News · California workers’ comp

What changed, plainly

Rate changes, DWC announcements, and decisions that move California comp — translated fast, every item cited to its primary source.

July 23, 2026
DWC Raises the Medical Mileage Rate to 76¢ — Effective July 1, 2026
The DWC has increased the medical and medical-legal mileage reimbursement rate to 76 cents per mile for travel on or after July 1, 2026 — up 3.5 cents — tracking the IRS rate under Labor Code §4600. It applies regardless of the date of injury.
July 8, 2026
Want to Become a QME? October Exam Applications Are Due August 19
The DWC is accepting applications for the next Qualified Medical Evaluator competency examination, administered in person October 3–9, 2026. Applications must be postmarked by August 19 — and applicants should know the filings are public records.
The reference layer behind the news: rates by year · the 2005 PDRS · all guides · the calculator