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The The Division of Workers’ Compensation has issued a notice of conference call public hearing, for a proposed evidence-based update to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, which can be found at California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 9792.24.7.

The conference call public hearing is scheduled for Friday, May 14, at 10 a.m. and members of the public may attend by calling 866-390-1828 and using access code 5497535#. Members of the public may review and comment on the proposed updates no later than May 14.

The proposed evidence-based update to the MTUS incorporates by reference the latest published guideline from American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guideline (ACOEM March 29, 2021).

The March 29, 2021 update includes the following major changes:

– – New guidance on rehabilitation (pulmonary, cardiac, cognitive, musculoskeletal, debility) for severe and/or chronic COVID-19 cases
– – Vaccination information, including travel advice for vaccinated individuals, success against common virus variants, and adverse effects
– – New recommendation on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
– – Upgraded recommendation for baricitinib from insufficient evidence (I) to evidence (B)
– – Upgraded recommendation for bamlanivimab from insufficient evidence (I) to evidence (C)
– – Upgraded recommendation for interferon beta-1b from insufficient evidence (I) to evidence (B)
– – Upgraded recommendation for low-molecular-weight heparin from insufficient evidence (I) to evidence (C)
– – Downgraded recommendation for convalescent antibodies to No Recommendation (I)
– – Review of evidence for ivermectin (insufficient evidence, with no recommendation)
– – Review of masking efficacy
– – Updates from the CDC on physical distance in K-12 classrooms

The proposed evidence-based update to the MTUS regulations are exempt from Labor Code sections 5307.3 and 5307.4 and the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. However, DWC is required under Labor Code section 5307.27 to have a 30-day public comment period, hold a public hearing, respond to all the comments received during the public comment period and publish the order adopting the update online.