California Assembly Bill 1498 was introduced, proposing a statewide database of physicians willing to treat workplace injuries.

This bill was written to address the shortage of medical providers for injured workers in the San Joaquin Valley. The bill tasks the Division of Workers' Compensation with creating this network by January 1, 2027. 

Injured workers can access care from the statewide network if their employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN) or Health Care Organization (HCO) cannot provide treatment within 30 days. Participating physicians must be in good standing with the Medical Board of California and comply with workers' compensation rules.

All treatments provided through the statewide network must adhere to medical treatment guidelines and may be subject to utilization review and independent medical review.

The bill addresses access challenges identified in a 2024 University of California, Merced study, which found that limited healthcare options in the central valley contribute to keeping injured workers out of the workforce longer.