DWC Announces Major Reorganization
The reorganization of the Division of Workers’ Compensation continues under Commissioner Ryan Brannan’s watch. On March 7, 2016, Commissioner Brannan announced changes in staffing and leadership in the Legal, Designated Doctor, Health Care Management, Records Management, Communications and External Relations Sections. Most of these changes are effective immediately.
The DWC enforcement section, previously managed by TDI, will resume being managed by DWC as part of a larger realignment of all DWC legal functions reporting to the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner. Under earlier leadership, former Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation Rod Bordelon had ceded ultimate responsibility for enforcement to TDI and the Commissioner of Insurance.
This change restores enforcement responsibility to the workers’ compensation agency. It is unclear at this point, however, whether TDI will retain some responsibility for enforcement matters related to health care networks, third party administrators, and independent review organizations. Each of those entities is regulated under the Insurance Code rather than the Labor Code.
Enforcement responsibilities will rest with a new Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement, Marisa Lopez-Wagley. Ms. Lopez-Wagley is currently serving as the DWC’s Acting General Counsel and Administrator of the Subsequent Injury Fund. Commissioner Brannan announced that all of the DWC’s enforcement team will continue in their current roles. It is unclear at this point whether that includes Sandra Nicolas, Associate Commissioner for Enforcement at TDI. The Commissioner confirmed on Wednesday that a decision whether Ms. Lopez-Wagley will continue to oversee SIF operations has not yet been finalized.
The Commissioner has hired a new General Counsel, Nick Canaday. Mr. Canaday has many years of workers’ compensation experience, both in private practice and representing the Division of Workers’ Compensation in a number of high profile cases while he was at the Attorney General’s office. He will assume his new position on March 21, 2016.
Mary Landrum has also been named the Director of Designated Doctor Operations. She will continue to oversee the Health Care Quality Review and Health Care Policy and Implementation program areas. Dr. Bill Defoyd will continue to serve as Director of Designated Doctor Education. Ms. Landrum and Dr. Defoyd will report to Joe McElrath, the DWC’s Deputy Commissioner of Business Process. For the designated doctor responsibilities. Ms. Landrum will report to Matt Zurek, the DWC’s Executive Deputy Commissioner in connection with her responsibilities related to health care management. Martha Luevano’s position has been reclassified as a Director. Ms. Luevano will serve as Director of Medical Fee Dispute Resolution and will report to Executive Deputy Commissioner Zurek.
David Ekrut will begin serving as the DWC’s Director of Records Management and Support on March 21, 2016. His responsibilities will include records processing, document imaging, project knowledge and support, and management of the records center. As part of these changes, Richard Ramirez will transition back to records management.
Commissioner Brannan announced that he has taken steps to strengthen the DWC’s communications and external relations. The commissioner has created Communications Team at DWC. The team will report to Barbara Salyers, the DWC’s Chief Deputy of Workers’ Compensation. The Communications Team will work cooperatively with TDI’s Communications Team. Susan Criner. Kim McDonald, and Helen Vogel will be a part of DWC’s new Communications Team. Kate Sidora will continue to report to Angelia Johnson and provide expertise in event planning and outreach coordination.
The commissioner also announced that Jeff Nelson has joined the DWC as Assistant Director of External Relations. Mr. Nelson will assist with external relations efforts.
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