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School Daze: New Training Requirements for Workers' Compensation Adjusters
by Christopher P. Stettler, Esq.
New Regs Are Here
 Effective 2/22/06, California set forth new regulations outlining minimum standards for training, experience, and skill that workers’ compensation adjusters (including adjusters working for medical billing entities) must possess. (See California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 3, Article 20.)
Who is Covered?
The regulations apply to all examiners, supervisors, and others responsible for determining the validity of a workers’ compensation claim.
What Exactly is Required?
Beginning February 22, 2006, every insurer must ensure that all adjusters (including medical-only) who handle workers’ compensation claims receive the mandated training. Training must include at least 160 hours (at least 120 of which must be conducted in a classroom). Medical-only adjusters must receive at least 80 hours of training (at least 50 of which must be in a classroom).
However, a person can adjust or review medical bills for up to 12 consecutive months during training while under the supervision of an instructor or experienced claims adjuster
It Never Ends!
Once the initial training requirements have been met, claims adjusters must receive at least 30 hours of continuing education training every two years . Medical-only adjusters must receive at least 20 hours of training every two years. The regulations further define the curriculum that may qualify for training certification as well as who may provide the training.
B&B to the Rescue
Bradford & Barthel has highly experienced, qualified training instructors available to provide both the initial and ongoing training required. Our instructors (experienced attorneys who have practiced in workers’ compensation-related matters for at least 8 out of the last 12 years) are available to provide annual certification by July 1 of each year.
Bradford & Barthel can come to you and work with management to classify all personnel according to the regulations, certify them for initial training requirements, and develop a plan to meet educational requirements every two years. We also offer our services to meet ongoing training requirements for education every two years with seminars on relevant workers’ compensation issues.
Please see our website for additional information regarding training and services offered, or call Don Barthel at (916) 996-1263.
Christopher P. Stettler is the Managing Partner of Bradford & Barthel's San Diego Office.
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This web site seeks to provide accurate, informative updates pertaining to items of interest to Bradford & Barthel, LLP's clients and friends. It is not intended to render legal advice. If legal advice or expert analysis is needed, seek an attorney's assistance. All opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and not necessarily endorsed by Bradford & Barthel, LLP, its partners, attorneys, employees or agents.
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