Sablan, Yolanda

In this consolidated lien matter, a WCJ issued an Order appointing State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) as new liaison counsel under California Rule of Court 3.506, directing it to coordinate discovery, draft joint pleadings, communicate with the Anti-Fraud Unit, and form a carriers drafting committee. SCIF sought reconsideration, arguing the Order exceeded the WCAB's jurisdiction and conflicted with the California Constitution and Insurance Code, asserting it lacked authority to represent or defend other carriers. The WCAB granted reconsideration and rescinded the Order, not on the merits of SCIF's jurisdictional arguments, but because the carriers were not consulted or allowed to meet and confer to select a willing liaison counsel before the appointment, and were not given the updated list of remaining liens. The Board concurred that appointing liaison counsel in the consolidated matter was appropriate and noted that SCIF's contention that it lacks authority to act as any other carrier was unavailing. The matter was returned to the trial level to allow carriers to review the AFU lien list and meet and confer to select a willing liaison counsel.