SB330 Alabama 2015 Session

This bill extensively amends the workers' compensation law. The bill would: Revise certain definitions; provide for the approval of standardized claim reimbursement forms by the Director of the Department of Labor; streamline provisions related to injuries occurring out-of-state; provide further for settlement of claims having attorney representation, inadmissible evidence, and advanced payments; provide further for limitations on total permanent total disability compensation; increase the amount for burial expenses; revise maximum compensation amounts; provide further for the names of physicians on medical panels approving additional treatment; shift the burden for cut-off of treatment, and add pain management treatment; delete verification requirement for filing complaints; provide further for attorney fees; add a 14-day requirement to submit stipulation to courts for trial; require judges to enter an order within 90 days of trial; delete requirement of judges to enter an order for hiring of employee's attorney; delete references to the Department of Industrial Relations; provide further for composition of Workers' Compensation Medical Services Board and alter powers and duties of the board; revise schedules of maximum fees and reimbursement rates; and provide for contracts for medical services at mutually agreed rates

Relating to workers' compensation; to amend Sections 25-5-1, 25-5-3, 25-5-11.1, 25-5-35, 25-5-56, 25-5-57, 25-5-67, 25-5-68, 25-5-77, 25-5-80, 25-5-81, 25-5-88, 25-5-90, 25-5-110, 25-5-117, 25-5-197, 25-5-293, 25-5-310, 25-5-311, 25-5-312, 25-5-313, 25-5-314, and 25-5-316, Code of Alabama 1975, to revise certain definitions; provide for the approval of standardized claim reimbursement forms by the Director of the Department of Labor; streamline provisions related to injuries occurring out-of-state; provide further for settlement of claims having attorney representation, inadmissible evidence, and advanced payments; provide further for limitations on permanent total disability compensation; increase the amount for burial expenses; revise maximum compensation amounts; provide further for the names of physicians on panels approving additional treatment; shift burden for cut-off of treatment, and add pain management treatment; delete verification requirement for filing complaints; to provide further for attorney fees; add a 14-day requirement to submit stipulation to courts for trial; require judges to enter an order within 90 days of trial; delete requirement of judges to enter an order for hiring of employee's attorney; delete references to the Department of Industrial Relations; provide further for composition of Workers' Compensation Medical Services Board and alter powers and duties of the board; revise schedules of maximum fees and reimbursement rates; and provide for contracts for medical services at mutually agreed rates.