News
Client Advisories
February 22, 2022
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board Hearings Transition to Hybrid In-person and “Hot Bench” Proceedings
Harrisburg, PA – As the Commonwealth begins to return to normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic, new regulations will implement the most significant changes to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board in fifty years. Beginning in March 2022, the Board will transition to a hybrid system to conduct oral arguments. The Board will resume regional in-person proceedings,… read more
February 18, 2022
New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Proceedings Return to In-Person Effective March 7, 2022
On February 14, 2022, the Honorable Russell Wojtenko, Jr., Director and Chief Judge of Compensation in New Jersey, circulated a Notice to the Bar advising that, as of March 7, 2022, New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Court facilities will reopen to all attorneys, litigants, court reporters, interpreters, and witnesses. At that time, all trials, including emergent… read more
January 21, 2022
PA Workers’ Compensation Alert – Some Pandemic Era Changes to Notary Requirements Become Permanent
Harrisburg, PA – On February 20, 2022, Act 95 of 2021 will take effect, making some temporary emergency COVID-19 measures permanent. Sections 413(c) and (d) required a carrier issuing a Notice of Suspension or Modification to include a notarized affidavit from the carrier that the compensation was modified or suspended due to a return to… read more
January 03, 2022
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Denies Pharmacy’s Demand to Intervene in Utilization Review Process
Harrisburg, PA – On December 22, 2021, the PA Supreme Court issued a Decision that addresses a frequent question regarding the Utilization Review process. In Keystone RX v Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Fee Review Hearing Office, the Supreme Court held that a non-treating provider, such as a pharmacy, does not have a right to intervene… read more
January 03, 2022
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Permits Award of Attorney’s Fees Despite Reasonable Contest
Harrisburg, PA – On December 22, 2021, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a Decision (Lorino v WCAB (Commonwealth of PA) that has an immediate and significant impact the handling of workers’ compensation cases moving forward as well as the potential to impact premiums for workers’ compensation coverage moving forward. The procedural background is quite simple. … read more