CompFox AI Summary
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior ruling that held the applicant responsible for medical bills incurred outside Nordstrom's Medical Provider Network (MPN). The WCAB determined that a "hold-harmless" clause in a stipulated award had no legal effect, as employers cannot assign their statutory duty to provide medical treatment. Lien claimants are subject to the WCAB's exclusive jurisdiction and can only recover from the employer under Labor Code section 4600 if the employer neglected to provide treatment. For self-procured treatment under section 4605, the employee is personally liable, and providers must pursue collection in civil court, not through WCAB liens.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior ruling that held the applicant responsible for medical bills incurred outside Nordstrom's Medical Provider Network (MPN). The WCAB determined that a "hold-harmless" clause in a stipulated award had no legal effect, as employers cannot assign their statutory duty to provide medical treatment. Lien claimants are subject to the WCAB's exclusive jurisdiction and can only recover from the employer under Labor Code section 4600 if the employer neglected to provide treatment. For self-procured treatment under section 4605, the employee is personally liable, and providers must pursue collection in civil court, not through WCAB liens.
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