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NCCI: Temperature, Precipitation Linked to Frequency

Frequency increases modestly but consistently as temperatures climb, according to a study by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. NCCI said that starting around 50 degrees, there is about a 1%…




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NCCI: Medical Inflation Softens in 3rd Quarter

The National Council on Compensation Insurance said that after several years of ignoring broader economic patterns, medical inflation in the third quarter followed the softening trend in overall inflation. The softening…




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Employers Required to Use Revised Work Comp Notice Poster in September

The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents announced that employers must use and display a revised employee notice form, starting Sept. 16. Employers are required to fill out the posters by providing…




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Statute of Limitations Ends Inquiry Into Senator's Comp Claim

The Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice said it ended an inquiry into a state senator who allegedly did not disclose that he was working while collecting workers’ compensation benefits, saying…




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Split Court Says MMI Finding Isn't Prerequisite to Receive Permanent Disability

A finding that an injured worker is totally incapacitated does not create an entitlement to permanent disability benefits as a matter of law, a split Connecticut Supreme Court said in…




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Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request to Add Mental Injuries to Claim

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld the denial of a doctor’s request to expand a worker’s claim to add post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety as compensable conditions. Case: Travers v. Blackhawk…




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Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request for Additional Benefits, Expansion of Claim

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld the denial of a worker's request for additional benefits and the expansion of her claim. Case: Martin v. Wal-Mart Associates Inc., No. 23-115, 08/01/2024, published. Facts: Irene Martin…




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Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request for More Treatment, Benefits

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld the denial of a worker’s request for additional treatment and benefits, and the expansion of his claim. Case: Hankins v. Sprouting Farms Corp., No. 22-919,…




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Court Denies Worker's Request to Expand Claim

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals upheld the denial of a worker’s request to expand his claim to include additional conditions. Case: Justice v. Transwood, No. 24-ICA-57, 09/04/2024, unpublished. Facts: Keven Justice…




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Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request to Expand Claim

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled that a worker was not entitled to expand the scope of his claim to include additional conditions. Case: Hawkins v. Bimbo Bakeries Inc., No.




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Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request to Expand Claim, Undergo Additional Imaging

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld the denial of a request to expand the scope of a worker’s claim and for additional imaging. Case: Cook v. Cecil I. Walker Machinery Co.,…




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Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request to Reopen Claim

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld the denial of a worker’s request to reopen her claim for temporary total disability benefits, additional medications and a referral to a rheumatologist. Case: Blevins…




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DLI Opens Registration for Mandatory QRC, Vendor Update

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry opened registration for a mandatory rehabilitation provider update webinar being held Sept. 13. The webinar will cover topics including a department update, legislative and rule…




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Division Announces Dates for Quarterly Stakeholder Meetings

The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation is holding its regular quarterly stakeholder meetings for carriers and providers Sept. 5. The provider quarterly meeting will cover topics including designated doctor billing rules,…




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DWC Lowers Fourth-Quarter Discount Rate

The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation announced that the discount interest rate will drop by more than a full percentage point during the final fiscal quarter. The division said any interest…




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Court Dismisses Dispute Over Whether Worker Qualifies as Public Safety Employee

The Maryland Appellate Court rejected a dispute over whether an injured worker qualified as a public safety employee due to a lack of jurisdiction. Case: Clifton T. Perkins Hospital v. Frierson, No.




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Worker Failed to Perfect Appeal of Board Decision Denying Request to Reopen Claim

The Washington Court of Appeals upheld the denial of an injured worker’s request to reopen her claim due to her failure to timely perfect her appeal of the decision of…




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Claims Adjuster Quiz

This is a test-only course for the 120-Hour California Claims Adjuster Credential. All adjusters who complete the This is a test-only course for the 120-Hour California Claims Adjuster Credential program,…




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Improving Benefit Adequacy for On-the-Job Injuries

Improving Benefit Adequacy for On-the-Job Injuries: the approach by the Texas Nonsubscriber Option might surprise you. …




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QME Test Prep - Updated

This online course prepares medical treaters to pass the Qualified Medical Evaluator Competency Exam.




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Work Comp Matters - Episode 120: Quest Diagnostics

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve and the guys talk about the Quest Diagnostic data breach that affects almost 12,000,000 people. Additionally, the guys report on the Work Comp…




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Inaccurate Credentials Don't Disqualify Vocational Expert

A Pennsylvania court rejected an injured worker's request to disqualify a vocational expert on the basis that the expert's correspondence indicated he was a certified disability management specialist after his…




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Court Upholds Closure of Worker's Claim, Denial of Request to Add Conditions, for More Treatment

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals upheld the closure of a worker’s claim, the denial of his requests for additional treatment and the denial of his request to expand the…




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PCRB Posts Reminder of Deadline to Request 2009 Assessment Refund

The Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau announced that eligible carriers can request refunds of 2009 work comp security fund assessments through Feb. 24. Gov. Josh Shapiro in July signed HB 2310, a…




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Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request to Reopen Claim, Receive Additional Treatment

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled that a worker was not entitled to reopen his claim or to receive additional benefits even though he received treatments and expanded the…




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Court Says Damages Award Inadequate

A New York appellate court overturned an award of damages after a defendant’s default in a Labor Law case, finding the award inadequate. Case: Sharif v. Pritam Property Inc., Nos. 2021-09103…




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Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request for Additional PPD

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld the denial of a worker’s request for additional permanent partial disability benefits for her broken leg. Case: Gajdos v. Appalachian Electronic Instruments Inc., No. 23-720,…




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How to Ensure An IME/PQME is an Effective Tool When Managing a Claim

An Independent Medical Exam (IME) can be an effective tool for claims management, but navigating the timelines and regulations can be challenging, especially in the Golden State. In this…




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Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request to Reopen Car Accident Claim

The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the denial of a worker’s request to reopen his claim arising out of a car accident. Case: Parr v. Industrial Commission, No. 1 CA-IC 23-0018,…




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Worker's Request for Hearing Dismissed as Untimely

The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the denial of a worker’s request for a hearing as untimely despite his claim that he had never received notice that his employer’s insurance carrier…




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ALJ Abuses Discretion in Denying Worker's Request for Relief

The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that an administrative law judge committed an abuse of discretion in denying a worker’s request for relief from the dismissal of her hearing due…




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Missed Deadlines, Lack of Discovery Wreck Worker's Request for Hearing

The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that a worker’s request for hearing was properly dismissed, given her failure to adhere to deadlines and failure to participate in discovery and a…




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Court Upholds Award for Carpal Tunnel, Denies Employer's Request to Take Offset

A Louisiana appellate court upheld an award of benefits for a worker with carpal tunnel syndrome and ruled that his employer was not entitled to an offset against its liability. Case: Caldwell…




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Federal Court Finds Worker Doesn't Qualify as Jones Act Seaman

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a worker did not qualify as a Jones Act seaman. Case: Edwards v. InterMoor Inc., No. 23-30727, 08/29/2024, unpublished. Facts: Lawrence…




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High Court Questions Viability of Defense Based on Worker's Failure to Disclose Prior Injury

The South Carolina Supreme Court upheld a finding that a worker was entitled to benefits for a back injury, but it questioned the continued viability of its case law allowing…




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Supreme Court Reissues Decision Questioning Its Own Precedent

The South Carolina Supreme Court reissued its decision upholding an injured worker’s award but questioned the continued viability of its case law allowing an employer to base its defense on a…




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Court Upholds Denial of Worker's Request to Modify Award

The Kansas Court of Appeals upheld a decision of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board denying a government employee’s request for a modification of her award. Case: Jackson v. Johnson County, No.




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Cardiovascular care centered on the patient is key and helps improve equity and outcomes

Statement Highlights: Patient-centered care establishes a respectful partnership among the health care team, the patient and caregivers to make shared decisions about management tailored to the patients’ beliefs, preferences and...




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Palliative care beneficial to manage symptoms, improve quality of life for people with CVD

Statement Highlights: Palliative medication management focuses on providing relief from symptoms and enhancing quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease throughout the various stages of the disease. Decisions about initiating, adjusting...




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New Spanish language stroke prevention website aims to remove barriers to equitable health

DALLAS, September 9, 2024 — While stroke is the fifth-leading overall cause of death in the United States, it disproportionately impacts Hispanic people. It is the third leading cause of death among Hispanic women and the fourth leading cause of death ...




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Nuevo sitio web en español para la prevención de ataques o derrames cerebrales busca eliminar barreras a la equidad en la salud

DALLAS, 9 de septiembre de 2024 — Si bien el derrame cerebral es la quinta causa principal de muerte en los Estados Unidos, afecta desproporcionadamente a los hispanos. Es la tercera principal causa de muerte entre las mujeres hispanas y la cuarta ...




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An Explosion of Colors at the El Señor de la Conquista Festival in San Miguel de Allende

The one thing I enjoy most about San Miguel de Allende is that you'er busy. I'm taking photographs everyday, meeting old and new friends and enjoying lots of events. There are many artist shows opening every week and then there's the special film showing and theater plays. The downside, at least for my blog readers, is the problem with actually getting down and writing a new article.


I was working on a theme and then on Friday the 2nd of March there was the 'El Señor de la Conquista' Festival in San Miguel de Allende in and around the center square called 'el Jardin'.


There were 5 different groups from local towns nearby each with their own style of dress and costumes. Withh such a display of colors and action it was not hard to keep photographing as they almost performed continuously for 10 hours. There was a small break in the afternoon as they started around 10:00am and continued until 9:00pm.



Even the people resting provided good photographic opportunities.



It's easy to see from the next photo how much these dancers enjoyed and were engrossed with their performances.



During breaks they laid their headdress on the ground.



The music playing and drums resonated over the whole town all day long and if you wanted a quiet spot you almost had to head out of town.


Great costumes and action.


Even fathers and sons participated.

San Miguel is first an historic town with stunning architecture but the festivals which almost happen every weekend during some months add that extra spice and color to your stay here.

Niels Henriksen




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La Cámara de Representantes aprueba un proyecto de ley que salvaría la vida de quienes sufran un paro cardíaco en el ámbito de una escuela

WASHINGTON, D.C., 23 de septiembre de 2024 — En el día de hoy, la Cámara de Representantes de los EE. UU. aprobó la Ley de Educación para la Salud, Concienciación, Investigación y Capacitación sobre Cardiomiopatías en las Escuelas (Health Education,...




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Quick Quotes: Charlie Waite

“A landscape image cuts across all political and national boundaries, it transcends the constraints of language and culture” Charlie Wait A great landscape image needs no explanation.  At least not a verbal one. That is one of the things I love most about nature and landscape photograph.




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Squarespace – The Pros

In my last post I mentioned that I had been looking for a template based web hosting service and that I had decided on  Squarespace after assessing all the variables I had mentioned. To recap what the important issues were for me: the ability to utilize a custom domain so that my URL could remain […]




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Nueva guía del USPSTF: seguir tomando una dosis baja de aspirina si tienes antecedentes de ataque cardíaco, fibrilación auricular (FibA), ataque o derrame cerebral o stent vascular

DALLAS, martes 26 de abril del 2022 - El martes, el Grupo Especial de Servicios Preventivos de los EE. UU. (USPSTF, del inglés U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) publicó sus recomendaciones finales sobre el tratamiento con dosis bajas de aspirina ...




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Investment, action urged to improve access, quality and equity in women’s heart health

Advisory Highlights: Women continue to be underrepresented in research for cardiovascular disease (CVD), leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding of how CVD impacts women. Some risk factors for heart disease are specific to women, such as risks ...




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El equipo de baloncesto de la Universidad del Estado de Oklahoma se incorpora a Nation of Lifesavers

STILLWATER, Okla., 28 de octubre de 2024 — El equipo de baloncesto masculino de la Universidad del Estado de Oklahoma (OSU) participó en una capacitación de RCP (reanimación cardiopulmonar) solo las manos de la American Heart Association (la ...




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El miedo a sufrir otro ataque cardíaco puede ser una fuente importante de estrés continuo para supervivientes

Puntos destacados de la investigación: El miedo a sufrir otro ataque cardíaco fue un factor que influyó de manera constante y significativa en la forma en que los supervivientes de un ataque cardíaco perciben su salud, según un nuevo estudio. Si bien...




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Hablemos de sexo: los pacientes cardíacos quieren recibir orientación por parte de los profesionales de la salud

Puntos destacados de la investigación: Una pequeña encuesta de adultos de entre 30 y 89 años (de una edad promedio de 65 años) en Suecia que tienen afecciones cardíacas determinó que existe una diferencia significativa entre la información sobre salud ...