VALERIO FLORES vs. HVOLVOLL-JOHNSON CONSTRUCTION, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION for FREMONT INDEMNITY COMPANY

This case involves a workers' compensation applicant seeking authorization for analgesic medications. The applicant's physician submitted requests, which the employer's utilization reviews (URs) denied as untimely. The Administrative Law Judge found the URs untimely and ordered authorization, disallowing the employer's UR denial documents as evidence. The employer sought reconsideration, arguing the Appeals Board lacked authority over UR timeliness and medical necessity. The Board affirmed the ALJ's decision, citing precedent that the Board retains authority over untimely URs and can determine medical necessity based on evidence when URs are invalid. The employer waived their right to challenge the timeliness finding or the medical evidence by not raising these points in their petition.