Malory Wheat vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior award allowing a lien for living expenses claimed by the CCPOA Benefits Trust Fund. The WCAB held that liens in workers' compensation are strictly statutory and the CCPOA's claim for reimbursement of benefits advanced did not fit within the specific provisions of Labor Code sections 4903 or 4903.1 for "living expenses" or benefits provided by a "self-insured employee welfare benefit plan." The Board clarified that liens for living expenses are intended for those who loan money or extend credit, not for contractual obligations of insurance or benefit plans.