DWC Issues Notice of Public Hearing 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 9792.23.

The public hearing is scheduled for Friday, February 15 at 10 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 no later than February 15.

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:

• Cervical and Thoracic Spine Disorders Guideline (ACOEM October 17, 2018)
• Elbow Disorders Guideline (ACOEM August 23, 2018)
• Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Guideline (ACOEM January 7, 2019)
• Ankle and Foot Disorders Guideline (ACOEM July 16, 2018)
• Workplace Mental Health: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder Guideline (ACOEM December 18, 2018)

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.

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