CompFox AI Summary
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied removal in Blackburn v. French Hospital, upholding the Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) decision to deny a change of venue. The WCAB deferred to the Division of Workers' Compensation's (DWC) distinction between "district offices" and "satellite offices" for venue purposes. This distinction is based on the operational capacity and staffing of these offices, with only district offices being considered for venue under Labor Code section 5501.5. The WCAB found the Santa Barbara office to be a satellite facility, not a district office, and therefore not a basis for changing venue.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied removal in Blackburn v. French Hospital, upholding the Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) decision to deny a change of venue. The WCAB deferred to the Division of Workers' Compensation's (DWC) distinction between "district offices" and "satellite offices" for venue purposes. This distinction is based on the operational capacity and staffing of these offices, with only district offices being considered for venue under Labor Code section 5501.5. The WCAB found the Santa Barbara office to be a satellite facility, not a district office, and therefore not a basis for changing venue.
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