on First Day, AM Best P/C Downgrades Exceed Upgrades.2020-04-1026 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 23, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Suspends Rules, U.S. Attorney's Office Tracking COVID-19 Scams, San Francisco Acupuncturist Sentenced in Fraud Case, EEOC - Employers May Now Take Employee Temperatures, DWC Announces QME Telehealth Policy, Policy Approaches for Economic Fallout from COVID-19, At Least two States to Provide Corona Virus Comp Benefits, DWC Closes Headquarters and Three WCAB Offices.2020-03-2616 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 16, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Feds Pursue Another Spinal Implant Company for Kickbacks, L.A. Restaurant Fined $2.1M for Wage Theft, Stanislaus Poultry Worker Convicted in Comp Fraud Case, SB 1039 Claims "Binary" Classification of Workers is "Outdated", Cal/OSHA Interim Guidelines for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), NCCI Reports on Effects of COVID-19 in WC Industry, Coventry Outlines Benefits of a Pharmacy Nurse, Governor Newsom Appoints New DIR Director, Zurich Selects Santa Barbara Company for Fraud Assessments, Updated FAQs For Employers On The COVID-19 Coronavirus.2020-03-2023 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 9, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $3M Subro Lien Not Defeated by "Virtual Admission" of Employment, Owner of Studio City Sleep Clinic to Serve 3 Years for $11.5M Fraud, San Mateo Physician Faces 20 Years for Illegal Prescribing, Serial Claimant Arrested After 6 Different Fake Claims, Santa Rosa Physicians Face $3.9M Fraud Charges, Novato Uninsured Contractor Arrested - For the Third Time, Coronavirus: Factors for the Insurance Industry to Consider, Spine and Joint Pain Most Costly Health Problem in U.S., DEA Describes the Opioid Supply Chain "Shell Game", Mitchell...2020-03-1429 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 2, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $1.6 Billion Global Settlement with Opioid Manufacturer Mallinckrodt, 18 States File Lawsuit Challenging Limits to Joint Employer Liability, No Time Limit for Recovery Suits Against Secondary Payers, Judge Issues AB-5 Injunction Against Instacart, Hollywood Pharmacy Owners to Serve 12 Years for $11.8M Fraud, Jury Convicts Manhattan Beach Physician of $700K Fraud, DWC Posts Changes to MTUS and OMFS, FDA to Use Claims Data to Confirm Drug Clinical Trials, 24 Companies Join Blockchain Group to Limit Counterfeit Meds.2020-03-0618 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 24, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Supreme Court Rules Workers Must be Paid for Security Checks, WCAB Allows Non-Comp Evaluations Into Evidence, Sandoz Executive Pleads Guilty in Drug Price Fixing Case, GEICO Uses RICO Statutes to Combat Vendor Fraud, IHOP Cook Arrested for Fraudulent Comp Claim, CMS Implements Penalty Provisions of Rule 111 Reporting, Researchers Improve Design of Robotic Surgery Controller, Coventry Reports Better Claim Outcomes with Nurse Triage, NAIC Lists Top Ten Comp Carriers by Market Share, National Safety Council Launches " Work to Zero" Safety Report.2020-02-2827 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 17, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. AG Suit Claims OptumRX Illegally Gouged Comp Claims, Another California "New-Law-Fail" in Federal Courts, Lawsuits Claim AARP Cheats Policyholders, More AB-5 Unintended Consequences, San Diego Musicians Play Blues Tunes Over AB-5, DWC Announces Online Doctors First Report Pilot Program, Single Point of Failure - Pharmaceutical Roads Lead to China, CWCI Study Shows Decline in Medical Treatment Counts, Disability Discrimination 2nd Highest EEOC Claim, Mike Hessling New Gallagher Basset CEO.2020-02-2022 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 10, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. California Awarded $350M in Suit Against Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens Settles Fake California Pharmacist Case for $7.5M, New O.C. DA Drops "Manufactured" Charges Against Orthopedist, So. Cal. Acupuncturist to Serve 30 Months for $7.1M Fraud, Santa Clara Cop Faces Fraud Charge, SCIF Recovers $159K in Criminal Premium Fraud Case, 215 Biopharma Leaders Pledge to Do a Better Job for Patients, "90210" Star Fights State Farm Claim - and Breast Cancer.2020-02-1420 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 3, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Specifies Requirements for 4903.8(d) Lien Declaration, WCAB Claim Tolls Statute of Limitations for FEHA Action, Arch Health Partners Resolves Kickback Allegations for $3M, Convicted Surgeon Extradited from Israel to Serve, Bay Area Medical Device CEO Convicted, Charges Filed in $20M Comp Treatment Kickback Scheme, Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Annual Summary, Looking Back at the Validity of NFL Concussion Claims, Non-Opioid "Stem Cell" Pain Treatment Provides Relief, Insurance Industry Reports Varying Results With Data Analytics.2020-02-0726 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 27, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Substantial Evidence Standard Applies to OSHA Appeals, C&R Resignation Resolves Wrongful Termination Claim, Arrests Made for $3.2M Sober Living Fraud, Convicted Long Beach Hospital Owner to Serve 15 Months, L.A. Sheriff Faces Fraud Charges After Fake Sniper Claim, 7th San Diego "Pill Mill" Doctor Pleads Guilty, Study Shows Early PT Reduces Opiate Use and Lost Time, TRISTAR Acquires Aspen Risk Management Group.2020-01-3018 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 20, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. En Banc WCAB Struggles with AD Over SJDB Jurisdiction, Second Restraining Order Against AB5 Remains in Place, No "Work-Spawned Risk" for Auto Accident After RTW, So. Cal. DME Maker Pays $37.5M to Resolve Kickback Claims, U.S. Attorneys Recover $105M Last Year, Reactions to AB5 Differ in Gig Worker Industry, SCIF Rejects OC Register Suggestion to "Privatize", Sedgwick Outlines Claim "Conversation Threads for 2020", Doctors Average 16 Minutes on Record Keeping for Each Patient, Common Myths Make Back Pain Worse.2020-01-2425 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 13, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Rules Truckers are Exempt from AB-5 ABC Test, Employer's Delay in Interactive Process Supports FEHA Claim, Rehab-Recovery Mogul Pleads Guilty in $175M Fraud Case, Palmdale Internist Sentenced to Two Years in Kickback Case, Gov. Newsom Announces Plans to Enter Drug Business, New York Considers Passing AB-5 Gig Employment Law, SCIF Salaries - Including $732k Annual CEO Pay - Under Scrutiny, O.C. Register Calls for Privatizing the SCIF, Santa Monica Reports 23% Increase in Comp Claim Costs, Study Claims 1/3 of Healthcare...2020-01-1723 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 6, 2020Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Federal Judge Signs AB-5 Restraining Order for Truckers, Sutter Health Resolves Anticompetitive Class Action for $575M, Mileage Rates Drop to 57.5 Cents in 2020, Reserving Lifetime Medical Award is Getting More Difficult, Drugmakers Start New Year by Jacking Up Prices on 330 Drugs, Tramadol - The Other Opioid Crisis, FDA Issues Nerve Pain Meds Safety Warning, Antibiotic Drugmaker Bankruptcies Spark Crisis, California Pharmacies Fail Drug Take-back/Disposal Study, Canadian Drug Suppliers Decline to Sell to U.S.2020-01-0924 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - December 30, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. More Lawsuits and Layoffs Follow Passage of AB-5 Employment Law, Privette Doctrine Precludes Security Guard's Suit, 10 NFL Players Charged with Health Care Fraud, Attorney Lee Mathis Pleaded Guilty - Sentenced to Lompoc, Mid-Wilshire Doctor to Pay $3.4M to Resolve Fraud Claim, Fake Doctor in Fake Long Beach Clinic Sentenced, East Bay Men Arrested for Fake Oxycodone Sales, The Broken FDA Drug Recall System, DWC Updates MTUS Drug List, WCIRB Quarterly Report Shows Escalating Premium Decreases.2020-01-0229 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - December 16, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court of Appeal Resolves WCAB Concurrent Jurisdiction Issue, Insurers Tell Supreme Court Obamacare was "Massive Bait-and-Switch", Tort Claim Removable to Federal Court Until Employer Intervenes, San Joaquin County Doctor Indicted, Amador County Staffing Company Owner Sentenced for Premium Fraud, FDA Rapidly Approving Breakthrough Drugs, ACOEM Concerned About Cannabis Legalization and Safety, Apple, Amazon and Google to Take Over Healthcare by 2030, Newly Unsealed Court Records Bad News for Opioid Industry, Sedgwick Institute Book Ponders Future for Work Comp Systems.2019-12-2029 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - December 9, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Jury Verdict May Bankrupt Strongest Longshore Union, Hospital Groups Sue to Stop Price Transparency Rule, LA Basin Home to Half of Indicted Medical Providers, Drugmakers to Invest $2B in Gene Therapies, Access to Care Threatened by Rural Hospital Closings, Hey - Not So Fast! Treatment Guidelines are Often Wrong, Healthcare Spending Increasing After Recent Declines, WCIRB Finds LA Basin Claims Highest in State, Actuary Finds Self-Insurance Saves 21%, CMS Reporting Threshold Unchanged for 2020.2019-12-1223 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - December 2, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Failure to Request Second Review Limits Award to Lien Claimant, No Jurisdiction for Applicant Civil Case Against WCAB, WCJ and SCIF, WCAB Decides Objections Not Waived by Failure to Raise in EOR, Daniel Capen Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison, Contractor Sentenced to 10 Years in Premium Fraud Cause, Sutter Hospitals Pay $46M to Resolve Referral Claims, State Auditor Critical of QME Process, IMR Applications Increase for Sixth Consecutive Year, Medical-Legal Fee Schedule Amendments Update, State Agencies Paid $20M Too Much for SCIF...2019-12-0525 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - November 18, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. ABC Employment Test Limited to "Wage and Hour Laws", California Trucking Association Challenges AB-5, Police Officer Fraud Conviction Affirmed Despite Trial Error, Were the NFL Dementia Claims Scientifically Valid, New Rule to Mandate Disclosure of Hospital Charges, Dept. of Insurance Seeks $2B From Opioid Makers for Premium Increases, Bipartisan PAID Act to Resolve MSP Uncertainty, CWCI Reports Opioid Use Declines, Google Collects and Analyzes Patient Health Data in 21 States, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks Distributor Moving HQ From Irvine to Texas.2019-11-2227 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - November 11, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Extends Litigation Stay for Purdue Pharma, California Insurance Company Placed in Conservatorship, 5 Year Sentence in Merced $6M Medical Fraud Case, China and US Announce Rare Fentanyl Crackdown, DEA Warns: "Mass Quantities" Counterfeit Pills, Air Ambulance Ride to UCLA Cost More than Lung Transplant, Response to AB-5: California Freelancers "Need Not Apply", Courtroom Secrecy Hides Public Safety Information, 4 in 10 Deal With Weekly Burnout Caused Health Issues, NASI Report - Decreasing Comp Benefits are Inadequate.2019-11-1526 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - November 4, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. No WCAB Exclusive Jurisdiction Over AOE-COE in CIGA Case, Insurance Fraud Leads to Murder Conviction, Grand Jury to Review Opioid Drugmaker Litigation, Enough Fentanyl Seized to “Wipe Out” Entire State of Ohio, Data Analytics Busts La Jolla Physician, San Diego Military Doctor Signs off on Fake Insurance Claims, Researchers Say Lack of Evidence on Medicinal Cannabis, Researchers Criticise Scientific Basis of Psychiatric Diagnosis, Ride-Share Companies Launch AB 5 Ballot Initiative, New CWCI Study Shows 94.1% UR/IMR Approval Rate.2019-11-0924 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - October 28, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. School District Recovers Interest, but not Attorney Fees from JPA, Cal/OSHA Sets "Uncertain" Footwear Standard for Home Depot, Another SJDB Voucher Fraud Arrest, South Bay Physician to Serve 2 Years in Prison, Owner of Roofing Company Faces Fraud Charges, Researchers Take Second Look at Chiropractic Care, Employers Use Proactive Approach to Musculoskeletal Distorders, CDI Rejects Berkshire Sale of Applied Underwriters, FAA Approves CVS to Deliver Pharmaceuticals by Drone, Workers’ Compensation to Be Transformed by Technology.2019-10-3125 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - October 21, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $18B Offer on Table Before Landmark October 21 Opioid Trial, Purdue Obtains Brief Litigation Stay to Pursue Opioid Settlement, Orthopedist, Timothy Hunt M.D. Sentenced to Two Years, Acupuncturist Pleads Guilty to $3.8M Fraud, Another LAPD Officer Charged with Comp Fraud, California Outlaws Mandatory Employment Arbitration Agreements, Newsom Vetos 4850 Time for School Police, Researchers Discover Disc Damage Blocking.2019-10-2315 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - October 14, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th DCA Rules CIGA Need Not Reimburse Medicare, 9th Circuit Sets Higher Standard for ADA Liability, DWD Unit Must Show No Dependents Exist, Drugmaker Hit With $8B Jury Verdict with 13,400 Similar Cases Pending, So. Cal. Physicians Pay $6.65M to Resolve Fraud Claim, Foremost Shockwave Solutions Waives Liens, New MPN Provisions Apply Over Next Few Years, DWC Orders Three Changes to OMFS, WCRI Reviews Non-Pharmacologic Services for Pain Management, Interactive Policy Year Stats Report - 2019 Now Online.2019-10-1825 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - October 7, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another Opioid Case Settles Before Trial, Filing Comp Claim Not Necessarily a FEHA "Protected Activity", Requirements for SIBTF Benefits Unchanged After SB 899, $2.1B Genetic Testing Fraud Takedown - Largest Ever Charged, Patients Drove 16 Hours for Opioid Prescriptions, Newsom Signs First Responder PTSD Presumption Law, Heart Disease Linked to Pesticide Exposure at Work, CVS Drug Pricing Plan Gains Little Traction, CWCI Reports Steady Decline in Spinal Fusions, NCCI Reviews Air and Ground Ambulance Fees.2019-10-1130 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 30, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Unsigned Policy Limiting Endorsement was "Equitable", Aliso Viejo Drugmaker Resolves Kickback Claim for $116M, Cardiologist with 25 Year History of Crime - Charged Again, Stolen DEA Numbers Used to Buy Opiates for Darknet, Genetic Testing "Next Big Frontier" in Healthcare Fraud, Adjuster with Multiple Revoked Licenses - Sent to Jail, New Opioid Controls for Injured Federal Workers, DWC Amends DMEPOS Section of Fee Schedule, CIRB Publishes 2020 Plans and Manual, Research Now Shows AI Equal to Human Medical Experts.2019-10-0326 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 23, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. City Atty Sues Instacart Using ABC Employment Test, Opioid Drugmakers Seek to Recuse Federal Judge, Feds Arrest 25 So. Cal. Health Care Professionals, Illegal Pharmaceuticals Openly Sold Across So. Cal., Jury Convicts Prison Worker for Comp Fraud, Benefits Approved for O.C. Deputies Injured in Las Vegas, Governor Signs AB 5 - Gig Workers Become Employees, TTD Rates to Increase 3.84% Next Year, WCIRB Publishes 2019 Quarterly Update, DWC Launches Free Course for Physicians.2019-09-2622 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 16, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. TD Not Required for Medical Appointments After RTW, Saturday is Not a "Working Day" for UR Time Limits, WCAB Panel Circumvents CA Fitzpatrick Rating Standards, Purdue Pharma $12B Settlement Offer Moves Ahead, Man Accused of Premium Fraud Now Faces $30M Tax Evasion, ABC Employment Test Passed by Legislature, New Law Provides California Benefits to Out-of-State Film Workers, SB 731 Limits to Apportionment Remains in Committee, Panel Discusses New Safety Regulations, Insurance Commissioner Under More Ethical Scrutiny.2019-09-1833 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 9, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drugmaker Resolves Kickback Case for $15.4 Million, 30 Bay Area Defendants Face Health Care Kickback Charges, WCIRB Study Shows Drug Formulary is Effective, AB 5 Moves to Senate With 10 Days Left in Session, DWC Updates MTUS and OMFS, Feds Award $2 Billion in Grants to Fight Opioids, Sackler Family Wealth Survives Proposed $12B Opioid Settlement, League of California Cities Hires Comp Advocacy Group.2019-09-1118 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 2, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Says "No Alternative Track" to Dispute UR, Opioid Drugmaker Loses First Opiate Trial, Authorities Grab 52,000 Pounds of Illegal Fentanyl, "Oxygod" Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Fake Pills, O.C. Physician Assistant Indicted in Opioid Case, $90M Ballot Initiative Against ABC Employment Test, OxyContin Maker Tenders $12B Settlement Offer, Opioid Drugmakers Open New Markets in India, SCIF Declares $105 Million Dividend, UR Process "Ripe" for Automation.2019-09-0626 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 26, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. More Opioid Drugmakers Settle Claims, Panel Affirms 132a Award and Clarifies "Lauher" Standard, Conviction Illustrates Dark Web and Drugs, Charges Against 4 Doctors Dismissed in Orange County, Owners of Sushi Restaurants Guilty in Premium Fraud Case, Oxnard Field Worker Convicted in Fraud Case, Patients Over Paperwork Initiative Targets $39B in Costs, WCAB Proposes Regulation Changes, NCCI Reviews Medical Marijuana and Workers' Compensation, Task Force Suggest Physicians Screen for Illegal Drugs.2019-08-2924 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 19, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Is Health Care Fraud Really This Easy???, Victorville Pharmacist to Serve 5 Years in Prison, Roofer Sentenced in $1M Premium Fraud Case, Generic Drugmakers Accused of Stonewalling Price Probe, Canada Forces $10B Reduction in Drug Prices, Employer Supports Surgeries in Foreign Hospitals with US Physicians, Few Patients Benefit from Meniscus Surgery, Scientists Report Emerging Role of Schwann Cells in Neuropathic Pain, Opioid and Cannabis Co-Use Increases Anxiety and Depression.2019-08-2323 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 12, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Opioid Settlement Negotiations - $45B Demand and $10B Offer, Victorville Physician Convicted for Illegal Opioid Prescriptions, Another SJDB Vendor Under Investigation, School Bus Driver Convicted in Comp Fraud Case, NCCI Reports on Regulatory and Legislative Trends, DWC Proposes Increases to Med-Legal Fees, WCIRB Proposes 5.7% Rate Reduction, California Written Premiums to Drop by $1B, RAND Reports on Firefighter Musculoskeletal Disorders, Officials Warn: "Fentanyl Crisis Raging in San Diego".2019-08-1523 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 5, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Disability and Wage Loss Not Inconsistent in Discrimination Case, Angel Transportation Loses Claim for $1.2M in WCAB Liens, So. Cal. Trucking School Submits $4M Fake Training Claims, Spinal Implant Company and CEO Face Fraud Claims, Director at Cedars-Sinai Faces Child Porn Charges, Proposed Regs Increase Copy Service Fees, Surgical Risk of Death Highest After Going Home, Insurance Commissioner Faces Ethics Investigation, Self-Insured Program Frees up $6B in Working Capital, 2018 WCJ Ethics Committee Finds Four Violations.2019-08-0729 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 29, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. $2B Roundup-Cancer Jury Verdict Reduced to $87M, $13.4M Restitution Affirmed in Largest Premium Fraud Scam, Drobot to Plead Guilty - Faces 50 Years - in NEW Case, Patient "Recruiter" Pleads Guilty in $65M Case, Man Convicted of Stealing Medicare Set Aside Funds, Truck Driver Jailed for Comp Fraud, Chief Judge Says "Degradation of Civility" at WCAB, Applied Underwriters Fined $3 Million for Side Agreements, Self-Insured Employers Claim Frequency Increasing, Study Reviews Side Effects of Short Term Opiates.2019-08-0224 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 22, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Releases DEA Records on 76 Billion Opioid Pills, Employer Escapes SCIF Premium Default Judgment, Pharmaceutical CEOs Now Face Criminal Prosecutions, Dolphus Pierce D.C. Comp Fraud Conviction Affirmed, Couple Convicted of Manufacturing Fake Oxycodone, Feds Say San Diego "Gateway for Fentanyl", CDC Reports Drop in Overdose Deaths, Presidential Candidates Plan to Lower Drug Costs.2019-07-2518 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 15, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Judge Blocks HHS Drug Price TV Ads Disclosure Rule, Drugmaker Pays $1.4 B to Resolve Fraud Claims, $6M Fraud Verdict Against "Sham" Attorneys Affirmed, LAPD Officer Pleads No-Contest to Comp Fraud, Feds Withdraw Proposed Drug Rebate Rule, Congress Pressures FDA for Cannabis Regs, Cal/OSHA - $68K in Fines for Confined Space Violations, Psychiatric Diagnosis are "Scientifically Meaningless", Sedgwick to Acquire York Risk Services.2019-07-1920 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 8, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Ends Disgruntled Claimant's 13 Years of Litigation, West Hollywood Doctor Faces Fraud Charges, Senior Care Facility Cited for $708K Wage Theft, Uninsured Security Company Owners Convicted, "Mini" MRI Under Development, 48% of Doctors Considering Career Change, Nurses Suffer Chronic Sleep Disorders, United Insurance Named as Applied Underwriters Buyer.2019-07-1019 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - July 1, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Encompass Health to pay $48M to Resolve Fraud Claim, Bankruptcy Judge May Halt Opiate Trials, Statewide Sweep Nabs 169 Illegal Contractors, Attorney Pleads Guilty in Oxycodone Sales Case, Gig Companies Adapt to ABC Test, Wearable Technology WorkComp Game Changer, WCIRB Submits 2020 Regulatory Filing, Claims Data Links Opioid Prescriptions as Family Risk Factor, "Non-Profit" Hospitals Report Massive Profits, Major Cannabis Research Industries Collaborating.2019-07-0225 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 24, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Ronald Grusd M.D. Office Manger to Serve 5 Years, Arrests Made for $120M Fake Insurance Scheme, Santa Ana Psychiatrist to Serve 57 Months in Prison, Truck Driver Pleads Guilty to Comp Fraud, School Custodian Sentenced for Fraud, Executive Order Forces Healthcare Price Disclosure, "ABC" Test "Doomsday Scenario" for Hollywood, Solar Company Cited for Worker's Fall from Roof, FDA Launches Pilot Blockchain Technology Project, Sale of Applied Underwriters to Close in 2019.2019-06-2821 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 17, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Approves Marijuana - In CA Prisons!, Jury Convicts Doctor and Recruiter, Dentist Faces 75 Charges for 600 Fake Root Canals, Drugmaker Settles Kickback Case - Then Files Bankruptcy, Double Dipping Business Owner Sentenced, Medical Marijuana No Help for Opioid Crisis, Patients Happier in Small Hospitals with Amenities.2019-06-1916 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 10, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CA AG Belatedly Files Limited Opioid Litigation, Another Opioid Manufacturer Pleads Guilty to Kickbacks, L.A. Dentist Sentenced for $3.8M Fraud Scheme, So. Cal. Contractors Cited for $600K Wage Theft, VA Promotes Telehealth, and E-Record Systems, Ohio BWC Drops Oxycontin from Formulary, HHS Publishes Pain Management Best Practices, Mild Brain Injury Can Cause Lasting Effects, SCIF Launches Real-Time UR Approval, Quest Diagnostics Records Hacked.2019-06-1220 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - June 3, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Apportionment Limits Passed by CA Senate, One Defendant Remains in First Opioid Trial, Oklahoma Opioid Trial Highlights Marketing, School Officials Convicted for SJDB Voucher Fraud, ABC Test Proposed Law Adds Exemptions, Wellness Program Regulations Delayed - Again!, FDA Approves World's Most Expensive Drug, Money Does Not Buy Better Comp Outcomes.2019-06-0626 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 27, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. States Pursue Strategies Against Purdue Bankruptcy, USC Surgeon Faces Insurance Fraud Lawsuit, Disability Attorney/Serial Plaintiff Indicted for Tax Fraud, Chiropractor Convicted of Insurance Fraud, Welding Fumes Linked to Lung Cancer, Diabetic Drug Greatly Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain, Startup Disrupts Pharmacy Business Model, WC Drug Costs and Utilization Improved in 2018, Officials Claim Purdue Misled World Health Organization, CompWest Announces California Expansion.2019-05-3124 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 20, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. En Banc WCAB Defines "Catastrophic Injury", California Jury Stunning $2B Cancer Verdict, 44 States Claim 20 Drugmakers Fixed Prices, Jurisdiction Over Home Health Care Limited to UR/IMR, Findings in WCAB Psyche Case Binding in FEHA Claim, LAPD Officer Charged with Comp Fraud, Insurance Agent Allegedly Steals Premiums, USDOL Opposes ABC Employment Test, Comp 83% Combined Ratio Lowest Since 1930s, Opioid Crisis Spreads to Canada and Europe.2019-05-2424 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 13, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. "ABC" Dynamex Employment Test is Retroactive, 15 Chiropractors Face Fraud Changes, Med-Legal Evaluators Face Fraud Charges, Convicted Vexatious Comp Litigant Arrested Again, HHS Finalizes TV Ads - Drug Price Rule, CHSWC Special Report on PQME Process, Reserving Lifetime Awards - It's Complicated!, WCRI Panelists Predict Paradigm Shift to Telemedicine, Antidepressants Increase Case Closure Time, CMS "Physician Compare" Website Unreliable.2019-05-1522 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - May 6, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Another Settlement in State Opioid Litigation, Another Drugmaker Accused of Kickbacks, Hesperia Pharmacist Pleads Guilty in Opioid Case, Broker Prosecuted for 73 Bogus Policies, Counterfeit Oxycodone Online Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty, 90% of Patients Satisfied with Video Visits, Obscure Drug Committees Gain Power, Chamber of Commerce Publishes 2019 Job Killer List, CMS Announces New Payer Recovery Portal, WCRI Study Shows Stable Comp Costs.2019-05-0919 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 29, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. FTC Sues Surescripts for Illegal E-Prescription Monopoly, Two More Drugmakers Resolve Kickback Charges for $125M, LC 5814.5 Attorney Fee Requires Specific Award, First Prosecution of CEO and CCO of Large Drug Distributor, Fresno Pharmacist Arrested, CEO of Fresno Drug Treatment Home Indicted, FDA Approves Generic Naloxone Nasal Spray, WCIRB Report Shows Major Decrease in Opioid Use, E-mods Used to Prequalify Contractors for Bidding, Travelers Beats Wall Street Estimates.2019-05-0320 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 22, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drugmaker's Unorthodox Bid to Protect Patents - Epic Fail, Sutter Health Resolves Inflated Risk Score Claims for $30M, $100K in Cal/OSHA Penalties for Fatal Injury, Two Employers Fined $300K For Finger Amputation, Car Wash Issued $2.36 Million in Wage Theft Citations, 60 Arrested in National 32 Million Pain Pill Bust, Ringleaders of Sham Clinics Plead Guilty, U.S. Physical Therapy Inc., Acquires Third IIP Company, SCIF Suffers $460M Underwriting Loss - No Dividends.2019-04-2518 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 15, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employer Has Burden to Obtain Physicians RTW Form, Nurse Indicted for "Darknet" Sales of Opioids, Cannabis Shops - Illegally Uninsured and Tax Evasion, Sutter Medical Center Neurosurgeon Arrested for Comp Fraud, DWC Posts First Report on IBR Since SB 863, Mostly Good News From WCIRB Report, WCIRB Sees No Need for Mid-year Filing, More Gig Workers Seek Exemption from ABC Test, ICD 11th Edition to Include Chinese Medicine, Injured Tesla Workers Claim Foul Play.2019-04-1923 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 8, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Issues Narrow in First Opioid Trial, First Lawsuit Pursues Owners for Purdue Pharma Damages, WCAB Rejects AD Limits on Documents Sent to IMR, Fresenius Medical Care Resolves Corruption Claims for $231M, Monterey County DA Convicts Two Uninsured Employers, Employer Coalition Speaks Out on Dynamax Case, New Mexico Says "Yes" for Cannabis as Opioid Replacement, Employers Must Post New Notices on April 1, DWC Proposes More Changes to MTUS, Travelers Reduces Opioid Use by 40%.2019-04-1022 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - April 1, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Historic $270M Settlement in First Opiate Trial, Second State AG Investigating PBMs, San Jose QME and Pain Physician Convicted, Stockton Man Convicted for EDD Fraud, HHS Spends $1.4B for State Opioid Response Programs, Cal/OSHA fines Construction Co. for Valley Fever Cases, DWC Adjusts ASC Section of MTUS, WCRI’s 2019 Annual Report Now Online, CHS - An Acute Illness From Cannabis Use, Electronic Health Records - "Death By 1000 Clicks".2019-04-0320 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 25, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Prosecutors Recover $317M Including $65M from Prime Healthcare, Pain Clinic Resolves Fraud Claim for $860K, California Cannabis Industry Plagued by Corruption, Legislative and Judicial Developments vs Fighting Fraud, DWC Updates MTUS, U.C. Berkeley Claims Gig Economy Workers are "Exploited", Cannabis and Psychosis: Review of the Evidence, CWCI Reports on Drug Formulary, Surgical Outcomes Inconsistent Across Hospitals, Brown & Brown Acquires MEDVAL LLC.2019-03-2927 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 18, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. C & R Only Releases Items Listed in Paragraph One, WCAB Rules "De Facto" Ownership Triggers 4615 Stay, Almaraz-Guzman AME Faces Multiple Court Battles, Covidien Settles Kickback Case for $20M, NH Supreme Court Rules on Comp Cannabis, Uber Settles Classification Suit After 9th Circuit Victory, So. Cal. Compounding Pharmacy Owners Convicted, Los Gatos Clinic Owner Faces Fraud Charges, San Fran Acupuncturist Indicted For Fraudulent Billing.2019-03-2128 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 11, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCOTUS Taxes Railroad Compensation Benefits, WCAB Says UR Time Limits are Mandatory. Feds Prevail in Another Compounder Case, Hesperia Man Arrested for Transporting $150M in Opioids, Compounders Can Be Cheaper Than Drugmakers, Knee Surgery Does Not Help Everyone, Facing It’s First Trial - Purdue Pharma Explores Bankruptcy, Drugmakers Cave Under Relentless Price Pressure, Comp Startup Rides Wave of Global Dealmaking, CNA Adopts AI Fraud Detection Solution.2019-03-1424 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - March 4, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Panel Rejects Combined Ratings, Massive So. Cal. Comp Fraud Ring Sentenced, Agent Prosecuted for Theft of Comp Premiums, Two So. Cal. Insurance Agents Face Premium Theft Charges, FBI Seeking Victims of Comp Policy Fraud Scheme, Another Attempt at “Medicate for All” Gets Underway, Researchers Develop Targeted and Precise Drug Delivery, Berkshire Hathaway to Exit Comp Market?, SCIF Launches SafeAtWorkCa Web App, Employers Face March 2 Deadline for Form 300A.2019-03-0721 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 25, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCOTUS Rejects Maryland's Drug Pricing Law Case, SCOTUS Allows Generic Suboxone, Ohio Comp Sues PBM For Being "Hosed", Physical Therapy Clinics Resolve Fraud Claims For $450k, DEA Operation "Hypocritical Oath" Nets Southland Doctors, CWCI Reports: "NSAIDS Overtake Opioids", CMS Actuaries Project Unending Increases In Health Spending, High Group Deductibles Cause Higher Comp Claims.2019-02-2816 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 18, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Court Rules "On-Call" Scheduling Requires 2 Hours Pay, Worker Must Prove Injury in Uninsured Employer Tort Claim, So. Cal. Bio Lab Resolves Fraud Claims for $2M, Small Pharmacies Sue Major PBM for "Secret Rebates", Beverly Hills Orthopedist Pleads Guilt to Comp Fraud, CDI Arrests So. Cal. Podiatrist for Comp Fraud, Cal Employers Face FEHA Expansion, Study Claims Surgery is a Leading Cause of Death, UK Funding AI to Detect Insurance Fraud, UCLA Reports on Emerging Transportation Injury Risks.2019-02-2224 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 11, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. SCOTUS Affirms Employers Arbitration Rights, Carriers Sued for QME Sexual Misconduct, OCDA Recovers $1.6M for Unsafe Workplace, Bay Area Doctor Arrested for SDI Fraud Schemes, Congress Questions a Once Free Drug, Now $375k a Year, MTUS/ACOEM Guidelines Now Free and Online, TV Ads to Include Drug Price Transparency, Novartis and Eli Lily Support end to PBM Rebates, CorVel Reports on 10,000 Telehealth Visits, Study Shows No Value to Topical Compounded Pain Creams.2019-02-1521 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - February 4, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. 9th Circuit Clarifies Employer Liability Provision of Comp Policy, Fake Companies and Employees Filed 725 Fake Claims for $5M, Tawdry Marketing Details Emerge in Drugmaker Trial, Tuolumne County Worker Sentenced, Feds Move to End Drug Rebates, Feds Hold First Hearing on Drug Prices, DWC Published the 2018 Annual Audit Report, CVS, Aetna and Apple Launch "Attain" Health App, WCRI Publishes Opioid Dispensing Study, Insurance Prime Target for Technology Investment.2019-02-0724 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 28, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employment Terminated for Violation of DIR Gift Policy, Walgreens Settles Fraud Claim for $269M, So. Cal. Attorney Arrested For Trafficking Opioids, OCDA Charges Max Matos M.D., and Jeff Catanzarite D.C., Eight Indicted in $123M Compound Med Fraud, Cal Med Board Investigating 450 Physicians, Political Battle Over ABC Employment Test Heats Up, Insurers Form Blockchain Network With IBM.2019-02-0221 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 21, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Drobot Forfeits Plea Agreement Benefits, Feds Indicted CompOne and Officers for Fraud, Double Dipping Business Owner Pleads Guilty, Hearing Set For MTUS Updates, DWC Posts Several OMFS Changes, House Launches Drug Pricing Investigation, Walgreens and Microsoft to Create Digital Ecosystem, 44 Percent of Physicians are Burned Out, Slow Adoption of WC Telemedicine.2019-01-2419 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 14, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Arbitration Agreement Must Explicitly Include FEHA, GoPro Footage Convicts Correctional Officer, Owners of San Ramon Companies Face 14 Felonies, Prices Increased on Hundreds of Drugs, Focus Group Studies Medical Costs, Drug Marketing Costs Increased to $20.3 Billion, CDI Publishes Drug Transparency Report, Newsom Tackles Drug Prices on First Day, WCIRB Publishes California Terrorism Risk Assessment, New Brown Appointments on Last Days in Office.2019-01-1622 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - January 7, 2019Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Comp RICO Fails in California Federal Court, Irvine Physician Arrested for Prescribing Opioids, Opioid-Murder Conviction of LA Physician Affirmed, Sheriff's Lieutenant Arrested for Comp Fraud, Jury Convicts Uninsured Restaurant Owner, Study Finds 20% Annual Health Crimes Increase, A.B. 5 Seeks to Codify New "ABC" Employment Criteria, Unlicensed Comp Carrier Fined $4M, Early Physical Therapy Reduces Opiate Use, Comp Rates Decrease in 2019 - Except at the Race Track!2019-01-0927 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - December 17, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Apportionment of PD on Pathology Affirmed, Background Check Insufficient to Support FEHA Claim, O.C. Physician Faces Compound Med Fraud Charge, WCIRB Publishes 2018 Experience Report, OSIP Proposes Changes to Reporting Rules, WCRI Reports ASC 40% Less than Hospitals, CMS to Prioritize Reporting Penalties in 2019, FDA Continues Tough Stance Against New Opioids, RAND Finds QMEs Work for Management Organizations, Bioengineered Discs to End Back Pain.2018-12-2128 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - December 10, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Vanguard Dismisses Lien Stay Law Challenge, CVS/Aetna Proposed Merger Faces Court Scrutiny, Uwaydah Connected Chiro Pleads Guilty, Drugmaker Pays $360M to Resolve Kickback Case, Medical Device Makers Plead Guilty in Kickback Case, Jury Convicts Advanced Radiology Administrator, Charges Dropped in Applicant - Hit Man Case, Florida Urged to Adopt California IMR Process, EU Agency Says Evidence "Thin" on Medical Marijuana, California Startup Wins FDA Pain Device Challenge.2018-12-1324 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - December 3, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Calif Joins 32 States in Supreme Court Drug Pricing Case, Claimants Failure to Respond Dooms FEHA Case, Privette Doctrine Ends Civil Death Claim, Fake Drugmaker Gets 10 Year Sentence, Nurse Practitioner Convicted in $65M Compound Med Fraud, Drugmaker VP of Sales Pleads Guilty in Kickback Case, Psyche QME Disciplined For Gross Negligence, Insurers Concerned About New Privacy Laws, New Comp Carrier Approved in Calif, New Drug Costs $4 Million per Patient.2018-12-0725 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - November 26, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Insurance Fraud Has No Limits Anymore!, Applicant Hires Hit Man to Kill Attorney, Robert Caton M.D. Takes Plea Deal, Fake Medical Researchers Indicted, Bar Owner Pleads Guilty to Premium Fraud, Cal/OSHA Fines Oakland Contractor $141K for Fatal Injury, SEAL Procedure Helps Failed Back Surgery, Pfizer Increases Prices on 41 Drugs, Walmart and Home Depot Join Employer Drug Cost Battle, Express Scripts Creates New Competitive Dynamic.2018-11-3025 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - November 12, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Los Gatos Psychiatric QME Disciplined, Convicted Ortho Dupes California UR Providers, BLS Report Shows Decrease in Work Injuries, Ricardo Lara Likely Next Insurance Commissioner, CDI Approves Comp Rate Lower Than WCIRB Suggests, WCIRB Reports Overall Reduction in Medical Costs, Cal/OSHA Adopts Emergency Form 300A Regs, DWC Announces 26th Annual Educational Conference, Travelers Explores Wearables for Improved Job Safety, FDA Has 200 Submissions for Non-Opioid Pain Products.2018-11-1629 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - October 29, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB En Banc Decision Provides Guidance on QME Process, Exclusive Remedy No Protection for Uninsured Employer, Written Consent Required for Comp Attorney Referral Fee, EquityComp Arbitration Agreement is Unenforceable, Court of Appeal Denies Tristar Lien Law Challenge, Drug Pricing to Follow "International Pricing Index", DWC Publishes 2017 Audit Report, WCIRB Reports Payments to Indicted Providers Declines, Outcomes Not Tied to Hospital Accreditation, FDA Approves Smartphone Urine Testing.2018-11-0228 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - October 8, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. MSP Class Action Rejected in Court of Appeals, Employer Has Only 30 Days to Appeal DOSH Citation, 5 Doctors and 4 "Body Brokers" Face Fraud Charges, MRI Operator Sam Solakyan Indicted for $284M Fraud, So. Cal. Restaurant Workers Recover $1M for Wage Theft, AmerisourceBergen Settles Fraud Case for $625M, DWC Amends Pharmaceutical Fee Schedule, DWC Adds New Chapters to MTUS, Congress Passes $8.5B Opioid Addiction Package, New Injection Stops Knee and Spine Osteoarthritis.2018-10-1322 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 24, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Applicant Waived Right to New Panel for Untimely QME Eval, Unlike NFL Players - 53 Pro Wrestlers Lose CTE Case, UCSF Surgeon to Serve 41 Months in Prison, CDI Files Largest Fraud Case in its History, Prominent Newport Beach Ortho Faces Rape Charges, El Centro Task Force Seizes 20,000 Fake Oxycodone Pills, 15 Workers Recover $450K in Wage Theft Case, California Tightens Cal/OSHA Reporting and Transparency, Death of Driver Run Over by Own Truck Triggers $46K in Fines, Coca-Cola Considering Cannabis Drinks - "For...2018-09-2826 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 17, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. County of L.A. Pre-Employment Physical Case Settles for $.5M, Discrimination for Refusal to Hire Medical Marijuana Home User, Surveillance Convicts Nursing Assistant, Man Sentenced for Pharmaceutical Trafficking, Senators Want the VA to Prescribe Marijuana to Vets, New Concept - High Impact Chronic Pain (HICP), RAND Says 1/3 of Opioid Prescriptions Unjustified, Scientists Re-generate Wound Tissue, Person Behind Opioid Epidemic Patents Addiction Treatment, New Study - Why Do Some Feel More Pain?2018-09-2028 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 10, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Cal Chiropractic Association Sues One Call Medical, Popular Ortho AME to Serve 7 Years for Child Pornography, Six L.A. Garment Contractors Fined $.5 Million, DIR Reports IMR Efficiently Resolves Disputes, WCIRB Quarterly Update - Mostly Good News, Anti-Anxiety Drug Abuse Overtaking Opioids, 2018 Drug Prices Fell 5.8% in Second Quarter, 14% of Pharmaceuticals May Be Fake.2018-09-1324 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 3, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Employers Favor Kavanaugh for Supreme Court, Two Arrested in Decade-Long Underground Economy Fraud Scheme, Employer Fights Bizarre Fraud Conviction for 15 Years, Saratoga Physician Sentenced to 63 Months, Ethics Committee Publishes Report of WCJ Investigations, Congress Again Attempts MSA Reform Bill, California Hospital Chain Files for Bankruptcy, Gabapentin (AKA "Gabbies") Addiction Abuse Rising, Compound Med Costs Continue to Decline, Atlas General Now Covers California Cannabis Industry.2018-09-0727 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 27, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. CompPartners Prevails in California Supreme Court, 100% Awards Increasing with VR Experts, Lack of "Animus" Evidence Defeats FEHA Claim, Operators of So. Cal. Staffing Companies Face Fraud Charges, Jury Convicts Lancaster Physician in Kickback Case, Woman to Serve 30 Months for EDD Fraud, Fresno Orthopedist Practicing with Suspended License, Are You Ready For a Facebook MRI, HHS to Eliminate PBM Rebates to Lower Drug Costs, CWCI Studies Polypharmacy Claims.2018-08-3126 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 20, 2018Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Invalidates AD Dispute Resolution Regulation, Jury Awards $289M to Injured Groundskeeper, Court Denies Peyman Heidary Indictment Appeal, CDI Has 57 Unfilled Fraud Investigator Jobs, Opioid 2019 Production "Quotas" Reduced 10%, Cal/OSHA Fines Advertising Company $32K, Express Scripts to Market $1M Genetic Pill, AI Accurately Diagnoses 50 Eye Conditions, MRI Scans - Maybe Not So Safe After All, Industrial Auto Accidents are Increasing.2018-08-2330 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - September 19, 2016Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. Workers' Comp "Opt-Out" Movement Faces Legal Setback. Berkshire Faces New Charges by Another Insured Employer. Trucking Company Settles Litigation Over Comp Coverage. Former Assemblyman Thomas Calderon Sentenced in Bribery Case. Hearing Set on Proposed RTW Supplement Program Rules. DWC Posts Amendments to Home Health Fee Schedule. Another Generic Drugmaker Targeted by DOJ Investigation. WCIRB Study Shows Decline in Drug Spending. Claimant Illegal Drug Use - What Are the Odds? Workers’ Compensation Enters "Soft Market Phase."2016-09-2327 minWorkCompAcademy | Weekly NewsWorkCompAcademy News - August 22, 2016Rene Thomas Folse, JD, Ph.D. is the host for this edition which reports on the following news stories. WCAB Permits Settlement of SJDB With "Thomas" Finding. 9th Circuit Says DOJ Cannot Prosecute Marijuana Violators. DCA Says WCAB Has Jurisdiction Over CHP 4800.5 Benefits. Yates Memo Leads to Corporate Healthcare Executive Convictions. DWC Publishes Updated MTUS With Opioid Guidelines. Yet Another Study Questions Value of Meniscus Surgery. New Study Supports Apportionment in Degenerative Joint Disease Claims. Aetna Announces Exit Plans for 70 Percent of ObamaCare Market.2016-09-1225 min