JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Sen. Goodman, R-Mt. Vernon, was passed today by the Missouri Senate. The bill was introduced in the Missouri Senate on the first day of session, Jan. 5, and was passed in the Senate on March 17. If enacted into law, Senate Bill 8 would protect Missouri employees… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
Oklahoma State Rep. Dorman Plans Interim Study on Workers Comp Reform
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 15, 2011) – State Rep. Joe Dorman said today he wants to study an idea brought to him by a constituent that could lead to significant workers’ compensation reform and help boost business growth and economic development in the state. “A constituent of mine, who moved to Oklahoma from Massachusetts, told me… [Read more]
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire Signs Bill to Improve Workers’ Compensation System
OLYMPIA – Governor Chris Gregoire this afternoon signed Senate Bill 5801, which directs the Department of Labor and Industries to create a statewide provider network for injured workers, as well as expand access to the state’s Centers for Occupational Health Education. The legislation is expected to save $218 million over the next four years. “We… [Read more]
Oklahoma: Workers Compensation Package Receives Full Senate Approval, 44-0
The full Oklahoma Senate gave approval to Senate Bill 878 today, a workers compensation bill authored by Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, and Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore. The bill was crafted in coordination with Governor Mary Fallin’s Workers Compensation Study Group, which includes members of the legislature and business professionals from various backgrounds. The bill was… [Read more]
Montana Governor Announces Appointments to State Comp Insurance Board
(HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced appointments to various boards and councils: State Compensation Insurance Fund Board Elizabeth Best, Great Falls (named Chair). Qualification: public member. Best is an attorney in private practice. She earned her J.D. degree from the University of Montana and has served as a trustee for the Centerville School… [Read more]
Oregon to Net $3.6 million from AIG Workers’ Comp Misreporting Settlement
(Salem) — Oregon will receive about $3.6 million as part of a multi-state settlement with the American International Group (AIG) over misreporting of workers’ compensation insurance premiums. A two-year examination of AIG and its Chartis insurance companies found the companies misreported $2.12 billion in workers’ compensation premium nationwide as general or commercial automobile liability premium.In… [Read more]
SC Workers’ Comp Commission Creates a Surgical Implant Advisory Committee
In 2006 the Hospital Advisory Committee recommended a change in the In-Patient Hospital Fee Schedule. The Commission approved the Hospital Fee Schedule. However, they deferred action on the Committee’s recommendation for surgical implants. The Committee recommended the maximum allowable payments for surgical implants in the fee schedule separate from the diagnostic related groups and based… [Read more]
AIA Endorses Proposed Regulation Establishing Uniform Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Rates In Maryland
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 1, 2011 – The American Insurance Association (AIA), in its comments submitted yesterday to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, endorsed the establishment of uniform reimbursement rates for pharmaceuticals. AIA lauded the Commission’s proposal because it addresses a significant problem, in Maryland and in many states, where physician-dispensing of re-packaged drugs has been… [Read more]
PCI Calls For Improvements To Maryland Work Comp Proposal
ANNAPOLIS, Md.—While proposed amendments to Maryland workers’ compensation regulations represent an improvement from the emergency rule adopted January 4, 2010, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) still has concerns about their impact. The regulation, COMAR 14.09.01.19, would establish guidelines for reviewing and approving proposed workers’ compensation settlement agreements in compliance with the review… [Read more]
RAND Posts New Research Brief on Workers’ Comp Reform’s Effects on RTW
From the Brief: “In 2004, California passed Senate Bill 899 (SB 899), which introduced sweeping reforms to the workers’ compensation system designed to reduce employer costs and simultaneously improve outcomes for injured workers. It overhauled the permanent-disability rating system, reduced parties’ ability to “shop” for physicians, reformed medical treatment, and stimulated return to work by… [Read more]