The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) has released reports for circulation and public comment:

Hospital Emergency Department Services Furnished under California’s Workers’ Compensation Program

This paper examines hospital emergency room services received by injured workers. It uses the OSHPD data for 2005-2007 to explore whether there might be payment or quality of care issues for California workers’ compensation patients.

Regulatory Actions that Could Reduce Unnecessary Medical Expenses under California’s Workers’ Compensation Program

This document summarizes potential refinements to the Official Medical Fee Schedule for California’s workers’ compensation program.

The reports can be accessed at http://www.dir.ca.gov/chswc/PublicCommentsAndFeedback.html.

CHA is currently reviewing the reports; if hospitals are interested in submitting their own comments, the comments are due by September 28, 2009. Comments should be sent by email to chswc@dir.ca.gov or in writing to CHSWC, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 901, Oakland, CA 94612, or by fax at (510) 622-3265.