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05.24.2013 11:45am	Idaho State University To Pay 400K For Medical Records Breach p Idaho State University is paying a 400,000 to the federal government to settle allegations it improperly exposed confidential medical records. In August 2011, ISU told the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of a breach of its unsecured electronic … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/24/293218.htm" Idaho State University To Pay 400K For Medical Records Breach /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.24.2013 11:44am	1-3 Tropical Cyclones Expected For Central Pacific p It’s looking like it’ll be a below-normal hurricane season for the central Pacific. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its 2013 central Pacific hurricane outlook Wednesday at a news conference in Honolulu. Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/24/293216.htm" 1-3 Tropical Cyclones Expected For Central Pacific /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.24.2013 9:25am	California Offers Glimpse Into Health Insurance Prices Under Obamacare p California unveiled prices on Thursday that consumers will pay for a selection of health plans offered through the state under the Affordable Care Act, providing a glimpse into how health care reform may look as it is rolled out across … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/24/293200.htm" California Offers Glimpse Into Health Insurance Prices Under Obamacare /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.24.2013 9:11am	Bridge Collapse in Washington Cripples Highway Near Seattle p A section of a major interstate highway bridge in Washington state collapsed yesterday, sending two vehicles into the rushing waters of the Skagit River north of Seattle. Three people were rescued and no one is believed to have died, authorities … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/24/293197.htm" Bridge Collapse in Washington Cripples Highway Near Seattle /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.23.2013 3:05pm	Sharkproof part 3 Influence p Shark Proof The three I s in Shark proofing are Insulation Investment Influence In the first two installments, we covered Insulation & Investment. Today I finish the series with Influence. As you remember, a ” Shark” is what I … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/uncategorized/2013/05/23/293138.htm" Sharkproof part 3 – Influence /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.23.2013 11:53am	National Group Praises Hawaii Cellphone Driving Law p A national nonprofit is cheering Hawaii’s new law that prohibits people from holding cellphones and other portable electronics while driving. Jonathan Adkins from the Governors Highway Safety Association in Washington says Hawaii’s law is tougher than laws in most other … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/23/293112.htm" National Group Praises Hawaii Cellphone Driving Law /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.23.2013 11:51am	Feds Take Over California High-Risk Insurance Program p About 17,000 Californians with serious medical problems will be moved from a state-run stopgap health insurance program to a federal plan starting in July, ensuring they will have no break in medical coverage until the national health care reforms kick … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/23/293105.htm" Feds Take Over California High-Risk Insurance Program /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.23.2013 11:49am	New Mexico Setting New Records With Drought p New Mexico is slipping further into drought, having marked the driest two-year period in nearly 120 years of record-keeping. National weather forecasters and water managers shared the latest statistics on New Mexico’s devastatingly dry conditions during a meeting Tuesday. They … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/23/293103.htm" New Mexico Setting New Records With Drought /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.23.2013 11:48am	Ex-Alaska Worker Charged With Workers Comp Fraud p A former Alaska state employee and his supposed masseuse are accused of worker’s compensation fraud. Scott A. Groom and Laurayne K. Fischer are charged with 93 counts including perjury, theft and falsification of business records. The two are currently living … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/23/293100.htm" Ex-Alaska Worker Charged With Workers’ Comp Fraud /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.23.2013 10:30am	London Underwriter Becomes First to Insure California Carbon Credits p Parhelion Underwriting Ltd. became the first insurer to offer a policy to protect companies from the invalidation of carbon offset credits sold as part of California s cap-and-trade program. Parhelion, based in London, will sell insurance for permits originally issued by … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/23/293062.htm" London Underwriter Becomes First to Insure California Carbon Credits /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.22.2013 2:18pm	70M Reduction For Auto Club s Southern California Drivers p California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and Robert Bouttier, CEO of the Automobile Club of Southern California, announced a rate reduction for Auto Club policyholders in California totaling 70 million. The reduction represents a decrease of 4.1 percent. It is effective … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/22/293022.htm" 70M Reduction For Auto Club s Southern California Drivers /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.22.2013 11:24am	Nevada Senate Approves Driving Privilege Cards p The Nevada Senate has overwhelming approved a bill authorizing driving privilege cards for non-U.S. residents. Monday’s vote was 20-1. SB303 now goes to the Assembly where passage is expected. Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval also backs the proposal. Democratic Senate Majority … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/22/292962.htm" Nevada Senate Approves Driving Privilege Cards /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.22.2013 11:22am	Colorado Stoned-Driving Bill Attracts Lawsuit p A frequent marijuana user who says Colorado’s pending pot DUI legislation violates the constitution is suing to block the bill. Brandon Baker, of Nunn, said he uses marijuana for religious reasons and that the blood limit at which drivers would … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/22/292960.htm" Colorado Stoned-Driving Bill Attracts Lawsuit /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.22.2013 11:21am	Edison, CPUC Reach 37M Settlement on Southern California Fire p The California Public Utilities Commission has reached a proposed 37 million settlement with Southern California Edison over fallen power lines blamed for starting the October 2007 Malibu Canyon Fire. Santa Ana winds knocked three jointly owned utility poles to the … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/22/292958.htm" Edison, CPUC Reach 37M Settlement on Southern California Fire /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.21.2013 1:45pm	McDonald-Leavitt Names Heglin Benefits Specialist in California p Santa Rosa, Calif.-based McDonald-Leavitt Insurance Agency named Steve Heglin as a benefits specialist. Prior to joining the agency he worked for MetLife. Heglin previously owned a real estate appraisal company. McDonald-Leavitt Insurance Agency is part of the Leavitt Group. /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/21/292847.htm" McDonald-Leavitt Names Heglin Benefits Specialist in California /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.21.2013 12:33pm	Utah Workers Comp Fund Distributes 8 Million Dividend p The board of directors for Utah s Workers Compensation Fund declared a dividend to be distributed to a majority of policyholders in May. Policyholders can expect to receive 5 percent of their 2012 earned premium. With this distribution, WCF will have … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/21/292817.htm" Utah Workers Comp Fund Distributes 8 Million Dividend /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.21.2013 12:15pm	Bill Ensures Paid Family Leave For California Workers p California businesses would be prohibited from firing or retaliating against employees who take advantage of the state’s paid family leave program under a job-protection bill moving through the Legislature. The legislation would protect workers who use the California Paid Family … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/21/292800.htm" Bill Ensures Paid Family Leave For California Workers /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.21.2013 12:11pm	Proposed California Measure Requires Doctor Drug Tests p A proposed state ballot measure in California would require doctors to be randomly subjected to drug and alcohol testing. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the Pee in the Cup” initiative is being pushed by Bob Pack, a technology mogul and … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/21/292797.htm" Proposed California Measure Requires Doctor Drug Tests /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.21.2013 11:55am	Vallette Joins Barney & Barney in San Francisco p Barney & Barney LLC has hired insurance executive Sarah Vallette for its office in San Francisco. Vallette will work with a team of professionals offering commercial property/casualty insurance, employee benefits, workers compensation, compensation consulting, executive liability, personal lines and surety. … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/21/292792.htm" Vallette Joins Barney & Barney in San Francisco /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 7:29pm	Follmer to Head Health Care Practice for Woodruff Sawyer in California p Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. named Chad Follmer health care practice Leader. Follmer has focused his 20-year career on insurance and risk management strategies developing and leading platforms to serve health care organizations and life sciences companies. He has lead several practices … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292753.htm" Follmer to Head Health Care Practice for Woodruff Sawyer in California /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 1:46pm	D.C. Lobbyist Gannon to Head Federal Affairs for Farmers Insurance p Washington, D.C. lobbyist Matt Gannon was named head of federal affairs at Farmers Insurance. Gannon replaces Mike Moran, who left Los Angeles, Calif.-based Farmers to take a position with Zurich North America as assistant vice president of government Affairs. Gannon joins Farmers … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292746.htm" D.C. Lobbyist Gannon to Head Federal Affairs for Farmers Insurance /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 12:53pm	SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers Launches Workplace Safety Program p SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers has launched a workers compensation safety program Three Sixty Safety designed for implementation into current safety protocol that provides training, education and claim assistance when necessary. Three Sixty Safety is part of SGB-NIA s Road to … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292734.htm" SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers Launches Workplace Safety Program /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 12:39pm	Project CAP Selects Phoenix Agency for Agency 2020 Program p Hester, Heitel & Associates, an independent insurance agency in Phoenix, has been chosen as the spotlight agency to represent Project CAP s Agency 2020 program. Agency 2020 was designed to provide independent agencies with resources to help them implement a long-term … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292727.htm" Project CAP Selects Phoenix Agency for Agency 2020 Program /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 12:10pm	Injured Workers Opioid Use on Rise in California, Washington p Editor’s Note: This is part of a team report on opioid use by injured workers. For the national story read: Opioid Epidemic Plagues Workers Comp Washington and California are among states in the U.S. Western Region that have publicly struggled with … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292533.htm" Injured Workers Opioid Use on Rise in California, Washington /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 12:08pm	Group Sues EPA To Force Utah To Clean Air Faster p An environmental group is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, claiming it hasn’t pushed Utah hard enough to clean up air pollution across urban areas of northern Utah. WildEarth Guardians says the EPA let Utah skip a December deadline to … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292679.htm" Group Sues EPA To Force Utah To Clean Air Faster /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 12:06pm	Panel Solicits Applicants For New Mexico Insurance Regulator p Former State Insurance Superintendent Chris Krahling has been named to a panel that will select New Mexico’s top insurance regulator. A nine-member committee will select the next superintendent of insurance, who starting in July will be in charge of an … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292676.htm" Panel Solicits Applicants For New Mexico Insurance Regulator /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.20.2013 12:04pm	California Health Exchange Also Will Offer Voter Registration p California will become the first state to offer voter registration through its health insurance marketplace later this year. Millions of Californians will get the chance to register at the same time they are buying insurance under the federal Affordable Care … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/20/292674.htm" California Health Exchange Also Will Offer Voter Registration /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.17.2013 11:51am	Montana Man Deliberately Crashes Into Insurance Office p Police in Missoula, Mont. say a man who rammed his sport utility vehicle into an insurance office three times was apparently expressing his frustration with the insurance industry. Police say the driver rammed the building Tuesday and then twice backed … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/17/292475.htm" Montana Man Deliberately Crashes Into Insurance Office /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.17.2013 11:19am	Arizona Insurance Agency Chosen for Agency 2020 p Hester, Heitel & Associates, an independent insurance agency in Phoenix, Ariz. was chosen to represent the path to the future for all independent agencies, announced Consumer Agent Portal LLC, also known as Project CAP, creator of the Agency 2020 program. … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/17/292464.htm" Arizona Insurance Agency Chosen for Agency 2020 /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p

05.17.2013 11:02am	Peterson Joins Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker in Oregon p Chris Peterson has recently joined Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker Insurance in Oregon as a commercial insurance producer. Peterson is past president of the Professional Insurance Agents of Oregon and Idaho. He has nearly 15 years of experience insuring Northwest … /p p The article a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2013/05/17/292458.htm" Peterson Joins Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker in Oregon /a appeared first on a href "http://www.insurancejournal.com" Insurance Journal /a . /p