National – The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) released three research reports:
- The Top Reclassified Codes in 2025 report analyzes workers' compensation classification reassignments identified through its Classification Inspection Program between 2023 and 2025. The report found Storage Warehouse was the most frequently reclassified governing code in 2025, while Clerical Office Employees NOC, Salespersons or Collectors, Carpentry NOC, and Machine Shop NOC were also among the top reclassified codes. The report examines common reassignment patterns for these classifications and provides examples of the codes to which they were most frequently reassigned.
- Labor Market Insights Report for September 2026 provides a monthly overview of key labor market statistics and their potential impact on the workers’ compensation system. The report found U.S. employment increased by an estimated 162,000 jobs in August, with job growth occurring across most industries. It also noted that average weekly hours increased and wage growth moderated to 3.1% year over year, closer to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1% while labor force participation increased, indicating employment growth was driven primarily by more individuals entering the workforce.
- NCCI released a new installment of its Asked & Answered series focused on workers' compensation medical share of losses. The organization reported the preliminary medical share of losses for Accident Year 2025 remained 53%, unchanged from Accident Year 2024. NCCI also reported that the medical share declined from a peak of 56.6% in Accident Year 2016, and that indemnity losses grew faster than medical losses in recent years.
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) released a Data Bulletin on Chronic Health Conditions among Construction Workers, examining the prevalence of chronic health issues among U.S. construction workers, including high blood pressure, heart conditions, cancer, chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, anxiety, depression, and leading causes of death. The report found in 2022, construction workers age 51 and older had a similar rate of high blood pressure as all workers in that age group, but lower rates of diabetes and high cholesterol. It also found in 2023, 20% of construction workers reported experiencing pain every day or most days during the previous three months. Additionally, CPWR reported from 2011 to 2024, the number of musculoskeletal disorders resulting in days away from work in construction decreased 29%, while the associated rate decreased 51.3%.
Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released its CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2026 Edition, which examines workers’ compensation medical costs and utilization trends across 27 states from 2019 through 2024. The report found medical payments per claim, prices, and utilization of medical services continue to vary significantly across states, highlighting differences in cost drivers and treatment patterns.
Kentucky – A Franklin Circuit Court judge ruled Kentucky’s workers’ compensation medical fee schedule is a public record and cannot be restricted behind a private vendor’s paywall or licensing agreement. The court found the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims violated the state’s Open Records Act by directing requestors to purchase the fee schedule from a private contractor rather than providing access to a document owned by the agency. The ruling further concluded that because the fee schedule is incorporated into state regulations and has the force of law, it cannot be privately controlled or copyrighted.
Nevada – Nevada's Workers' Compensation Section announced workers' compensation loss costs will decrease 32.8% effective Oct. 1, 2026, following implementation of SB 317, a 2025 law eliminating the state's statutory payroll cap used to calculate premiums. The legislation replaced the previous $36,000 payroll cap for private employers with a limit tied to the state's average weekly wage and included several other workers' compensation reforms. State officials said the reduction in loss costs is a direct result of the payroll cap change, which affects the calculation of premium rates.
Texas – The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) proposed its 2027 Research Agenda, identifying two priority research topics for the year. The proposed agenda includes updated studies on employer participation in the Texas workers’ compensation system and injured workers’ access to medical care, including access to certified workers’ compensation health care networks. According to DWC, the research is intended to provide policymakers and stakeholders with current information on system performance and participation trends. Public comments on the proposed research agenda will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. (CDT) on September 28, 2026, and may be submitted to RuleComments@tdi.texas.gov.
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