Jose Diaz vs. Timber Works Construction, Berkshire Hathaway

This Workers' Compensation Appeals Board case involves applicant Jose Diaz seeking reconsideration of a prior order regarding his employer's Medical Provider Network (MPN). The primary issue is whether the MPN's physician accessibility standards, which are tied to the "workplace" or residence, are met. The Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the previous order, and remanded the case, finding the MPN may be defective if it doesn't comply with physician access standards relative to the applicant's residence, given the employer's failure to meet the "workplace" standard. The Board also noted that the applicant's inability to travel, while a factor, was not the deciding point in this decision to remand.