The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) issued an en banc order today in response to the continuing threat of the novel Coronavirus COVID-19. The order suspends “specific WCAB Rules of Practice and Procedure contained in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.” Per the DIR and WCAB, “this includes Rules regarding dismissals for failure to appear, the timeframe for reports from WCJs and arbitrators, required signatures and witnesses for Compromise and Release agreements, and service by the WCAB by mail and consent for electronic service.” In addition, all filing deadlines have been extended through April 3rd, 2020.
Click here to read the full text of the order, and check back for updates as the situation develops.