National – Pie Insurance unveiled its 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report, highlighting the evolving safety landscape for small businesses across the United States. The report analyzes data from 1,000 small business owners to gain insights into how they are navigating changes in workplace safety. Key areas of focus include rising mental health challenges, preventable injuries, employee resistance, and the rapid advancement of AI technology.
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) published its April 2025 Labor Market Insights Report. The report highlights employment growth in March, with the economy adding 228,000 jobs overall, including 209,000 in the private sector. The unemployment rate remained stable, rising marginally from 4.14% to 4.15%.
Viatris Inc. announced a nationwide settlement framework to resolve opioid-related claims. The settlement, which is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability, involves payments of up to $335 million over the next nine years, with annual payments ranging from $27.5 million to $40 million. These funds will support state and local efforts to address opioid-related issues. To learn more, check out this Business Insider article.
Louisiana – SB 173 was introduced in the Senate. The bill aims to address reimbursement rates paid by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to pharmacies and pharmacists. Specifically, the bill mandates that PBMs must reimburse pharmacies for at least the actual acquisition cost of the drug or device, plus a professional dispensing fee. Additionally, PBMs must not reimburse below established minimum standards and must detail the basis and changes in reimbursement rates to pharmacies.
HB 280 was introduced in the House to streamline the collection process and ensure fairness and efficiency within the workers’ compensation system. The bill specifically addresses the collection of workers' compensation premiums, outlining procedures and requirements for premium collection from employers. It includes measures to ensure compliance and enforcement, and mandates detailed reporting and transparency for accurate assessment and collection of premiums.
Maryland – After passing the Senate in March, SB 306 died in the House this week. As a reminder, it attempted to regulate the reimbursement of prescription drugs and pharmaceutical services under workers’ compensation laws. Specifically, the bill mandated the State Workers’ Compensation Commission to set fees based on the acquisition cost plus a reasonable dispensing fee, and to review these fees biannually.
Montana – Governor Greg Gianforte enacted HB 197 this week. As a reminder, it terminates temporary disability benefits by operation of law when an injured worker is released to full duty before or upon reaching maximum medical improvement. Specifically, the bill introduces new guidelines for releasing injured employees back to work. It mandates thorough medical evaluations and written certification from a medical professional confirming the employee’s fitness. If the employee cannot return to their previous role, employers must provide modified duties. Regular reviews of the employee’s medical status are required, and employers must comply with these guidelines to support the employee’s safe return to work.
New York – A7746 if passed, would require prescription bottles containing opioids to have a label that warns about the addictive nature of the drug. Specifically, the label must state: "Warning. This Drug Is Highly Addictive. Please Consult Your Pharmacist Or Physician Before Using."
Wisconsin – SB 168 and AB 158, companion bills, were introduced in the Wisconsin legislature this week. The bills aim to modify the conditions of liability for workers’ compensation benefits for emergency and public service personnel. They expand coverage to include emergency medical responders, emergency medical services practitioners, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers, coroners and coroner staff, and medical examiners and medical examiner staff.
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