WORKER’S COMP REFORM SB 899
REMINDER OF EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

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In the wake of the resent worker’s compensation reform legislation, it’s useful to review employer’s responsibilities under the law. Strict adherence to these requirements can help you avoid misunderstandings. Ultimately these steps below can help you control your worker’s compensation costs.

You as the employer have the right to set up your own network of providers but you may choose to go with a referral from your Workman’s Compensation Insurance Carrier. Santa Monica Bay Physicians is contracted with most if not all Workman’s Compensation Insurance Carriers as a preferred provider through their Medical Provider Network. We can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have concerning the new SB 899 Laws and the changes concerning your workman’s compensation program.

As the employer you would have full control of your employee’s medical treatment if they do not choose a personal physician or chiropractor. If you provide group health insurance to your employees, advise new employees at the time of hire or within the first pay period of their right to predesignate their personal physician or personal chiropractor who participates in the group health plan as their primary treating doctor for worker’s compensation injuries or illnesses and provide them with a predesignation form. A personal physician or chiropractor is one who has treated the employee in the past and maintains the employee’s medical records. The doctor must agree to the pre-designation. The pre-designation form must be in the employees file prior to any work injury for this to be in effect. Otherwise you as the employer have full control as to where your employee is referred to in case of an injury on the job.

Employer must post the Notice to Employees (form 13708) in the workplace in an area frequented by employees where they will be able to read it. If Spanish-speaking employees are on staff, also post the Spanish (form 13709).

Provide the New Employees Guide to Worker’s Compensation brochure (form 15765) to newly hired employees within 30 days of hire or before the end of the first pay period. This brochure is also available in Spanish (form 15766). The brochures contain the required presignation form.

Provide an Employee’s Claim Form" DWC-1 (form 3301) to an injured worker immediately upon learning of an injury, even if you suspect it may not be work-related.

Complete an "Employer’s Report of Occupational Injury or Illness" (form 3067/13676) within five days of knowledge of any occupational injury or illness that results in lost time beyond the date of the accident or requires medical treatment beyond first aid.

Approve reasonable and necessary medical treatment within one day after an employee files a worker’s compensation claim, up to a maximum of $10,000, even if the claim is under investigation.

Adopt a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Make it available upon for inspection by your worker’s compensation insurance carrier upon request.

To obtain the forms mentioned above please contact your worker’s compensation carrier. You can also print some of these forms at the California Worker’s Compensation Institute website "www.cwci.org" under Reporting claims employers.