Which Senate bill, signed into law in 2012, included increased benefits to injured workers and cost-saving efficiencies for employers, with most provisions taking effect January 1, 2013?

• A. Senate Bill 899
• B. Assembly Bill 100
• C. Senate Bill 901
• D. Senate Bill 863

Answer: (D)

Senate Bill 863 is the 2012 California workers’ compensation reform package signed into law. It was designed to balance stronger protection for injured workers with cost-saving measures for employers, and most provisions took effect on January 1, 2013. The reform changed how benefits and medical care were delivered—revising the permanent disability framework, establishing medical treatment guidelines and a medical fee schedule, and creating utilization review and return-to-work incentives to control costs. These elements together reflect the intent to enhance benefits in certain areas for workers while introducing efficiencies that reduce costs for employers, with the transition to the new system starting in 2013.