State Senator DeSaulnier introduced Senate Bill 186 that has been passed by the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee by a vote of 5-0 on March 25, 2009. This bill has been read twice in the California State Senate thus making it eligible for final action when the Senate meets on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Once this has been approved by the State Senate, the bill then travels to the State Assembly, which will have to approve Senate Bill 186.
Senate Bill 186 changes the current labor code that has a sunset provision attached to it. This provision removes the California worker’s right for predesignation as of 12/31/2009. Senate Bill 186 deletes the sunset provision of 12/31/2009 and provides California employees with continued right to be treated by his/her personal physician, or his/her medical group, if the California worker notifies his/her employer prior to the date of injury of his/her predesignation.
This Senate Bill, and soon to follow discussion in the Assembly, protects one of the fundamental rights that exists in California. Without this legislation, it fosters and creates more adjuster control of the California worker and his/her family regarding benefits or treatment for which the worker has need.
It is strongly encouraged that all unions and associations and their members communicate to their State Senators and Assembly people to foster the passage of this legislation.
If you have questions regarding how to predesignate, you will find a Predesignation Form on our website at www.law1199.com.
Truly yours,
LAW OFFICES OF O’MARA & PADILLA
Scott A. O’Mara
Attorney at Law
SAO/aer
1-800-LAW-1199
1-800-583-1199
www.law1199.com