Quarterly Newsletter: Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2019
Where Our Work Was Used

In states large and small, our research continues to be actively used by a diverse group of public officials and stakeholders, resulting in better, more informed decision making. Below is a sample of how our work was used over the last three months.

  • Florida: The 19th edition of WCRI's CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Florida was cited in a 2019 biennial report by the Florida Department of Workers' Compensation on methods for improving the workers' compensation medical delivery system.
  • Louisiana: Several WCRI studies (Interstate Variations in Opioid Dispensing, 5th Edition; State Policies on Treatment Guidelines and Utilization Management: A National Inventory, 2019; The Impact of Opioid Prescriptions on Duration of Temporary Disability; Longer-Term Dispensing of Opioids, 4th Edition) were cited in a report by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor evaluating controls over the prescribing of opioids in their state workers’ compensation program.
  • Minnesota: WCRI's CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Minnesota, 20th Edition was cited in the December 2019 edition of "COMPACT," a quarterly newsletter published by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry's Workers' Compensation Division. 
  • Virginia: Findings from several WCRI's studies (e.g., CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Virginia, 19th Edition; Workers' Compensation Laws as of January 1, 2019; etc.) were cited in a review by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission of the Commonwealth's workers' compensation system. The report was submitted to Governor Ralph Northam and the Virginia Assembly.
People discussing our research.
Education

Over the last three months, we were invited to share our research findings with a diverse group of policymakers and other stakeholders at large conferences and smaller briefings. Below is a sample.

Briefings:
  • Arizona Industrial Commission
  • Massachusetts Port Authority
  • New York State Workers' Compensation Board
  • Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation

Conferences/Meetings:
  • 2019 National Workers' Compensation & Disability Conference & Expo
  • 30th Annual New Jersey Workers' Compensation Bench Bar Conference
  • Casualty Actuarial Society's 2019 In Focus Virtual Seminar
  • Georgia Group Funds Association
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In The News

Below is a sample of the press coverage our research received over the last three months.
Member Spotlight: Andrew Sabolic, Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Andrew Sabolic, assistant director for the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, about how he came to know WCRI, the value the Division derives from their membership, and other questions. Andrew has been with the Division for over 17 years and handles many of the operational, regulatory, and legislative issues that impact it. 
 
Webinars

Over the past three months, we held two webinars. The first took place in October and focused on defining centers of excellence . The second took place in November and was on our latest research on fee schedules and medical prices . A recording is available for both webinars. The first webinar is free for both members and non-members. The second is free for WCRI members and available to non-members for a nominal fee. 
Greenest Conference Ever

We recently announced that WCRI's 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2020, in Boston, will be the greenest ever.

“We can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint,” said John Ruser, president and CEO of WCRI. “At this year’s conference, we are taking a big leap by working with our members to reduce ours.”