National – Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released the Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation Report. This report reveals that claims involving degenerative conditions and comorbidities, such as hypertension or diabetes, incur higher costs and longer temporary disability durations. The study analyzes data from 32 states, examining claims with and without comorbidities, as well as those with single or multiple comorbid conditions.
Alaska – Emperion will host an educational webinar on the topic of changing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) regulations in Alaska. The event will take place April 15th at 2pm ET. If interested, you can register here.
Arkansas – SB 286 is scheduled for the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor hearing on April 2nd. As a reminder, SB 286 aims to allow additional wage loss benefits in addition to scheduled injury payments under workers’ compensation law. Specifically, the bill aims to broaden the criteria for workers who can receive additional benefits and allow for wage loss benefits to be provided on top of scheduled injury payments.
SB 593, introduced this week in the State Senate by Republican Senators Justin Boyd and Brandon Achor, aims to implement new regulations for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The bill includes restrictions on PBMs owning or holding permits for pharmacies and seeks to protect patients' rights and access to medications.
Iowa – HF 978 was introduced this week in the State House. The bill aims to allow individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to use psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms." It outlines regulations for the cultivation, distribution, and use of psilocybin. Notably, the bill does not restrict the source of PTSD to work-related incidents. This bill was previously introduced as HF 620, which did not progress beyond committee discussions.
Minnesota – HF 2810 was introduced this week. The bill aims to allocate grant funding for equine-experiential mental health therapy specifically for first responders suffering from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It supports therapy programs that use interactions with horses to help first responders manage and recover from their trauma.
Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Humphrey authorized an average 8.6% decrease in workers' compensation loss costs for policies starting on or after April 1.
Tennessee – Governor Bill Lee enacted HB 128 this week. The bill raises the minimum age requirement for judges on the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board from 30 to 35 and increases the number of additional terms a judge can be reappointed from two to three.
Texas – The Texas Department of Insurance announced that it will implement the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) guidelines to reduce the average advisory loss cost by 11.5%, effective July 1.
The Texas Department of Insurance will be accepting comments through May 30th on proposed changes to classifications for hazardous material removal. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) proposed revisions to the Basic Manual for Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employers Liability, stating that these changes are necessary to clarify classification codes currently assigned to asbestos, mold, and lead paint remediation services.
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