- Iron worker hurt before clocking in eligible for comp
An Arkansas iron worker who slipped and fell on ice before clocking in for the day is entitled to workers compensation benefits because he had already donned his personal protective equipment, the state Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday.
- U.K. Supreme Court unanimously rules against asbestos-related Welsh bill
The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court ruled that the U.K. Welsh Assembly exceeded the scope of its authority when it passed a bill requiring firms and insurers to reimburse the U.K.
- California high court set to hear worker’s overdose death compensation case
Arguments will be presented to the California Supreme Court next month in the case of an injured worker whose death from a prescription drug overdose was ruled noncompensable under California workers compensation law.
- Expensive generic drugs boost workers comp pharmacy costs
Higher generic drug prices are showing up in workers compensation claims and payers can have a tough time slowing those increases.
- More states look to closed formularies to lower workers comp costs
Workers compensation systems in Arkansas, California and Tennessee are working to implement closed formularies for prescription drugs in part to combat overutilization of costly opioids.
- Costly compounded drug prescriptions cut by certain formulary designs
Certain formulary designs could cut prescriptions of costly compounded drugs.
- Restricting painkillers for injured workers can result in unintended costs
While concerns about opioid use and dependence have raised alarms in workers compensation claims, medical experts say insurers and payers also should be wary of not providing enough treatment to injured workers suffering chronic pain.
- Drug, therapy nonadherence slows employees' return-to-work times
The workers compensation industry is focused on preventing the overutilization of opioid painkillers, but sources said payers also should monitor underutilization of medication and other types of nonadherence, such as stopping physical therapy, that can…
- Activity coaching helps injured workers manage pain without opioids
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is expanding a program to help injured workers manage chronic pain without opioids.