JANUARY 12

CHANGE IN POLICY - In anticipation of our new automated docket system and in order to most efficiently and equitably use available resources, effective March 1, 2001, the Commission will discontinue the practice of limiting the number of hearing locations on any given hearing day for a law firm or individual practitioners.  This does not change the current request for postponement policy.  Unavailability of counsel to a case has delayed the setting of many claims for months at a time.   Therefore, the Commission will be taking the aforementioned action so that cases can be heard in a fair and expeditious manner.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as changes are implemented to accommodate the future direction of the Commission.   With your assistance, we will be able to navigate through this period of rapid change in order to streamline our processes and better serve the Workers' Compensation community.  As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

JANUARY 2

Effective February 2001, all Harford County dockets previously heard in BelAir will be moved to the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, 980 Hospitality Way, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001.  The hotel is located at Exit 85, Interstate 95 (North) & Maryland Route 22.  This site will also serve as the Northeastern Regional Hearing Site effective March 2001 for all Baltimore County, Cecil County and Harford County dockets.  CLICK HERE FOR MAP LINKS

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.  Counties served by the LaPlata, Prince Frederick and Leonardtown sites will move to Waldorf.

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.