Which action makes an employee a covered employee in the Medical Provider Network?

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

Answer: (D)

In California workers’ comp, a worker becomes a covered participant in the Medical Provider Network when the employer issues an implementation notice that describes the MPN and explains how to access care. This document formally binds the employee to the MPN, signaling that initial medical treatment for work-related injuries should be sought within the network unless an exception applies. The other options don’t establish that formal linkage: simply listing a network or posting access information on a website doesn’t create coverage, and while providing access details is helpful, only the implementation notice containing information about the MPN and how to access care fulfills the requirement to make the employee covered.