Posted by P.S. on June 16, 1999 at 20:29:38:
The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) has identified compliance with Labor Code Section 5500.3 as an issue in the workers compensation community. The issue has been brought to the attention of CHSWC by allegations that some WCAB district offices and workers' compensation administrative law Judges are using forms and procedures that have not been established by the Appeals Board.
Section 5500.3 provides:
The appeals board shall establish uniform court procedures, uniform codes, and uniform time of court settings for all offices of the appeals board. No
local office of the appeals board or workers' compensation judge shall require forms or procedures other than as established by the appeals board.
This section was adopted as a part of the 1989 reform acts. Pursuant to its mandate to conduct a continuous examination of the workers' compensation system and report to the Legislature, CHSWC has concluded to examine the administration and effectiveness of section 5500.3
To assist the Commission in this study, your assistance is requested. Please provide any positive or negative information you may have on the subject. Please be specific. If any unauthorized forms are being used, enclose a copy. If any local procedures are being employed, a detailed description would be appreciated. If you think that some local form or procedure should be applied statewide, that information will also be welcome.
The Commission would appreciate your responses to this Call for Information" no later than WEDNESDAY, June 30 1999.
Mail to:
State of California
Department of Industrial Relations
Commission on Health and Safety And Workers' Compensation
455 Golden Gate Avenue, 10th floor
San Francisco CA 94102
Attention: Christine Baker, Executive Officer
Telephone (415) 703-4220
FAX (415) 703-4234