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Workers’ Comp Reform Leads Labor Agendas
Labor committees in both chambers will meet this week—the Senate on Wednesday, House Thursday. Between the two meetings, LABI is tracking eight bills, a handful of them designed to improve Louisiana’s Workers’ Compensation system.
Louisiana continues to be one of the highest cost states in the country for workers’ compensation insurance—this despite our reputation as one of the safest states. As such, LABI will once again work to reform this system, partnering with multiple legislators who understand the need to reduce costs and modernize our system that continues to lag behind most states.
Starting in Senate Labor, two bills by Sen. Alan Seabaugh (R-Many) addressing components of the state’s WC apparatus will be introduced. SB 162 proposes to expedite appeals of treatment decisions by the Office of Worker’s Compensation Administration’s medical director. To do that, the bill restricts the WC judge’s review to evidence that was submitted to, and reviewed by, the medical director. LABI supports this bill as a means to decrease litigation costs and expedite decisions concerning proper medical care.
Sen. Seabaugh is also carrying SB 382, which repeals the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. This group has not met for several years and wastes agency resources that could be better allocated elsewhere. LABI supports this bill as it is a way to reduce waste and inefficiencies in state government.
In House Labor, Rep. Michael Melerine’s (R-Shreveport) HB 185 addresses a line of cases that have eroded statutory employer tort immunity. The measure expands the definition of “independent contractor” to include employees of independent contractors. LABI supports this bill as a proposal to strengthen the exclusive remedy of workers’ compensation.