The board's recommendations, reached by consensus, assist the Legislature in evaluating workers' compensation proposals and enacting those that reflect sound public policy. The board also advises the Division of Workers' Compensation and other state agencies on rules and policies, as well as administrative and legislative issues. Board members and staff are regularly invited to participate in conferences, panels, and groups dealing with workers' compensation issues. The board held its first meeting in March 1994. Since that time it has met regularly in Tallahassee and, on occasion, in other locations.
All meetings are open to the public.
Meetings are occasions for board members to listen to people with expertise in many areas of workers' compensation present information on current issues, for members of the public to bring their concerns to the board's attention, and for board members to discuss these matters. In July 1997 the board issued its report on fraud and noncompliance in the Florida workers' compensation system, the culmination of a two-year effort to combat such fraud. Based on the findings contained in the report and findings of a Florida grand jury convened to investigate workers' compensation fraud, the legislature passed a reform bill in the 1998 session targeting workers' compensation fraud. In the coming year, the board will monitor the implementation of the legislation to determine its effectiveness. The board also intends to examine in some detail workers' compensation managed care, premiums and benefits, and dispute resolution.