Research Unit
The Research Unit undertakes and oversees a variety of projects aimed at discovering and interpreting facts related to the workers' comp system to produce a greater knowledge of system behaviors and make practical applications and changes possible. The unit also oversees several programs including the workers' compensation information system, (WCIS) and carve-outs.
Workers' compensation information system (WCIS)
California's workers' compensation information system (WCIS) uses electronic data
interchange (EDI) to collect comprehensive information from claims administrators
to help the Department of Industrial Relations oversee the state's workers' compensation
system. This information helps facilitate evaluation of the system and measure
adequacy of benefits for injured workers and their dependents, and also provides
statistical data for research. After initial development with input from affected
groups, the first phase of WCIS became operational in Sep. 1999. Electronic transmission
of first reports of injury was required beginning March 1, 2000 and electronic
versions of benefit notices were mandated as of July 1, 2000. Electronic reporting
of medical billing data is required for any medical service that occurs on or
after Sep. 22, 2006.
- WCIS Claim statistics: reports, tables and papers
- WCIS Medical Billing statistics: reports, tables and papers
Carve-out
programs
"Carve-out" programs allow employers and unions to create their
own alternatives for workers' compensation benefit delivery and dispute resolution
under a collective bargaining agreement. Eligibility of parties to participate
in a program must be approved by the administrative director of the Division of
Workers' Compensation. The requirements to participate and the elements required
to be in "carve-out" programs are contained in Labor Code section 3201.5 (for
the construction industry) and Labor Code section 3201.7 (for all other industries).
December 2012