Which agency issued the Notice to Pay Benefits that prompted the TPA's action in the described case?

• A. WCAB
• B. TPA
• C. Administrative Director
• D. Labor Commissioner

Answer: (A)

In California workers’ compensation, the entity that enforces benefit awards and compels payment is the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. When the board or a WCJ issues an order or award indicating that benefits are due, it can issue a Notice to Pay Benefits to the employer or its insurer. This notice serves as a formal directive that triggers the TPA to commence or continue paying the awarded benefits. The Administrative Director oversees the administration of the system and regulatory matters, but he or she does not issue the enforcement notices that compel payment in a specific claim. The Labor Commissioner handles general labor standards issues, not workers’ compensation benefit enforcement. So the Notice to Pay Benefits comes from the WCAB, which is why that agency is the correct answer.