Commercial Lines Renewals Experience Varied Rate Changes

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IVANS®, a division of Applied Systems®, today announced the May results of the IVANS Index™, the insurance industry’s premium renewal rate index. The results showed varied change in premium renewal rates month over month with BOP, General Liability and Commercial Property experiencing an upward turn, and Commercial Auto, Umbrella and Workers’ Compensation experiencing a downtick… Continue reading Commercial Lines Renewals Experience Varied Rate Changes

Drug Tests Show Marijuana Use at 14-Year High Among Workers

More American workers are testing positive for marijuana, a new report finds, as lawmakers in New Jersey and Illinois push to join nearly a dozen more states where recreational use of the drug is now legal. The number of workers and job applicants who tested positive for marijuana climbed 10% last year to 2.3%, according… Continue reading Drug Tests Show Marijuana Use at 14-Year High Among Workers

Oklahoma Ruling Could Set Precedent for Workers Comp Cases

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A recent Oklahoma court ruling that permits an injured worker to receive compensation benefits with a positive drug test could set a precedent for such cases at a time when medical marijuana may soon be widely available in the state. The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals ruled on Nov. 16 that “the presence of an… Continue reading Oklahoma Ruling Could Set Precedent for Workers Comp Cases

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Approves 13.8% Decrease to Workers Compensation Rates

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Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier has issued a Final Order granting approval to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) for a statewide overall rate level decrease of 13.8 percent. This applies to both new and renewal workers’ compensation insurance policies effective in Florida as of January 1, 2019. Governor Rick Scott said, “Over the… Continue reading Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Approves 13.8% Decrease to Workers Compensation Rates

National Inventory of State Regulations Affecting Prescription Drugs Released by WCRI

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Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released a new report that gathers in one place the numerous state regulations affecting prescription drugs in all 50 states, including those for injured workers. “Across the country, states are grappling with an array of different regulatory strategies, overseen by different agencies, to address prescribing of medicine,” said… Continue reading National Inventory of State Regulations Affecting Prescription Drugs Released by WCRI

Florida Workers Comp Rates Could Drop by 13% Next Year

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If state regulators approve, workers compensation rates in Florida will go down 13.4 percent beginning next year. The National Council on Compensation Insurance proposed the drop Tuesday to the state Office of Insurance Regulation. The main reason for the hefty dip, the council said, is that claims for the program are being filed less frequently… Continue reading Florida Workers Comp Rates Could Drop by 13% Next Year