Bipartisan Workers' Comp Reforms Approved By Legislature
Injured California workers will receive better benefits, better care and fewer delays under a major Workers’ Compensation reform measure approved by the Legislature and sent to Gov. Jerry Brown.
Senate Bill 863 – subject of months of negotiation involving labor and employers – increases permanent disability (PD) payments by almost 30% and provides faster and larger payouts for temporary disability. Some of the more onerous medical restrictions imposed in the 2004 Schwarzenegger “reform” law have been modified, including establishment of a new Independent Medical Review process where treatment disputes are handled by medical professionals, rather than judges.
The compromise also helps employers by implementing a range of cost-cutting measures aimed at stabilizing Workers’ Comp insurance rates, which had been scheduled to go up by 18%. According to the State Compensation Fund, rates will actually go down, even as benefits increase.
California Professional Firefighters supported SB 863 and the CPF legislative team was actively involved in protecting essential services benefitting firefighters and their families.
The measure now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown, who is expected to sign it into law.
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"Workers' Comp Overhaul Sent to Gov. Brown" -- Sacramento Bee