Waltham, MA, March 25, 2025 – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is pleased to announce the release of its 2025 Annual Report, now available on its website. The report highlights WCRI’s studies published in 2024 and how they were used by policymakers and stakeholders.
A huge thank you to our speakers and attendees for making the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference in sunny Phoenix a tremendous success! We hope all our attendees enjoyed diving into our latest research, hearing from expert keynote speakers and panelists, and networking with our diverse audience. Mark your calendars for next year’s conference, scheduled for March 3–4, 2026, in Boston, MA.
The clock is ticking—only one week remains to secure your spot at the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, taking place March 6–7 in sunny Phoenix, AZ.
The clock is ticking—only two weeks remain to secure your spot at the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 6–7 in sunny Phoenix, AZ. At WCRI, we know conferences are about two key things: cutting-edge content and meaningful networking. We’re proud to deliver both in abundance.
The 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference is almost here—March 6–7 in Phoenix, AZ. With ongoing changes in Washington, now is the perfect time to explore how these shifts could impact the future of workers' compensation.
January 29, 2025
A common question we receive about our annual conference is: Who should attend? The answer is simple: anyone interested in learning about the latest research on state workers' compensation systems, gaining valuable knowledge, and connecting with peers. Even better, take a look at the diverse organizations registered for our 2025 Annual Issues & Research Conference, happening March 6-7 in Phoenix, AZ. Over 150 organizations have signed…
Waltham, MA, January 28, 2025 — The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host two key panel discussions at its 2025 Issues & Research Conference, March 6-7 in Phoenix, AZ. “These panels feature professionals with extensive, firsthand experience in state workers’ compensation systems. Their varied perspectives will provide attendees with expert guidance on understanding and addressing complexities of the workers’…
Waltham, MA, January 22, 2025 — The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is excited to announce that University of North Carolina (UNC) Professor Mark Holmes, PhD, will deliver the day-two keynote address at the 2025 WCRI Issues and Research Conference, to be held March 6–7 in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Holmes will present a compelling discussion titled “Threats to Healthcare Access in Rural America.”
A new WCRI study offers an in-depth look at workers' compensation claims in New York, focusing on the prevalence and costs of various claim types. Learn more at https://buff.ly/42gcn1O.
Waltham, MA, January 14, 2025 — The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is excited to announce that Dr. Lanhee J. Chen, a leading U.S. public policy expert and political commentator, will deliver the keynote on the first day of the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, scheduled for March 6-7, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference is just a few months away—March 6-7 in Phoenix, AZ. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the field, this conference is a must for anyone involved in workers’ compensation. If you’re still considering, here are three reasons to register...
Check out the latest WCRI Quarterly Newsletter! 📰 Discover how our research has been utilized and circulated over the past three months. Dive in here.
Thank you to all our speakers and attendees for making our 2024 Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference a resounding success! Below are some articles and blog posts written about the sessions, which will be updated as more articles are published. Save the date for next year’s conference, March 6-7, 2025, in sunny Phoenix, AZ.
February 20, 2024
Registration for the 40th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2024, is now sold out. Demand for tickets to the event was higher than ever before. To be added to the waiting list, please contact Kathy Fisher. To keep informed about next year’s conference, please subscribe to our email list on the front page of our website.
January 23, 2024
A question we often get about our annual conference is who should attend? The answer is, anyone working to improve workers’ compensation systems or seeking to manage a changing environment will benefit. Better yet, take a look at the more than 100 organizations registered for our 40th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2024, in Boston, MA.
Happy New Year! The start of a new year is the perfect time to make a resolution. Start off 2024 right: Resolve to gain new insights and a better understanding of key trends in today's workers' compensation environment by attending WCRI's 40th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, in Boston, MA.
This holiday season, gift yourself the experience of attending the 40th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2024, in Boston, MA. Our two-day conference differs from other workers' compensation forums with our original research on timely issues impacting state workers' compensation systems...
As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to express our deep appreciation for the unwavering support you've provided the Institute. Your commitment has been crucial in enabling WCRI to deliver independent, high-quality, and credible research, playing a pivotal role in fostering informed decision-making within state workers' compensation systems.
While our 2024 conference (March 5-6) in Boston may not coincide with Halloween, it promises to be a thrilling and enlightening experience.
October 20, 2023
Today, WCRI had its annual staff volunteer outing. This year, WCRI staff picked apples at Boston Hill Farm and then donated them to Foodlink, which delivers fresh food to 80-100 community-based organizations (e.g., food pantries, homeless shelters, senior centers) serving people throughout Greater Boston. #GivingBack
October 18, 2023
Today, our colleague Kathy Fisher is presenting WCRI research at the 15th Annual Workers Compensation and Safety Conference hosted by the Illinois Chamber and Illinois Self-Insurers' Association. Kathy's presentation will address the impact of the pandemic on the workers’ comp system using WCRI research on long COVID, and workers’ comp trends in Illinois.
October 09, 2023
Cambridge, MA, Oct. 10, 2023―The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced today that registration is open and acclaimed Harvard economist David Cutler will keynote the 2024 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6 at the Westin Copley Hotel in Boston, MA.
May 01, 2023
As new challenges emerge—ranging from severe weather events and policy changes to shifts in the healthcare system impacting workers’ compensation—it’s essential to rely on independent, data-driven research to stay informed about how the system is evolving. At WCRI, we remain dedicated to providing unbiased, trusted information, funded by stakeholders who support our mission to deliver research free from recommendations or opinions.
March 23, 2023
Thank you to all our speakers and attendees for making our 2023 WCRI Issues & Research Conference our best yet. We hope all our attendees enjoyed learning about our latest research, hearing from our well-regarded keynote speakers and panelists, and networking with our diverse audience. For those who attended, you still have time to download the slides from the conference app. Below are some articles and blog posts written about the…
March 14, 2023
A question we often get about our annual conference is who should attend? The answer is, anyone working to improve workers’ compensation systems or seeking to manage a changing environment will benefit. Better yet, take a look at the more than 200 organizations registered for our 2023 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 21-22 in Phoenix, AZ.
February 16, 2023
Cambridge, MA, Feb. 16, 2023― Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) shared information about a panel on “Changes in the Workplace” that will be held at its 2023 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 21-22 at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, AZ. The conference theme is "Disruption, Resilience, and Evolution."
February 07, 2023
Cambridge, MA, Feb. 7, 2022― The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced today that acclaimed MIT economist David Autor will keynote the 2023 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 21-22 at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, AZ.
November 22, 2022
The NIOSH Center for Workers’ Compensation Studies is hosting a meeting on December 8 to discuss recent findings, new prevention activities, and to share analysis practices. Among those on the agenda are WCRI CEO John Ruser, who will be discussing the Institute's long COVID-19 research, and WCRI VP of Research Sebastian Negrusa, who will be discussing the Institute's research on behavioral health in workers' compensation.…
November 22, 2022
Cambridge, MA, Nov. 22, 2022 – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a free 30-minute webinar on its recent study A Primer on Behavioral Health Care in Workers’ Compensation on Thursday Dec. 15, 2022, at 2pm ET.
November 14, 2022
On this World Diabetes Day, we look back at past WCRI research that found injured workers with diabetes, when interviewed 2.5 years after injury, had a 4 percentage point higher rate of not working compared to workers without diabetes. Click here to read an article in Insurance Journal.
October 19, 2022
Cambridge, MA, Oct. 19, 2022 ― The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a free 30-minute webinar on Nov. 17, 2022, at 2 p.m. ET on its study Trends in the Delaware Workers’ Compensation System, 2015–2020.
October 12, 2022
Cambridge, MA, Oct. 12, 2022―Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced registration is now open for the Institute’s 39th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 21-22, 2023. This year’s conference is being held in person at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
September 26, 2022
Today, WCRI staff volunteered at Mass Audubon’s Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary to help them prepare for the 2023 season. WCRI staff tackled various gardening tasks around the sanctuary, including weeding and sweeping accessible paths. It was a fantastic way to give back to the community by helping conservation efforts, while also getting fresh air and connecting with colleagues.
September 01, 2022
Cambridge, MA, Sept. 1, 2022 ― The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a free 45-minute webinar on Sept. 29, 2022, at 2 p.m. ET on its FlashReport, Interstate Variation and Trends in Workers’ Compensation Drug Payments: 2018Q1 to 2021Q1. Two of the study’s authors, Dr. Vennela Thumula and Dongchun Wang, will discuss its key findings and take audience questions.
May 18, 2022
Please save the date for the WCRI 39th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 21-22, 2023, at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Arizona. Our two-day program highlights presentations of WCRI's latest research findings while drawing upon the diverse perspectives of highly respected workers' compensation experts and policymakers from across the country.
March 31, 2022
Cambridge, MA, March 31, 2022 – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced today that its 2022 annual report is available on its website. The report takes a comprehensive look at all of the Institute’s activities in 2021, from the studies that were published to how that research was used by policymakers and other stakeholders.
March 21, 2022
Thank you to all those who attended our 38th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference. We hope you enjoyed learning about our latest research, hearing from our well-regarded keynote speakers and panelists, and networking with our diverse attendees. For those unable to attend, below are some video recordings (for members only) and photos from the conference, as well as some of the articles written about the sessions.
March 09, 2022
Cambridge, MA, March 9, 2022―Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced that a panel will discuss the state of the workers’ compensation system at the 38th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 16-17, 2022, in Boston, MA.
March 03, 2022
We stand with our Ukrainian colleagues, family members, friends, and all Ukrainian people against this brazen act of military aggression in breach of international law and order. We hope de-escalation of violence can be realized soon to save innocent lives and restore peace. #SupportUkraine
March 03, 2022
Cambridge, MA, March 3, 2022―Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced that Dr. Sandro Galea would deliver the keynote address on day two of the 38th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 16-17, 2022, in Boston, MA. Dr. Galea is a well-known physician, epidemiologist, author, dean, and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health.
February 24, 2022
Cambridge, MA, February 24, 2022―Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced that a panel will discuss the future of the workplace after COVID-19 at the 38th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 16-17, 2022, in Boston, MA.
February 16, 2022
Cambridge, MA, February 16, 2022―Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced that preliminary results from the WCRI study Effect of Provider Consolidation on Payments for Medical Care Provided to Workers with Injuries will be shared at the Institute’s 38th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 16-17, 2022, in Boston, MA.
February 04, 2022
A question we often get about our annual conference is who should attend? The answer is, anyone working to improve workers’ compensation systems or seeking to manage a changing environment will benefit. Better yet, take a look at the more than 150 organizations below that are already registered for our 38th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 16 - 17, 2022, in Boston, MA.
January 11, 2022
In these uncertain times, count on our annual conference, March 16-17, 2022, in Boston, to provide you with a better understanding of the issues, trends, challenges, and opportunities in this rapidly-changing environment. Although this new year seems more daunting than most with a nationwide surge in Omicron-related COVID-19 cases, experts predict the numbers to peak by the end of this month and then plummet just as quickly as they soared. We…
January 03, 2022
As the holiday season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have made our progress possible. In lieu of sending cards and as the demand for food during the pandemic continues to rise, the Institute has made a donation to The Greater Boston Food Bank, which is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. We value our relationship with you and look…
December 14, 2021
We are excited to announce that Dr. Robert Hartwig ─ clinical associate professor of finance and director of the Risk and Uncertainty Management Center at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business ─ will keynote WCRI's 38th Annual Workers' Compensation Issues & Research Conference, March 16–17, 2022, in Boston, MA. Dr. Hartwig's presentation will explore the myriad challenges facing the…
December 07, 2021
Findings from WCRI's CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Louisiana, 22nd Edition were referenced by Louisiana State Rep. Larry Frieman, and Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) Secretary Ava Cates and Assistant Secretary Sheral Kellar at a recent hearing about changing Louisiana’s workers’ compensation medical fee schedule, which has not been updated in 27 years. Rep. Frieman, who is a member of the House Committee on Labor…
November 09, 2021
Cambridge, MA, Nov. 9, 2021 – Medical payments per claim with more than seven days of lost time were lower in Texas than the typical state in an 18-state study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).
November 03, 2021
We look forward to seeing you at WCRI's 38th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 16-17, 2022, in Boston, MA. Please save the date!
November 01, 2021
Cambridge, MA, Nov. 2, 2021 – Medical payments per workers’ compensation claim with more than seven days of lost time were fairly stable in North Carolina from 2014 to 2019, with the average payment lower than the median of 18 states studied, according to a recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).
September 30, 2021
Cambridge, MA, Sept. 30, 2021 — The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will hold a free 45-minute webinar on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 2 p.m. ET to discuss findings from a recent WCRI study Effects of Opioid-Related Policies on Opioid Utilization, Nature of Medical Care, and Duration of Disability.
September 22, 2021
The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently co-authored a new report examining this trend along with officials from the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC), and the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI).
April 20, 2021
Cambridge, MA, April 20, 2021 – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced that an online version of its 2021 annual report is available on its website. The report takes a comprehensive look at all of the Institute’s activities in 2020, from the number of studies published to how that research was used by policymakers and other stakeholders.
July 01, 2022
Recently, we had the pleasure of talking to one of our members ─ Loyd Hudson of American Electric Power (AEP) ─ about how he came to know WCRI. In his role, Loyd directs, administers, and manages all of AEP’s disability and leave programs, including their workers’ compensation program, for more than 17,500 employees. AEP delivers electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states.
February 26, 2022
Today, WCRI's John Ruser and Olesya Fomenko joined members of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and representatives from several states workers' compensation agencies for a webinar on how workers’ compensation systems are being used to evaluate the impact of COVID-19. Findings from several WCRI studies were shared during the presentation, including: The Early Impact of COVID-19 on Workers’…
December 02, 2021
Cambridge, MA, Dec. 2, 2021―Today, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced registration is now open for the Institute’s 38th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 16-17, 2022. This year’s conference is being held in person at the Westin Copley Hotel in Boston and the theme is “Emerging and Learning from Disruption.”
November 01, 2021
The Workers Compensation Research Institute is hosting a webinar Nov. 18 to discuss its latest research on the growing use of topical analgesics and gabapentinoids to treat injured workers.
October 28, 2021
Workers' compensation payments are higher in Indiana than most other states, according to the CompScope Medical Benchmarks for Indiana, 22nd Edition and a May 2021 report by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.
March 25, 2021
Thank you for attending our 37th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, which was held virtually March 23-24, 2021. The post-event feedback has been extremely positive and we could not have been happier with the turnout as registration was by far the highest it has ever been for one of our conferences. We covered many topics, though COVID-19 obviously dominated our discussions. We hope you found the sessions, speakers, and materials…
December 29, 2020
As 2020 comes to an end, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have made our progress possible. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come. On behalf of everyone here at WCRI, may your New Year be filled with health and happiness.
December 22, 2020
Just a quick note to let you know we have been busily crafting the agenda for our 37th Annual Issues & Research Conference, which is being held virtually March 23 - 24, 2021. We could not be more excited about the sessions, speakers, and the platform we will be using that will allow you to learn and network with colleagues. As in past years, our annual conference will span two days, but this year’s conference will be virtual and…
September 24, 2020
We are excited to announce that the 37th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference is going virtual March 23 - 24, 2021. We look forward to the opportunity to share our latest research findings with our global audience. More details to come. If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
June 09, 2020
WCRI CEO John Ruser joined FLJCC Judge David Langham and Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Principal Timothy Mosler for a FREE webinar hosted by The American Society of Workers' Compensation Professionals (AMCOMP) on June 9 to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on workers' compensation claims, the landscape of presumption laws, the health effects of the virus, and more. Click here to register and watch.
June 04, 2020
Today, WCRI Regional Director Laure Lamy shared our research on medical treatment guidelines with those attending The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) Central States Association Spring Seminar.
April 29, 2020
During this pandemic, many workers (nurses, police, grocery store clerks, transit professionals, etc.) are considered essential, potentially putting them at heightened risk for contracting COVID-19. A key question, of course, is whether a worker who contracts COVID-19 is compensated under workers’ compensation for income loss and medical expenses. Below are some frequently asked questions that get posed to me as president and CEO of…
March 18, 2020
With the COVID-19 virus causing economic disruption, we would like to share the findings from a study we published in 2010 that sheds light on how a typical recession affects the return to work of injured workers. The study Recession, Fear of Job Loss, and Return to Work asks: what is the impact of a doubling of the unemployment rate on the probability of longer-term unemployment, defined as being out of work for 2.5 years post-injury?
March 16, 2020
During this difficult time, we wanted to let you know how WCRI is responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) so we can continue providing you with the high-quality, credible, and objective research you need to make better decisions about state workers' compensation systems.
March 10, 2020
Thank you to all those who attended our 36th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2020 in Boston, MA. Click here to see some photos from the conference, which are displayed on our Facebook page. Below is some of the press coverage the conference received. More articles will be added as they are published.
March 03, 2020
More than 400 people are headed to Boston this week for WCRI's 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6. If you haven't registered already, below are three reasons to attend this leading workers' compensation forum. We also wanted to inform those who are attending or considering attending that we issued a statement on our blog about the coronavirus that includes important safety measures.
March 02, 2020
Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has publicly deemed the health risk of the coronavirus for the general American public to be low at this time, we are proceeding with WCRI's 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2020, in Boston, MA.
February 19, 2020
If you haven't registered yet, you only have two weeks left to join the over 400 people from more than 150 organizations heading to Boston for WCRI's 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6. In the news and on social media, people are talking about the interesting speakers, thought-provoking topics, and objective research that characterizes this leading workers' compensation forum. These are some of the articles…
January 07, 2020
Happy New Year! The start of a new year is the perfect time to make a resolution. Start off 2020 right: Resolve to gain new insights and a better understanding of key trends in today's workers' compensation environment by attending WCRI's 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, in Boston, MA.
January 02, 2020
A question we often get is who should attend WCRI's 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2020, in Boston, MA? The answer is, anyone working to improve workers’ compensation systems or seeking to manage a changing environment will benefit. Better yet, take a look at the following organizations that have already registered...
December 30, 2019
As 2019 comes to an end, we find ourselves reflecting on the studies we published, the impact they had, and what made it all possible ─ YOU. In lieu of sending cards, we are making a donation to Kids' Chance of America, which provides educational opportunities and scholarships for the children of workers seriously injured or killed on the job. From all of us at WCRI, may your New Year be filled with peace and prosperity. We look forward…
December 10, 2019
The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced today that its 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5 and 6, 2020, at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, will be the greenest ever.
December 02, 2019
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and one thing we are thankful for is the generous support we receive for our research through data, funding, and expertise. We also want to remind you to enjoy your Thanksgiving stuffing because there will not be any at WCRI's 36th Annual Workers' Compensation Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2020, in Boston, MA.
November 13, 2019
The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced today that their 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5 and 6, 2020, at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA, will feature a session on readmission and reoperation rates among workers’ compensation patients.
October 15, 2019
Earlier this month, we shared with you that Jennifer Deal, a featured speaker at our annual conference, will discuss her research on generational differences and their impact on the workplace and workers' compensation. As we further develop the program for our 36th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 5 and 6, 2020, in Boston, MA, here is a sneak peek at some of the other topics we are going to delve into...
October 11, 2019
“It is likely that more and different types of Centers of Excellence (CsOE) will emerge in workers' compensation, and you might be asked to be a part of [them], as a care provider or asked to regulate them,” said Dr. Randall Lea. An orthopedic surgeon by trade, Lea is a senior research fellow at the Workers Compensation Research Institute.
September 24, 2019
Opioid dispensing to workers injured on the job has decreased substantially in recent years in all 27 state workers’ compensation systems studied, according to a WCRI report, Interstate Variations in Dispensing of Opioids, 5th Edition. Increases in non-opioid pain medications did not fully offset these decreases. As a result, the percentage of workers’ compensation claims with pain medication decreased in each of the 27 study…
September 05, 2019
Our thoughts are with all those – including our WCRI colleagues and members – who are in the path of Hurricane Dorian. Please stay safe!
August 30, 2019
Efforts to track opioid dispensation across the nation show many state workers’ compensation systems produce significantly varied data. What factors are currently at play in these state-to-state differences? Returning guest Dr. Vennela Thumula joins Work Comp Matters host Alan Pierce to discuss the study she co-authored, Interstate Variations in Dispensing of Opioids, 5th Edition. Dr. Thumula describes the research questions addressed in…
August 09, 2019
Paying medical providers more to treat injured workers doesn’t substantially improve worker outcomes, but it does seem to increase the amount of care provided, according to a study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute.
August 01, 2019
Take a look at this infographic created for a new WCRI study Interstate Variations in Dispensing of Opioids, 5th Edition, which examines the prevalence and trends in dispensing of opioids in 27 state workers' compensation systems.
August 01, 2019
In this episode of Work Comp Matters, Dr. Bogdan Sayvch was interviewed about his study Health Insurance and Outcomes of Injured Workers by host Alan Pierce. During the podcast, Bogdan discusses how the study was conducted and how workers’ access to personal health insurance coverage affects the care they receive after an injury on the job.
July 24, 2019
WCRI's research (CompScope™ Benchmarks for Wisconsin, 19th Edition) was mentioned in a press release by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) to explain a decrease in workers' compensation rates.
July 24, 2019
Please save the date for the WCRI 36th Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 5 and 6, 2020, in Boston, MA. Our two-day program highlights presentations of WCRI's latest research findings while drawing upon the diverse perspectives of highly respected workers' compensation experts and policymakers from across the country.
July 19, 2019
A paper by WCRI economist and author Dr. Olesya Fomenko on "Reclassification to Avoid Consumer Cost-Sharing in Group Health Plans" is featured on the home page of the National Bureau of Economic Research. Click here to read more.
July 16, 2019
Two WCRI drug studies (WCRI FlashReport — Interstate Variation and Trends in Workers’ Compensation Drug Payments: 2015Q1 to 2018Q1, and Longer-Term Dispensing of Opioids, 4th Edition) were mentioned in the lead article (Pain Doc Blames WC Laws for Contributing to Opioid Crisis) in WorkCompCentral this morning.
July 13, 2019
Ramona Tanabe, executive vice president and counsel at WCRI, is spotlighted in this week’s edition of The Standard ─ New England's Insurance Weekly. Ramona along with other women in the New England area ─ all of whom were nominated and chosen to be in this special focus/section ─ were asked to reflect on their roles in the insurance industry. The introduction to the special section, which is worth the read, begins on page 8 and…
July 03, 2019
Recently we had the pleasure of talking to one of our members ─ Bill Londrigan, president of the Kentucky AFL-CIO ─ about how he came to know WCRI. Bill has been president of the state’s largest labor organization since 1999. Before becoming state AFL-CIO president, he was secretary-treasurer-business manager of the Greater Louisville Building and Construction Trades Council and a delegate to the Greater Louisville Central Labor…
June 03, 2019
In this informative and entertaining podcast, Ramona Tanabe discusses WCRI’s work and shares some of the most interesting trends her organization is seeing in the field today with host Alan Pierce.
April 18, 2019
Thank you to the over 1,000 people who registered for our joint webinar with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) today on research and efforts to address the opioid crisis. We would also like to thank NIOSH for their support of our research and for hosting today's webinar. An archived version of the presentation will be available on their website soon so make sure to check it next week:…
April 05, 2019
The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRBSF) posted a short video on their blog that includes findings from our study The Impact of Opioid Prescriptions on Duration of Temporary Disability. Click here to watch the video.
March 28, 2019
Cambridge, MA, March 28, 2019 ― The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) has released an online version of its 2019 Annual Report. The report takes a comprehensive look at all of the Institute’s activities in 2018. It begins with a letter from WCRI CEO John Ruser comparing the Institute now with 35 years ago.
March 18, 2019
All of us at WCRI are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Princeton Professor Alan Krueger. We were honored to have Alan as the keynote speaker at our annual workers' compensation conference a little more than two weeks ago.
March 08, 2019
Today, WCRI's EVP and Counsel Ramona Tanabe joined Paul Sighinolfi of Ametros, Bob Wilson of WorkersCompensation.com, and Judge David Langham of the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims on “The Hot Seat" for a discussion about benefit adequacy in workers' compensation. Click here to learn more about the webinar as well as to watch a replay.
March 07, 2019
Today, our CEO John Ruser was invited to provide testimony to the Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry Committee drug prescribing in workers' compensation. He shared findings from various WCRI studies regarding physician dispensing, opioid prescribing, and compounding. Click on the video below to watch.
