2023 New Year's Resolutions For the California Workers' Compensation System

Vector silhouette of construction worker with crane and sky for preparation of 2023.

It is that time of year when we look back on the year considering what we accomplished and what we did not. But most importantly, this looking back serves to assist us in making resolutions, promises to change, affirmations to do things differently or to do things previously never done.

As I reflect on 2022 and workers' compensation in California, I have developed my own resolution list for changes and actions I would like to see taken by the California Workers’ Compensation system in 2023. Here are my top 10 resolutions for California’s Workers’ Compensation System.

1. An impartial Administrative Director (AD) who applies the laws fairly and without bias.

2. Medical care provided to Injured Workers in a timely fashion.

3. Permanent Disability payment rates based on real-life wages.

4. California’s workers’ compensation law being accessible to all - for Free.

5. California’s decisions regarding whether an Injured Worker will receive the medical care recommended for them be provided in the language they speak.

6. Providing enough competent Qualified Medical Examiners to perform examinations of Injured Workers.

7. California providing sufficient monies to fully fund the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

8. California follows the law when deciding whether an Injured Worker should receive the medical care recommended for them.

9. Fair and accurate Medicare Set-Asides (MSA).

10. More court reporters for the courts.