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A medical provider network (MPN) is an entity or group of health care providers set up by an insurer or self-insured employer and approved by DWC's administrative director to treat workers injured on the job. Under state regulations, each MPN must include a mix of doctors specializing in work-related injuries and doctors with expertise in general areas of medicine. MPNs are required to meet access to care standards for common occupational injuries and work-related illnesses. The regulations also require MPNs to follow all medical treatment guidelines established by the DWC and allow employees a choice of provider(s) in the network after their first visit. Additionally, MPNs must offer an opportunity for second and third opinions if the injured worker disagrees with the diagnosis or treatment offered by the treating physician. If a disagreement still exists after the second and third opinion, an injured worker in the MPN may request an independent medical review (IMR). The MPN program became effective Jan. 1, 2005 and employees can be covered by an MPN once a plan has been approved by the DWC administrative director.
Medical provider network update
Who has an MPN?
Current list of approved medical provider networks by name of applicant 
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Current list of approved medical provider networks by approval date version version
MPN rules
Proposed MPN termination notice - Title 8, section 9767.16
Final medical provider network regulations
Final independent medical review regulations
Sample initial written employee notification re: Medical provider network version version
Información Importante sobre Cuidado Médico si tiene una Lesión o Enfermedad de Trabajo version version
DWC is providing this sample "Initial written employee notification re: medical provider network" for MPN applicants to adapt and use. The employee notification submitted with the MPN application must comply with the requirements of 8 CCR 9767.12. This version has been updated to the permanent regulations adopted 9/15/05. Please remove or add the bracketed sentences depending on their applicability to the MPN. Also be sure to fill in the blanks with the appropriate information. The notification must also be provided in Spanish. DWC will post a Spanish version of this notification shortly.
Summary chart of key changes under the permanent medical provider network (MPN) regulations
version version
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Memo to health care providers interested in joining an MPN version version
Cover page for medical provider network application 
Notice of medical provider network plan modification section 9767.8
News and other info
DIR press release #2004-13 - Workers' compensation medical provider network regulations effective Nov. 1
DIR press release #2005-01
Division of Workers' Compensation regulations for independent medical review approved by Office of Administrative Law
January 2008