National – Enlyte released its 2024 Enlytened Trends Report, which focused on an aging populations, provider shortages, AI, and cost drivers.
“Insurers concerned about 2024 comp outlook: NCCI” considering “rate adequacy, medical inflation and shifting workforce…” NCCI completed its annual survey of key industry stakeholders with concerns of the aging workforce, rising medical costs and increasing wages among the list. Survey responses came from 101 workers’ comp leaders.
Virginia – HB 274 would create a presumption that infertility is a compensable condition for firefighters who regularly respond to fires or events involving the release of radiation or other known or suspected carcinogens. Infertility is defined as failure to achieve pregnancy in twelve (12) months. The general assembly convenes for the 2024 session this week.
New Jersey – SB 786 would require providers to file a dispute over fees no later than two years after receiving partial payment or a notice of denial of payment. A similar bill was introduced last year, and it never received a hearing. SB 1470 would create a presumption for first responders from September 11th. There would not be a restrictive timeline on when the claim was filed, but the work must participate in the CDC’s monitoring program. “This bill provides that a public safety worker who participated in the response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and is treated or monitored through the World Trade Center Health Program established by the Centers for Disease Control is presumed to be compensable under the state workers’ compensation law without respect to when the worker files his claim for compensation, except that the claim is required to be filed within two years after the effective date of the bill.” Similar legislation was introduced and failed in past sessions.
Maryland – HB 190 would create a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presumption for first responders, including law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, correctional officers, 911 dispatchers, rescue squad member, and firefighters as long as they had two (2) years of service in Maryland.
Florida – State Senator Keith Perry introduced SB 1658, which is similar to a bill that died in committee in 2021. The bill, if passed, would require employee leasing companies to provide comp coverage for all a client’s workers if the client company does not have coverage. The bill would take effect July 1st.
Alaska – A new bill, HB 239, would create a presumption that PTSD is compensable for firefighters, peace officers, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers and mobile intensive care paramedics. The presumption would extend to those during employment or within three (3) years of the last date of employment. HB 218 would provide a presumption for respiratory disease, cardiovascular events, and specified cancers.
Indiana – HB 1246, filed earlier this week, would provide injured workers with their choice of physician, except in cases where the worker is unable to decide or where emergency medical care is required. The bill is in committee and if passed, would take effect July 1st.
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