En Banc WCAB Suspends Some Procedural Rules

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, sitting en banc, suspended four procedural rules as a result of the state of emergency California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared and because of cities instituting “shelter in place” orders in response to COVID-19. Wednesday’s decision says the rule allowing for dismissal or an application or lien claim for failure to appear is suspended. The WCAB also said workers’ compensation judges and arbitrators will have an unlimited time extension during which they can issue reports in response to petitions for reconsideration or remov...