State Fund Senior Vice President of Internal Affairs Lisa Middleton has been unanimously elected chair of the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Assessment Commission. Middleton brings 35 years of workers’ compensation industry experience and firsthand knowledge of best practices in identifying, preventing, and fighting fraud.
In her new role, Middleton aims to increase the prosecution of fraud by improving fraud awareness and education, and enhancing collaboration with the Department of Insurance.
Law enforcement officials laud Middleton’s election to lead California’s statewide anti-fraud effort.
“Lisa Middleton is an outstanding choice to head up the Fraud Assessment Commission. She is an expert in the workers' comp system and a knowledgeable and skilled fraud fighter.” said Dominic Dugo, Deputy District Attorney and Director of Fraud Grants at San Diego County’s District Attorney’s Office.
Dugo added “After years of working together battling fraud in San Diego, Ms. Middleton has shown unwavering support for law enforcement. California is fortunate to have Ms. Middleton leading our statewide anti-fraud effort.”
Middleton has served as a member of the Fraud Assessment Commission since 2009. As head of State Fund’s internal affairs, she is responsible for the 32-member Special Investigation Unit (SIU). SIU is made up of fraud investigators and investigative liaisons in each regional office. The unit coordinates anti-fraud programs, training, and prepares and delivers educational materials for policyholders to help combat fraud. During her tenure at State Fund, Middleton has assisted in the prosecution of more than 75 workers’ compensation fraud cases.
Middleton also oversees State Fund’s Public Records Office and Internal Audit department, and has held various management roles in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, and the San Francisco Home Office. She was responsible for the development of the State Fund/Kaiser Permanente Alliance program and the State Fund Preferred Provider Network, and the California Workers' Compensation Institute honored her twice.
Effectively fighting fraud is an important step to keep insurance costs down and protect California employers and employees. State Fund leads the state when it comes to fighting fraud. Our efforts have recovered and returned millions of dollars to California’s workers’ compensation system.
