A Division of Workers’ Compensation Zoom hearing this morning was repeatedly interrupted with hate speech and pornographic videos. The unknown individual(s) or organization responsible for the racist, homophobic, and antisemitic messaging was ultimately blocked by DIR technicians – it took under 10 minutes – and the meeting was able to continue without further interruption.
The hearing was called to take public comment on proposed updates to the evidence-based medical treatment utilization schedule (MTUS). The Division is proposing to adopt treatment guidelines for chronic pain and the use of cannabis in workers’ compensation cases, which were developed by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Division officials are investigating how the “zoom bombing” incident occurred and what can be done to prevent a recurrence. These meetings are public events and, therefore, open to the public. The attackers coopted various attendees’ names throughout the attack.
The incident is likely a federal offense.
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