SB899 Workers' Compensation Reform

Quick Facts

Medical Control
SB899 provides new medical control option for employers that will allow life of claim control through the use of a MPN (Medical Provider Network). Unless an employee pre designates a physician prior to the work related injury, employers have the right to control where the employee goes for treatment.

California law allows an employer to direct an injured worker to the clinic of the employer's choice. To do this an employer must:

• Must have a specific poster on bulletin board
• Must provide a pamphlet to all new hires

Insured employers will rely on their carrier to assist in selecting an MPN and applying for approval to use it. Posters and pamphlets are sold by CWCI (510) 251 9485.

Permanent Disability and SB 899

Employers with over 50 employees will have permanent disability payments to injured workers increased or decreased by 15% based upon offer of return to work.

How to qualify for 15% reduction:

• Return to work offer must be made within 60 days of the employee becoming permanent and stationary
• Job offer must be within restrictions, lasting at least 12 months, and within the same commute
• If the employee rejects the job offer, the 15% reduction still applys
• If the employee accepts the job, returns to work, but the job ceases to exist before the end of the 12 month period, then a 15% increase applies to all future payments

A no return to work offer made within 60 days of the injured worker becoming permanent and stationary invokes a 15% increase in permanent disability payments.