This is the latest edition of an annual report by the Workers Compensation Research Institute, after the implementation of the 2007 reforms in New York, to regularly track key metrics of the performance of the workers’ compensation system.  

This regular monitoring of system performance helps policymakers and system stakeholders to focus attention on objectives that are being met, objectives that are not being met, and unintended consequences that have emerged.  

• The major components of the 2007 reforms were
• an increase in the maximum weekly benefit;
• caps on permanent partial disability duration;
• medical treatment guidelines to be created and implemented;
• adoption of a pharmacy fee schedule;
• creation of networks for diagnostic services and thresholds for preauthorization; and
• administrative changes to increase speed of case resolution.

The study uses open and closed indemnity and medical-only claims with dates of injury from October 2004 through September 2010, with experience as of March 2011. The data are representative of the New York system. 

Monitoring Changes in New York after the 2007 Reforms. Carol A. Telles and Ramona P. Tanabe. October 2013. WC-13-24.

Copyright: WCRI