California regulators are proposing to fine companies that wrongfully delay medical reviews in workers’ compensation cases. Injured workers complain the lack of penalties have allowed companies to abuse the system. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
The workers comp system allows employers or insurers to review treatment recommendations of injured workers. The review is supposed to be conducted by a doctor in a timely fashion. San Diego attorney Linda Atcherley represents injured workers. She says the review process needs better oversight.
Atcherley: The idea's not bad, the implantation has been absolutely horrible. I mean to the point where people end up not getting physical therapy, and end up with a frozen shoulder.
State regulators estimate 30,000 injured workers may be affected annually by unfair delays or denials of care. Regulators are inviting public comment on a set of proposed fines that would punish abusers of the system. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
