Most Support Virtual Proceedings, but Some Question Efficiency in Comments on WCAB Rules

Comments on rules that the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board proposed to facilitate remote hearings in California show some divide in how system users view virtual proceedings. By a roughly 5-to-1 margin, people commenting on proposed rules for remote hearings said such proceedings are fast and efficient and should be continued — at least for the duration of the pandemic, if not longer. Opponents, however, said telephone and webcams are not a suitable replacement for face-to-face interactions, and remote hearings are not an efficient way to expeditiously resolve issue...