We want to help you navigate the specifics of Senate Bill 1159 and the impact it could have on workers compensation policyholders.

OVERVIEW

Senate Bill 1159 was recently passed by the California Legislature and signed by Governor Newsom. The bill establishes a rebuttable or disputable presumption for certain COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims. The bill became effective on September 17, 2020 when Governor Newsom signed it and will sunset on January 1, 2023.
If an employer is aware of an employee who tested positive prior to the effective date of this statute, between July 6, 2020 and September 16, 2020 they have until October 29, 2020 to report those cases.

You can view the full Senate Bill 1159 here.

KEY MESSAGE

Properly reporting COVID-19 Claims is crucial. A fine up to $10,000 to the employer for not accurately reporting a claim when an employee has tested positive for COVID-19.
Effective immediately, employers are required to report positive COVID-19 tests to their work comp carrier, regardless of whether there is an allegation the COVID-19 exposure is related to work or not.

ONLINE RESOURCES

OSHA COVID-19 Reporting Standards
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html

Senate Bill 1159
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SB1159

writing credit to Builders & Tradesmen's Insurance Services