Gig Nursing Platforms Challenge Workers’ Comp Protections
- A new report finds that gig‑economy staffing platforms are pushing to classify nurses as independent contractors, a move that could exclude them from workers’ compensation coverage.
- In Georgia, Clipboard Health sought exemptions from state comp and unemployment insurance requirements.
- Similar efforts in Ohio aimed to reclassify gig nurses and remove wage and benefit obligations.
- Misclassification risks were underscored by a recent $9.3 million ruling against a staffing firm for denying overtime and related protections to more than 1,100 nursing professionals.
California Candidates Outline Workers’ Comp Plans
- California’s insurance commissioner candidates are outlining how they would oversee the state’s workers’ compensation system, which includes regulating insurers and approving rates.
- Several contenders say they want stronger scrutiny of workers’ comp carriers and tighter enforcement of claims‑handling rules.
- Others want more fraud prevention within the system.
- All of the candidates agree that the office plays a central role in ensuring injured workers receive the benefits they’re entitled to.
Blue Cross Sells AF Group Workers’ Comp Carrier
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has agreed to sell its workers’ compensation subsidiary, AF Group, to Enstar for an undisclosed amount.
- AF Group provides workers’ comp coverage through several insurance brands operating nationwide.
- The companies said existing policies and services will continue during the transition.
- Regulators must still review and approve the acquisition before the deal can close.