Public Hearing Set for Medical Provider Network (MPN) Rules

Adelson, Testan, Brundo, Novell & Jimenez (ATB Law) would like to make its audience aware that the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) will be holding a public hearing to discuss issues and changes connected with the Medical Provider Networks, or MPNs, following the passage of SB 863 last year. The term MPN was coined in 2005 as a way to describe health care providers and groups maintained by insurers and self-insured employers and approved by the DWC for workers’ compensation cases. SB 863 will bring significant changes to the way that MPNs operate in workers’ compensation claims. The DWC hearing will be the first occasion for members of the public to supply recommendations on these MPN changes as part of the state rulemaking process.

The details for this hearing are as follows:

January 31, 2013

10 AM to 12 noon

Elihu Harris State Office Building Auditorium

1515 Clay Street

Oakland, CA 94612

All Employers Should Have a Voice in the Rule making Process

It is hoped that the pending reforms will reduce costs to employers while developing a more navigable workers’ compensation system for all. The DWC is seeking public input on a variety of issues, including new MPN applicants, MPN audits and investigations, and the Independent Medical Review process. Employers will have the opportunity to participate in the formation of regulations for these new processes on January 31, and will also be able to share input on other facets of the law.

Adelson, Testan, Brundo, Novell & Jimenez believes it is important for employers to have a voice in workers’ compensation legislation, and encourages all employers potentially impacted by the coming changes to send a representative to this hearing and voice any suggestions or concerns they may have.

 

Worker’s Comp Defense Attorney Matthew Kearl Conquers Mt. Whitney

Matthew Kearl, Partner at Adelson, Testan, Brundo & Jimenez’ Van Nuys Office, has surmounted Mount Whitney. At an elevation of 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous 48 US states and one of the highest on the North American continent. Mount Whitney is unique because not only is it the highest summit in the US, but its summit affords stunning views of the lowest point in the nation, the famed Death Valley.

Meeting the Challenge

Mount Whitney is a challenging climb for even the most experienced individuals. Since it is made up of granite, a surface that can be formidable in even the best hiking conditions, aspiring climbers must thoroughly plan and prepare for summiting the mountain. In addition to the challenges posed by the hiking and climbing surface, climbers must:

  • Follow best practices for avoiding conflicts with the bears and other wildlife that call Mount Whitney home;
  • Do without campfires or artificial heat during their time on the mountain;
  • Be prepared for inclement weather, which at such high elevations can become a major problem in a short period of time.

Summiting Success

Given these difficulties, why do individuals like Kearl summit these challenging mountains? In addition to enjoying the mountain scenery as a reward for the intense effort, summiting a peak like Mount Whitney brings successful climbers into a select group of “summiters,” an extraordinary accomplishment that comes from dedication, determination, and focus – some of the same qualities that allowed Kearl to become one of the top workers’ compensation defense attorneys in the nation.

Matthew Kearl served as California Deputy Attorney General from 1998 to 1999, and embarked on his career as a workers’ compensation defense attorney in 1999. Adelson, Testan, Brundo & Jimenez is fortunate to have him as partner at their Van Nuys office and congratulate him on this notable accomplishment.