Regarding pre-existing arthritis waivers, which statement is correct?

• A. This is acceptable
• B. This is not acceptable
• C. This is not enforceable
• D. This is against public policy

Answer: (C)

In workers’ compensation and self‑insurance contexts in California, you can’t easily contract away a worker’s right to benefits for injuries or conditions related to employment, including pre‑existing conditions that are aggravated by work. A waiver attempting to exclude a pre‑existing arthritis condition from coverage would undermine the purpose of the system, which is to provide medical treatment and compensation for work‑related injuries regardless of prior conditions. Because these protections are rooted in public policy to ensure workers aren’t left uninsured for work‑related harms, such waivers aren’t enforceable.

So, even if an agreement tries to waive coverage for arthritis that exists before the job, the contract cannot legally bar the worker from receiving benefits for a work‑related aggravation or injury.