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Committee recommends DHR pilot to speed workers’‑comp dispute resolution for police and firefighters

San Francisco County Government Audit and Oversight Committee · February 7, 2019
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Summary

The committee recommended two DHR resolutions that would authorize alternative dispute resolution agreements with the Police Officers Association and Firefighters Local 798, a pilot DHR said would speed claim resolution while preserving statutory rights.

The committee heard a presentation from Kate Howard, Managing Deputy Director at the Department of Human Resources, and Julian Robinson, Workers' Compensation Claims Manager, on two companion resolutions authorizing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) agreements with the San Francisco Police Officers Association and San Francisco Firefighters Local 798.

Howard said the proposed 'carve‑out' pilot aims to resolve disputes more rapidly, reduce litigation and associated costs, and return injured employees to work sooner, while preserving all rights under the state's workers' compensation system. "In no case does anyone lose any rights under the existing workers' compensation system," Howard said. Robinson and DHR staff told the committee the pilot results could be reported annually, and DHR said implementation would target July 2019 if the Board approves the resolutions.

Supervisor Sandra Lee Feuer asked for an annual report on outcomes and fiscal impact; DHR agreed to provide one during its budget presentations if the pilot moves forward. Union representatives from the Police Officers Association and the Firefighters reiterated support during public comment, saying the program has produced faster treatment and cost savings in other California jurisdictions.

After questions and public comment the committee recommended both resolutions to the full Board without objection. The committee did not record a roll‑call vote on the public record; the resolutions will appear on the Board agenda for consideration on Feb. 26, 2019.

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