Which agency issues the Certificate of Consent to Self-Insure?

• A. The Director of Industrial Relations
• B. The Manager of Self-Insurance
• C. The Administrative Director
• D. The Secretary of State

Answer: (A)

In California, the authority to issue the Certificate of Consent to Self-Insure is held by the Director of Industrial Relations. This certificate authorizes an employer to self-insure its workers’ compensation obligations, setting the framework for how the self-insurance program must be funded, managed, and reported. The Director evaluates the employer’s financial solvency and security arrangements (such as funded reserves, letters of credit, or a trust fund) and imposes ongoing compliance requirements. Once granted, the certificate confirms the employer’s ability to self-insure, subject to continued eligibility and monitoring; it can be revoked if the employer fails to meet conditions.

The Administrative Director handles administrative functions within the workers’ compensation system but does not issue the self-insurance consent. The Secretary of State handles corporate filings and registrations, not self-insurance consent. There isn’t another official titled “Manager of Self-Insurance” authorized to issue the certificate.