DWC issues notice of public hearing on Medical Provider Network Regulations

NEWSLINE

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has issued a Notice of Public Hearing on proposed updates to its Medical Provider Network (MPN) regulations. The hearing is scheduled for December 11, 2026, at 1p.m.

• Remote access: Join by video conference using https://tkoworks.zoom.us/j/86753682050 or by telephone at 1 (669) 444-9171. Conference ID 867 5368 2050#.
• In-person access: Elihu M. Harris State Building, 1515 Clay Street, Room 1, second floor, Oakland, CA 94612.
• Written comments: Comments may be submitted via U.S. mail, fax to (510) 286-0687, or email to [email protected], by December 11, 2026. Address mailed comments to:

  Maureen Gray, Regulations Coordinator
  Department of Industrial Relations
  P.O. Box 420603
  San Francisco, CA 94142

The proposed updates to Title 8, California Code of Regulations, sections 9767.1 through 9767.19 would streamline the MPN review process by allowing applicants to submit certain materials electronically to DWC and submit one copy instead of two. The updates would also establish a process for terminating MPNs that are no longer in use and simplify resubmissions for previously approved MPN plans that have not changed.

To increase transparency, the proposed regulations would require MPNs to post provider directories on their websites in a format that can be accessed without a password. They would also clarify provider directory listing requirements and include additional guidance on telehealth, remote services and MPN access standards. The proposal would add definitions, including for electronic signatures and telehealth, and clarify confidentiality requirements for the MPN complaint process.

DWC will consider all public comments. The notice of rulemaking, text of the regulations, and the initial statement of reasons can be found on the DIR website's Medical Provider Networks (MPN) Regulations page.