JOSE MEZA vs. GATEWAY CONCRETE INC., INSURANCE CO. OF THE WEST GROUP INSURANCE COMPANIES
The applicant sought reconsideration of a decision that found the employer had a valid Medical Provider Network (MPN) and was not liable for treatment outside it. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) dismissed the petition for reconsideration. This dismissal was based on the petition being unsigned, unverified, and lacking proof of service on all parties. Failure to meet these procedural requirements, as mandated by Labor Code section 5902 and related regulations, is grounds for dismissal. The WCAB emphasized that proper service is a substantive right, not a mere irregularity.