Workers’ compensation: utilization review.
If passed, SB 924 would redefine employer responsibilities under workers' compensation law, specifically regarding how and when medical services can be reviewed and approved. This change seeks to facilitate quicker access to necessary medical treatment for employees while refining the review process that affects timelines for authorization of care. Consequently, it could enhance treatment outcomes by ensuring that necessary care is not delayed due to cumbersome administrative procedures.
Senate Bill 924, introduced by Senator Hertzberg, proposes amendments to Section 4610 of the California Labor Code, focusing on the process of utilization review within the workers' compensation system. The bill aims to streamline the administrative processes required for evaluating the medical treatment recommendations provided for employees injured at work. It specifies that emergency treatment services and certain medical treatments should be authorized without the traditional prospective utilization review, provided that they are consistent with established medical treatment guidelines and conducted within a specified timeframe following the initial injury.
While proponents argue that the bill will improve care delivery by reducing bureaucratic delay, concerns have been raised regarding oversight and the quality of care. Critics fear that easing review requirements may lead to financial motivations overshadowing the medical considerations integral to the treatment recommendations. Furthermore, the bill reflects ongoing discussions about the balance of power between employers and employees in determining the nature of workplace injuries and required care.