R.I.’s Beacon Mutual under scrutiny

Rhode Island’s leading workers’ compensation carrier is facing an audit and a probe into a whistle blower’s allegations as it pushes for legislation opposed by the Carcieri administration.

Department of Business Regulation Director A. Michael Marques told The Providence Journal that regulators are conducting a routine audit of Beacon Mutual Insurance Co.

Gov. Don Carcieri, who opposes legislation sought by the firm, made public allegations from an anonymous informant who said Beacon granted certain companies preferential rates. One company was owned by a man on Beacon’s board. A report by auditors hired by Beacon said they found no evidence of wrongdoing by the firm or its employees.