College of Comp Lawyers Planning Committee Revisiting National Commission Recommendations

Monday, January 3, 2022 | 0

The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers announced the formation of a planning committee to revisit recommendations made nearly 50 years ago to improve comp systems throughout the country.

On July 31, 1972, the National Commission on State Workmen’s Compensation Laws presented a report to President Richard Nixon and Congress that included 84 recommendations — 19 of which were deemed “essential” —for ensuring comp systems provided sufficient protections for people injured on the job.

“We have concluded that there is a significant role for a modern workmen’s compensation program and that the states’ primary responsibility for the program should be conserved,” John F. Burton, chairman of the commission, wrote in the introductory letter to the 1972 report. “We also agree that the protection furnished by workmen’s compensation to American workers presently is, in general, inadequate and inequitable. Significant improvements in workmen’s compensation are necessary if the program is to fulfill its potential.”

In an effort to avoid a federal takeover of state-run comp programs, a number of jurisdictions implemented some of the commission’s recommendations.

The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers announced the creation of a committee to educate professionals on the status of comp programs before the National Commission was formed, the commission’s efforts and the immediate, mid- and long-term effects of the commission’s recommendations.

“The committee also views this anniversary as a prime opportunity for all stakeholders involved in various aspects of this unique area of the law to re-examine how further change may be necessary to accomplish the commission’s goals of providing an adequate, affordable, prompt and equitable system of compensation,” the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Planning Committee Chair James M. Gallen writes.

The committee is planning to record interviews that it says will preserve the history of the National Commission.

The Planning Committee is also exploring opportunities with academic institutions and local bar associations.

Anyone desiring to coordinate their commemorations with the Planning Committee can send an email to nationalcommission50th@gmail.com.

A copy of the 1972 National Commission report is available here.