National:
- MedRisk released Industry Outlook 2026, which examines how workers’ compensation and auto casualty organizations are responding to increasingly complex claims. The report finds that artificial intelligence is becoming embedded across the claims lifecycle, enabling earlier risk identification and reducing administrative delays. It also highlights that injured workers are reaching appropriate care faster, with earlier access to physical therapy and advanced imaging improving recovery outcomes. Additionally, emerging clinical research is strengthening evidence‑based claim management, supporting more precise referrals and better overall results for injured workers.
- U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General’s fiscal year 2026 audit work plan includes a forthcoming federal review of how effectively OSHA is addressing workplace violence. The audit will assess OSHA’s efforts to prevent and respond to acts or threats of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, and disruptive behavior at worksites. The plan highlights that workplace violence remains a major safety concern, noting it is the thirdleading cause of fatal occupational injuries, with 849 intentional injuries recorded among 5,486 workplace fatalities in 2022. The audit will also evaluate OSHA’s progress in addressing gaps first identified in a 2001 review, including improvements in training, outreach, and incident recordkeeping.
- The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced a free 30‑minute webinar scheduled for April 9 at 2 p.m. ET to present findings from its new study, Benefit Delivery Expenses in the New York Workers’ Compensation System. As a reminder, the study explores how these expenses have changed over time, what components are driving those changes, and what policy shifts may be contributing. Registration is required, if interested you can register here.
- Reed Smith hosted its virtual 12th Annual Health Care Conference from March 16–19. The event featured a series of webinars covering topics such as regulatory investigations in the pharmaceutical industry, PBM litigation trends, and more. If you’re interested in revisiting any of the sessions, you can access the recordings here.
- U.S Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rolled out a new initiative, OSHA Cares, which is designed to strengthen customer service and expand compliance assistance for employers. The program focuses on prevention, collaboration, and making OSHA more approachable for businesses seeking guidance on meeting federal workplace safety requirements.
Florida – SB 774 failed in the House. As a reminder, SB 774 if passed would extend workers’ compensation coverage for post‑traumatic stress disorder to 911 public safety telecommunicators by classifying them as first responders for mental and nervous injury claims.
Louisiana – Louisiana state lawmakers introduced SB 408, a bill that would establish a statewide workers’ compensation medical claims database and revise the method for calculating provider reimbursements. The measure would require Louisiana Works to create and maintain an “All Workers’ Compensation Medical Claims Database” that includes medical and pharmacy claims submitted by all payors in the state. According to the bill, the database would be used to track reimbursement patterns, utilization, outcomes, and identify potential fraud or system inefficiencies.
Pennsylvania – State Sen. Devlin J. Robinson (RPA) introduced SB 1215, which would update reimbursement rules for topical medications under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act. If passed, the bill would set new payment limits for compound drugs, capping reimbursement at $400 per 30day supply plus a $20 compounding fee and prohibits reimbursement for compounds that duplicate commercially available products.
Virginia – HB 1313 was sent to the Governor late last week. As a reminder, HB 1313 would provide workers’ compensation coverage for the exacerbation of preexisting mental health conditions, even without an accompanying physical injury, for law enforcement officers and firefighters. Specifically, the bill clarifies that coverage for mental health claims includes the worsening of preexisting disorders.
Washington – SB 5847 was sent to the Governor late last week. As a reminder, SB 5847 outlines changes to Washington State’s workers’ compensation system related to medical provider networks, treatment guidelines, and oversight processes. The bill includes provisions regarding the choice of worker medical provider and establishes standards for monitoring and administering medical care for injured workers.
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