Office of Administrative Law approves DWC’s proposed utilization review regulations

On December 30, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved the proposed utilization review (UR) regulations submitted by the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). 

The UR regulations, which have an effective date of April 1, 2026, primarily implement exemptions for UR under Senate Bill 1160 (for treatment within the first 30 days of injury) and Assembly Bill 1124 (for exempt drugs on the formulary). They also enforce the statutory accreditation requirement and DWC’s oversight of UR plans, amend UR investigation rules, and enhance coordination of medical treatment. The UR regulations aim to align the review process with SB 1160 and AB 1124 and improve the medical treatment delivery system. The final documents and rulemaking history may be accessed online on DWC’s rulemaking page.

---