Lab. Code, § 3214

(a) The Department of Corrections and the Department of the Youth Authority shall, in conjunction with all recognized employee representative associations, develop policy and implement the workers’ compensation early intervention program by December 31, 1989, for all department employees who sustain an injury. The program shall include, but not be limited to, counseling by an authorized independent early intervention counselor and the services of an agreed medical panel to assist in timely decisions regarding compensability. Costs of services through early intervention shall be borne by the departments.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to reduce all costs associated with the delivery of workers’ compensation benefits, in balance with the need to ensure timely and adequate benefits to the injured worker. Toward this goal the workers’ compensation early intervention program was established in the Department of Corrections and the Department of the Youth Authority. The fundamental concept of the program is to settle disputes rather than to litigate them. This is a worthwhile concept in terms of cost control for the employer and timely receipt of benefits for the worker. To ascertain the effectiveness of the program is crucial in helping guide policy in this arena.