Rebolledo, Francisco

WSPT Network, a billing and marketing service (dba of Advanced Physician Management, Inc.) for acupuncturist Josephine Phung-Hoa Chau (Lo Acupuncture, Inc.), filed a lien for acupuncture services and sought reconsideration of a WCJ's F&O that found WSPT was not the original provider, was not a lien owner under Labor Code section 4903.8(a)(1), and that an assignment was required under section 3903.8. The WCAB agreed that WSPT Network is not the lien owner because under section 4903.8 and Chorn, only the medical provider who incurred the expense (Lo Acupuncture) is entitled to payment. However, the Board held that WSPT Network may proceed as a non-attorney representative of Lo Acupuncture under CCR section 10401, since the lien and original bill contained the required representative information. The Board found no assignment issues and that the lien was not a 'problem lien' targeted by the Legislature. The F&O was rescinded and the matter returned to the trial level, with instructions to join Lo Acupuncture and Josephine Chau as necessary parties.