Workers' compensation: liens.

Existing law establishes a workers' compensation system, administered by the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation, to compensate an employee for injuries sustained in the course of his or her employment. Existing law authorizes a medical provider to file a lien claim with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board for certain expenses incurred by the provider. Under existing law, the board is required to allow a lien to the extent of benefits paid or services provided for reimbursement for self-procured medical costs for the effects of an injury or illness arising out of and in the course of employment. Existing law requires the administrative director, after public hearings, to adopt and revise periodically an official medical fee schedule that establishes reasonable maximum fees paid for medical services, other than prescribed goods and services, in accordance with specified requirements. This bill would require the board to determine, on the basis of liens filed, reimbursement for benefits paid or services provided by a self-insured employee welfare benefit plan notwithstanding the official medical fee schedule when an award is made for reimbursement for self-procured medical costs for the effects of an injury or illness arising out of and in the course of employment. This bill would also state that its provisions do not modify in any way specified rights or obligations.