Ohio Woman Asks Court to Halt State Board From Hearing WC Cases
- An Ohio woman claims that none of the three members of the Ohio Industrial Commission have at least six years of “recognized expertise in the field of workers’ compensation,” as required by state law, and has asked a court to stop it from hearing workers compensation cases or issuing new orders.
- Suzane Duke, who works for Frito Lay, filed a worker’s comp claim last July over a strained lower back. Last fall, an Industrial Commission hearing officer denied Duke’s request for temporary total disability benefits, and she asked the commission to reconsider that ruling.
- Following several delays, her case is scheduled to be heard March 20.
- However, she is seeking an injunction blocking the three OIC members from conducting hearings, issuing orders, and “discharging (their) duties and responsibilities.”
- She also requested a temporary restraining order preventing the commission from holding hearings until a judge reviews whether the commission members are qualified to hold their jobs.
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New York Could Okay WC Treatment by Clinical Social Workers
- New York legislators are considering a bill that would approve licensed clinical social workers to provide services to injured employees covered by workers compensation.
- Under A.B. 6785, introduced last week, no claim for licensed clinical social work services would be valid and enforceable unless the provider furnishes a preliminary notice of injury and treatment to the employer and the state Workers’ Compensation Board within 48 hours following the first treatment.
- The social worker would need to provide “a more complete report” and follow-up progress reports within 15 days, as requested in writing by the WCB and the employer or insurer.
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Origin Launches Zurich-backed Hospitality WC Product
- Program administrator Origin Specialty Underwriters has introduced a WC program backed by Zurich for SMB restaurants and hotels.
- Zurich Programs has delegated underwriting authority to Origin to offer the coverage through the speciality underwriter’s distribution channels.
Origin, a unit of Beyond Risk, serves niche segments including hospitality, hotels, and service stations. - The Hospitality Workers’ Compensation program launched at the end of February in 26 states.
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