Trends in the performance of the New York workers’ compensation system following major reforms enacted in 2007 are monitored in this study, the seventh such annual report. The regular monitoring of system performance helps public policymakers and system stakeholders focus attention on the objectives that are being met, objectives that are not being met, and any unintended consequences that have emerged. 

The major components of the 2007 reforms are as follows:

• 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 2005 through September 2011, with experience as of March 2012. The data are representative of the New York system. 

Monitoring Trends in the New York Workers' Compensation System. Carol A. Telles and Ramona P. Tanabe. September 2014. WC-14-33.

Copyright: WCRI