State of the States April 18, 2025

National – ISN’s latest released Serious Injury & Fatality (SIF) Insights White Paper reveals a 16% decrease in SIF cases from 2022 to 2023, the lowest since 2017. Contact with objects or equipment remains the leading cause of injuries. The construction industry reported over 1,200 SIF cases in 2023, while the transportation industry saw a 30% increase in SIF rates from 2021 to 2023. Smaller companies face greater safety performance variability. The report emphasizes the importance of safety culture initiatives to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. 

Thirty-six state attorneys general, along with the top prosecutors for the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, signed a letter urging members of Congress to enact legislation prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating affiliated pharmacies. The letter addresses concerns about Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their impact on prescription drug costs and access. It highlights the need for transparency in PBM operations and calls for legislative action to ensure fair practices. The letter emphasizes the importance of protecting consumers from excessive drug prices and ensuring that PBMs operate in a manner that benefits patients and healthcare providers. 

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) announced its upcoming Legislative Summit in Boston from August 4–6 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.  If you are interested in attending, click here to register.  

Arizona – SB 1551 was sent to the Governor this week. As a reminder, SB 1551 proposes to increase the dependents’ allowance for temporary total disability benefits from $25 to $100. It also revises the definition of an interested party to include third-party administrators and authorized representatives of insurance carriers in cases where the injured worker died. Additionally, the bill mandates a schedule of fees for medical care, dental care, and supplies, replacing the current language that specifies these fees be charged by physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

Texas – HB 3878 was introduced by Representative Pierson, a freshman member who defeated Representative Justin Holland in the last election. The bill aims to expand physicians' authority to provide and dispense drugs. The bill also enables physicians to directly provide medications to patients and maintain drug supplies without a retail pharmacy license. 

Montana – Two bills were sent to the Governor’s office this week. 

HB 143, as a reminder, seeks to repeal the statutory language that restricts physician assistants from serving as treating physicians only in the absence of a licensed physician in the area.   

SB 109, as a reminder, proposes adding physical therapists to the statutory list of primary treating physicians responsible for coordinating and delivering medical care to injured workers. 

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