An employee is considered a covered employee in the Medical Provider Network when the employer provides what?

• A. Provides the EE with an implementation notice containing information about the MPN and how to access care.
• B. Provides a notice explaining access to the MPN on a website.
• C. Provides a MPN with 5 physicians within 15 miles.
• D. Provides a MPN with 3 physcians within 25 miles.

Answer: (A)

In California workers’ compensation, when an employer uses a Medical Provider Network (MPN), the employee becomes covered by that network once the employer provides an implementation notice. This notice must explain that an MPN exists and describe how the employee can access care within that network. The other options don’t establish coverage because simply posting access information on a website or referencing the size or distance of providers does not satisfy the required notification. The key factor is delivering the proper implementation notice that informs the employee about the MPN and how to access care within it.