How many employees can a PPO have without needing workers' compensation insurance coverage?

A Private Patrol Operator (PPO) in California is not required to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage if they have no employees. This means that if a PPO operates entirely as a sole proprietor without any hired help, there is no obligation to secure workers' compensation insurance. The rationale behind this policy is that workers' compensation is designed to protect employees who may face risks associated with their work, and if there are no employees, there is no risk to insure against.

Understanding this provision is crucial for any PPO as it affects both their operational costs and legal responsibilities. Additionally, if a PPO does hire employees, the requirement to obtain workers' compensation insurance becomes mandatory, as the law aims to ensure that workers are covered in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses.