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Release Number: 2023-21
Date: March 8, 2023

DWC Issues Notice of Public Hearing on April 10 for Proposed Evidence-Based Updates to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has issued a Notice of 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 9792.22, 9792.23.2 and 9792.24.7.
The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 10, at 11 a.m. in the auditorium of the Elihu Harris Building, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland. Members of the public may review and comment on the proposed updates. Written comments must be submitted no later than April 10. Please see the proposed regulation page for directions to submit written comments.

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

  • Work Disability Prevention and Management (ACOEM April 11, 2022)
  • Shoulder Disorders (ACOEM February 6, 2023)
  • COVID-19 (ACOEM March 6, 2023)

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, and respond to all the comments received during the public comment period prior to publishing the order adopting the update online.