WORK COMP LEGAL UPDATE

NEW WCAB CONFERENCE SYSTEM

Effective March 1, 2025 all WCAB conferences will be handled by the new CourtCall system, and will no longer be using the presently used ATT Conference Call system which will be phased out sometime after February. The new system allows a judge to use either teleconference or videoconference features.

Some Notices of Hearing are already showing the new access information for hearings. However, all conferences through February 28, 2025 are still on the ATT system, even if the notice shows the CourtCall information.

All trials will remain in-person, unless otherwise permitted by the Trial Judge.

[COMMENT: Some preliminary indications are that CourtCall may not work well on iPhones, and is best used on computers, iPads or similar devices. Suggest checking the DWC website in late February for more information about use of the CourtCall system as well as the judges' access information.]

IMR DECISION: NURTEC

89 CCC1227 (2025): Applicant diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, chronic post-traumatic migraine headaches without aura, and cervical disc disorder. He tried various headache medications and treatments without success. PTP prescribed a newer drug in Nurtec ODT, which UR denied as not approved under MTUS/ACOEM.

IMR overturned UR in reliance of the ODG which indicated Nurtec may be indicated for those who incur migraine headaches 4 to 14 days per month, an din which other treatments have failed.

[COMMENT: Nurtec is not intended to be a first-line treatment, and yet a CWCI study found that Nurtec already accounts for 41.6% money spent on headaches. This could be a costly trend as Nurtec can cost about $2,000 per month, with no generic brand currently available.]

DWC CONFERENCE

The 32nd Annual DWC Educational Conferences are set for next month with 2-day sessions on March 6-7 in Oakland and March 21-22 in Los Angeles. Registration is now open.

The HEWS Firm continues its tradition of sponsoring the Conference which this year features over 30 one-hour sessions on workers' compensation.

WI-FI AT ALL BOARDS

The DWC is installing free public access Wi-Fi at all District offices. The installations began in mid-February and are expected to be completed by March 3rd.

HEWS NEWS

February HEWS Work Anniversaries:

None this year.

Main Contributor: H. Neal Wells IV

Editorial Staff: Lynn P. Peterson

HEW&S OFFICES: COVERING ALL OF CALIFORNIA

San Bernardino (909) 890-0403 (sbr@hmplc.com)
Santa Ana (949) 250-1216 (ana@hmplc.com)
Burbank (818) 265-0940 (cxr@hmplc.com)
Calabasas (818) 348-8366 (cls@hmplc.com)

www.hmplc.com

The above is for informational purposes only, and not intended to constitute legal advice.