BPPVE Vouchers Set to Sunset

Saturday, March 10, 2007 | 0

By Allan Leno

I know injured workers with 2004 and later dates of injury can only use their vouchers at BPPVE (Bureau for Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education) approved training facilities. It appears that funding for the Bureau will end July 1, 2007 (see "Sunset Letter" at http://www.bppve.ca.gov/sunset_letter.pdf); what happens to vouchers and an injured employee's ability to use the voucher if the program does, in fact, end?

It appears that vocational school BPPVE certifications should be good through the end of this year so there should be no problem with the use of vouchers at such facilities, as required by L. C. Section 4658.5, for 2007. Presumably, the Governor and the Legislature will either agree to extend the existence of BPPVE or transfer its responsibilities to another agency so that there will be a means to certify training facilities beginning in 2008. The language in the statute and Regulations may not change but there should be a mechanism to insure that vouchers can be used at "approved" facilities Until a decision is made and the necessary legislation passed, the fact is that enforcement of certification requirements may be unreliable for the balance of this year so insurers/employers should watch for signs of inappropriate actions by training facilities. Complaints can be filed with BPPVE until 7/1/07 or with the local District attorney. We will follow developments and provide updates as information becomes available.

We have an admitted 2006 case with 27% PD; the employer is accommodating the employee's restrictions. Unfortunately, we did not get the AD Form 10003 out within 60 days. What rate do we owe the applicant on the 61st day from P&S