818.501.4343April 5, 2025
The Role of HR in Managing AI and Mitigating Bias
Shortly after taking office for the second time, President Trump released a flurry of executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs — touting them as “discriminatory” and in possible violation of “the civil rights laws of this nation.” In response, many companies, including McDonald’s, have already begun to dismantle or change their DEI programs.
In an interview with Nation’s Restaurant News, Senior Associate Jonathan Brown explained how the Trump administration’s rollback of DEI initiatives could have a chilling effect on diversity efforts within the restaurant industry. Read more.
Breaking Down 2025 Workplace Laws
Governor Newsom signed more laws in 2024 than any other governor in at least two decades. Partner Corinne Spencer examined some of the most impactful workplace legislation changes in Daily Journal’s New Laws 2025 supplement. Read her article.
The Impact of California’s New Warehouse Law
Warehousing operations might seem harmless, but heavy commercial truck activity emits pollutants that harm both the climate and local communities. With Assembly Bill 98 set to take effect next year, employer defense lawyers urge impacted businesses to start preparing now. Learn more about AB 98’s requirements.
Further Evolution of Navarro Panel Disputes
A new tactic in California workers’ comp sees applicants filing claim forms and applications for each body part/specialty with non-identical, but similar, dates of injury for each body part/system.
This approach challenges prior rulings in Navarro v. City of Montebello and Parker v. DSC Logistics, and raises concerns about increased case costs and possibly even fraud. While applicants may be bending the rules, Senior Associate Ada Rodriguez explains why employers should think twice about disputing this practice. Read more.
Division of Workers’ Compensation
2025 Announcements
Mileage Rate Increase
As of January 1, 2025, the State of California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) will increase the mileage reimbursement rate for medical and medical-legal travel expenses by 3 cents, raising it to 70.0 cents per mile. Be sure to make note of this important change!
HIPAA Reproductive Health Attestation for Medical Record Subpoenas
Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, found in CFR 164.502(a)(5)(iii), medical records related to certain reproductive procedures are subject to additional safeguards in states where these procedures are permitted but may be considered unlawful in other states. When requesting these medical records through a subpoena, an attestation is required to ensure compliance. Learn more.
Temporary Total Disability Rate
DWC announced effective January 1, 2025, the minimum and maximum temporary total disability (TTD) rates will increase. The minimum TTD rate will rise from $242.86 to $252.03, while the maximum TTD rate will increase from $1,619.15 to $1,680.29 per week. Learn more.
Celebrating Jeff Stern’s Retirement
A big congratulations to Jeff Stern on his well-deserved retirement after 23 years of dedication and hard work with PBW! We celebrated this incredible milestone with a delicious lunch and amazing dessert, surrounded by friends, colleagues and Jeff’s wonderful family. We wish him all the best as he begins this exciting chapter in his life!
Ray Correio and Yvonne Lang Speak at DWC 32nd Annual Educational Conference
Partner Yvonne Lang spoke on the Business in Law panel and Senior Associate Ray Correio presented on Apportionment at the 32nd Annual California Division of Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference in Oakland and Los Angeles earlier this month.
Ani Baghdassarian Speaks on Panel at California Applicants’ Attorneys Association Winter Convention
Partner Ani Baghdassarian presented on “Current MSA Issues: Non-Submits, Reversionary Interests and New Reporting Requirements” at the CAAA Winter Convention on January 23, 2025, in Las Vegas.