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NEWSLINE
Release Number: 2020-52
June 22, 2020

DWC Issues Notice of Conference Call Public Hearing for Proposed Evidence-Based Updates to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has issued a notice of conference call public hearing for proposed evidence-based updates to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS), which can be found at California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 9792.23.

The conference call public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 at 10 a.m. and members of the public may attend by calling 866-390-1828 and using access code 5497535#. Members of the public may review and comment on the proposed updates no later than July 23.

The proposed evidence-based updates to the MTUS incorporate by reference the latest published guidelines from American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) for the following:

  • Occupational Interstitial Lung Disease Guideline (ACOEM November 8, 2019)
  • Knee Disorders Guideline (ACOEM December 3, 2019)
  • Workplace Mental Health Guideline: Depressive Disorders (ACOEM February 13, 2020).
  • Occupational/Work-Related Asthma Guideline (ACOEM June 5, 2020)

The proposed evidence-based updates to the MTUS regulations are exempt from Labor Code sections 5307.3 and 5307.4 and the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. However, DWC is required under Labor Code section 5307.27 to have a 30-day public comment period, hold a public hearing, respond to all the comments received during the public comment period and publish the order adopting the updates online.