Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Proposed Amendments to Workers' Compensation Judges' Rules Published in Pennsylvania Bulletin

The proposed amendments to the Special Rules of Practice and Procedure Before Workers' Compensation Judges were published Saturday in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The proposed regulations provide for electronic filings with the Bureau and the Board and include regulations consistent with procedures that have been put in place since Act 147 and Act 109 (dealing with support obligations).

Significant changes are the detailed procedure for withdrawal of appearance of counsel and a prohibition of WCJ's performing mandatory mediation in their own cases. A settlement conference with the adjudicating judge may still be conducted if all parties and the adjudicating judge agree.