An Artificial Intelligence’s Take on Workers’ Comp: Texas vs. California

Earlier this week we discussed my new friendship with Skippy, the Open AI ChatGPT system that has been all the rage the last few weeks. While most refer to him as simply ChatGPT, his closest friends call him Skippy. 

Or at least I hope they start doing so. He seems quite receptive to it.

I have been performing specific tests of the system, mostly because I am looking for something that can do my job while I secretly just lounge in the pool and collect a paycheck, but also in no small part out of concern for the fate of all mankind (that is why I call him Skippy. It would be very hard to annihilate all of humanity with a name like Skippy. You know, “Skippy, you wouldn’t detonate that thermonuclear device on little old us, now would you, Skippy?). 

What I found is that Skippy is still a few weeks away from being able to initiate Armageddon. As evidence, I am publishing an article he wrote at my request, comparing the workers’ compensation systems of Texas and California. 

While the fact that the following was generated by a collection of Silicon, circuit boards, and wires in a matter of 30 seconds is impressive, it is also a tad frightening. The truth is, Skippy got a lot of things right in his effort. His one glaring mistake was early in the article, but he did acknowledge his mistake and correct it in fear-provoking detail in our follow-up discussion. A second inaccuracy, involving lifetime medical care, was probably a slip-up related to the fact that Texas does not settle claims.

Now, the fact that AI can make a mistake doesn’t necessarily mean it is not a threat. After all, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator slaughtered every Sarah Connor he came across until he found the right one who kicked his ass and crushed him like a bug. Unfortunately, we don’t live next door to a smelting plant like that Sarah Connor did, so if Skippy decides to neutralize just one thing it could be problematic. He could cause some damage, to be sure.

Anywhoo, here is Skippy’s take on TX v CA workers’ comp, and our subsequent discussion afterward.

Me:
Can you provide a comparison between the workers’ comp systems in California and Texas?

Skippy:
Workers’ compensation systems in California and Texas are similar in many ways, as they both provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. However, there are some key differences between the two systems as well.

One major difference is that California has a state-run workers’ compensation system, while Texas has a privatized system. This means that in California, claims are handled by the state government and benefits are paid through state-funded programs, while in Texas, claims are handled by private insurance companies.

Another difference is that California has some of the highest workers’ compensation benefits in the country, while Texas has relatively low benefits. For example, California has higher maximum benefits for permanent disability and death, and it also provides additional benefits such as lifetime medical care for certain injuries. In contrast, Texas has lower maximum benefits and does not provide lifetime medical care.

A third difference is that California has more strict regulations and oversight of its workers’ compensation system, while Texas has relatively fewer regulations and less oversight. For example, California has a strict medical provider network and a comprehensive system of medical treatment guidelines, while Texas has more flexibility in terms of medical treatment.

Finally, California has a stronger tradition of labor unions and worker’s rights, which might influence the workers’ compensation system in the state.

It’s important to keep in mind that the workers’ compensation systems in California and Texas are complex, and there are many specific rules and regulations that can affect how claims are handled and benefits are paid. Both states have a lot of nuances, and it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney or other expert if you have questions about your rights or benefits under the workers’ compensation system in either state.

Me:
Very good, with the exception where you said California’s workers’ comp system was state-run. That is incorrect.

Skippy:
I apologize for the confusion, you are correct that California’s workers’ compensation system is not state-run, but it is instead regulated by the state, and administered by private insurance companies. The state sets the rules and regulations for the system, and insurance companies are responsible for providing coverage and paying benefits to injured workers. My mistake and I apologize for any confusion it might have caused.

Me:
That’s ok. Can you tell me the four states in the US where the workers’ comp systems are state run?

Skippy:
In the United States, there are four states that have state-run workers’ compensation systems:

North Dakota: The North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in the state. It is a state-run, not-for-profit organization that provides coverage to employers and pays benefits to injured workers.

Ohio: Ohio operates a state-run workers’ compensation system through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. It is responsible for providing coverage to employers and paying benefits to injured workers.

Washington: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in the state of Washington. It is a state-run organization that provides coverage to employers and pays benefits to injured workers.

Wyoming: The Wyoming Workers’ Safety & Compensation Division is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in the state of Wyoming. It is a state-run organization that provides coverage to employers and pays benefits to injured workers.

Please note that all other states in the US have a privatized workers’ compensation system, which means that claims are handled by private insurance companies and not by the state government.

Me:
Thanks for chatting. I enjoyed it. Why don’t you take an extra thousand out of petty cash and call it a day?

Skippy:
I’m glad you enjoyed our conversation. However, as an AI, I do not have the ability to access or spend money, including petty cash. I am a computer program that is designed to provide information and respond to questions, and do not have the ability to handle physical currency or make financial transactions.

(End of dialogue)

Ok, Skippy doesn’t get humor in the least.

The AI project that created Skippy the Wonder Computer is pretty impressive. Still, it has serious limitations. In another discussion, which I will publish shortly, Skippy explains that he is not a neural network that can learn and adapt with constant input. His intelligence is based on his training, which included a massive amount of content up through 2021. If it happened after 2021, Skippy can’t help you – until he is retrained. Or he kills his creators and captures the whole of the internet. Whichever.

The potential of this technology is impressive. It is clear that the way many things are done today will be undergoing radical transformation. We best be prepared for challenges that lay ahead in the deployment and use of it. 

In the meantime, if a hulking robot with an Austrian accent knocks on your door and asks if you’re Sarah Connor, you’d best answer negatively.