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- Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released Trends in Non-Price-Controlled Medical Services, A WCRI FlashReport, examining medical services in workers’ compensation systems that are not subject to traditional fee schedule price controls. The report found that spending on these services increased in many states, driven by changes in utilization patterns, provider practices, and the growing use of treatments and services that fall outside regulated pricing structures. WCRI notes that these nonprice controlled services can account for a growing share of overall medical costs and could impact the workers’ compensation system expenses.
- A coalition of 48 state and territorial attorneys general announced a $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals to resolve allegations that the company participated in a long-running conspiracy to artificially inflate prices, reduce competition, and manipulate the market for generic prescription drugs. According to the states, Glenmark was involved in anticompetitive conduct that included price-fixing, market allocation, and bid-rigging affecting numerous generic medications between 2009 and 2019. As part of the settlement, Glenmark will cooperate with ongoing litigation against other pharmaceutical companies and executives and implement internal compliance reforms designed to prevent future antitrust violations. The settlement follows several other multistate agreements in the broader generic drug price-fixing investigation, which recovered nearly $67 million to date and continues to pursue claims against remaining defendants.
- The U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee advanced legislation that would prohibit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from implementing its proposed federal indoor and outdoor heat protection standards. The committee approved HR 6213, the Heat Workforce Standards Act, by an 18-15 vote, with supporters arguing that workplace heat regulations should be addressed at the state level rather than through a federal one-size-fits-all standard. Under OSHA's proposed rule, employers would be required to implement heat illness prevention plans, provide water and rest breaks, and establish procedures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. Opponents of the bill contend that blocking the federal standard could leave workers vulnerable to increasing heat-related risks, particularly as extreme heat events become more frequent across the country.
- National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) released the third and final installment of its workplace violence research series, Workplace Violence: Part 3 - Assaults and Violence by Others in Finer Detail, examining where workplace violence is most concentrated across industries and occupations. The report found that assault related workplace injuries have increased over time, particularly in the healthcare and social assistance sector, where assault rates rose from 6.4 to 9.8 cases per 10,000 full-time workers between 2011 and 2021-22. Hospitals and nursing or residential care facilities accounted for more than 75% of violence by others incidents in the sector, while behavioral health settings experienced some of the highest assault rates. The analysis also identified protective services and education occupations as areas with elevated workplace violence exposure, highlighting how industry, occupation, and ownership structure influence risk patterns.
Florida – The Florida Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims announced a judicial reappointment proceeding and nomination hearing regarding a Workers’ Compensation Judge of Compensation Claims position. The Statewide Judicial Nominating Commission will conduct a virtual public hearing on August 24, 2026, at 9m EST, as part of its review and recommendation process for judicial reappointment. Stakeholders and interested members of the public may have an opportunity to provide input regarding the applicant's qualifications and performance.
Texas – The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) announced updates within the organization, including leadership changes, organizational restructuring, and the launch of a new artificial intelligence initiative. The agency created an AI Innovation and Integration program to support the responsible use of AI, modernize operations, and reduce administrative burdens, with Allen Craddock appointed as deputy commissioner to lead the effort. Additionally, Gerri Thomas was named chief administrative law judge, overseeing the agency’s hearings and dispute resolution functions. DWC also consolidated its legal, communications, and external relations functions into a new Legal and Communications Services division and appointed Mitchell Koers as the Director of Government Relations.
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