Hoch Says Workers’ Compensation Insurance System Reforms Will Continue

Changes to the state workers' compensation insurance system, including some related to health care, will continue to be implemented under a new director, former Division of Workers' Compensation Administrative Director Andrea Hoch said, the Sacramento Bee reports. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) earlier this month appointed Hoch to serve as his legal affairs secretary.

Hoch said rules governing medical treatment, preselection of doctors by workers and insurance industry penalties are being developed and should be in place by early 2006. DWC also has begun to consider fee schedule revisions set to take effect in 2006 for more than 12 different rates for repackaged prescription drugs and for medical providers, Hoch said.

In addition, Hoch said that Schwarzenegger is expected to appoint a medical director for DWC.

Carrie Nevans -- a top lieutenant at the agency, who worked as a claims adjuster for the State Compensation Insurance Fund -- was named acting administrative director. Hoch said Nevans likely would be named DWC deputy director (Chan, Sacramento Bee, 10/23).

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