DECEMBER 19

NOTICE--It has come to our attention that some attorneys are under the impression that they may not visit a commissioner or his/her assistant at their 5th floor offices. Please be advised that any commissioner/assistant is available by prior appointment if time permits to make an appointment . If an appointment cannot be made, e.g.; the parties need to confer with a commissioner immediately prior to a hearing, advise the receptionist on the 5th floor and she will call the commissioner's office to advise the commissioner or the assistant of the visit .

DECEMBER 7

As many in the workers' compensation community are aware, legislation passed into law during the 2000 Legislative Session granting the Workers' Compensation Commission the authority to establish regional hearing sites and to conduct hearings at those sites. This important ruling will enable the MD WCC to efficiently utilize its resources to provide a more timely and effective adjudication process.

These sites will be strategically located throughout Maryland. The consolidation of several locations will be accomplished in phases. In some cases temporary facilities will be secured in order to accommodate those areas where the need is most urgent.

Beginning January 2001 those counties served by the Cambridge, Salisbury, Denton and Centreville sites will be relocated to Cambridge (see below). Counties served by the LaPlata, Prince Frederick and Leonardtown sites will move to Waldorf (see below).

We appreciate the support and patience of the workers' compensation community as we implement this important program and will post the progress here on our web page.

Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester county hearings are set in Cambridge, Holiday Inn Express, 2715 Ocean Gateway. Click here for the MAP LINK.

Calvert, Charles & Saint Mary's county hearings are set in Waldorf, Holiday Inn, 45 St. Patrick's Drive. Click here for the MAP LINK.

DECEMBER 4

The MD WCC docketing system has experienced some difficulty resultant the relocation process. As the January schedule is checked and verified, the schedule will be posted here.

DECEMBER 4

The Commission is experiencing computer network outages. These problems are also affecting the telecommunications system. As we work to restore connectivity, please be patient. We are unable to quickly access claims information or efficiently process email requests. All inquiries will be promptly handled as possible. Some disruption of service, via telephone and the MD WCC Public Service area are expected as the new network and technologies are implemented and tested.

DECEMBER 1

The Commission's Subpoena Form is changed. It is no longer a 2 part NCR form, but a two page downloadable from the FORMS section, with a CERTIFICATION page included. Copies are not available yet from the MD WCC, but the form available for download is an official copy.

DECEMBER 1

The Commission move progresses. Telephone service was unavailable to the Commission on Friday due to telephone carrier difficulties. The new service [(410) 864-5100] at 10 East Baltimore Street will be available Monday, December 4th. Due to the overwhelming magnitude of the relocation, some services may be affected, but staff will continue to provide the highest level of service possible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Remember, the computer network will be offline until some time Monday. PDN users will not be able to access MD WCC databases.