Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB1349

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Defines "accident" and "injury." Deletes language allowing rebuttable presumptions for an employee employed as a firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), or paramedic. Deletes language allowing an employee to secure his own physician, surgeon and hospital services at the employer's expense. Provides that the employer shall choose all necessary medical, surgical and hospital services reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of the accidental injury at the employer's expense, except upon a finding by the Commission that the employer's choice of medical care threatens life, health, or recovery, then the employee may choose a second physician, surgeon, and hospital services at the employer's expense. Provides for a waiver of employee privacy for the employer to obtain necessary decision making information. Provides for a wage differential award and that such award shall cease when the employee reaches the full retirement age as defined by the Social Security Administration. Provides for reimbursement of out-of-state procedures, treatments, services, products or supplies. Provides for a new medical fee schedule after January 1, 2012, in accordance with the Medicare payment systems (160%). Moves the utilization review program registration and administration to the Department of Insurance. Makes numerous changes regarding employee intoxication, partial or total disability, implants, employment verification documents, and other changes.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Defines "accident" and "injury." Provides standards of conduct for Commissioners and arbitrators. Provides for limited binding agreements between construction employers and labor organizations. Provides that for 60 days from the report of injury to the employer, the employer shall choose all necessary medical services reasonably required, and that the employee may secure his own physician and medical services after 60 days from the report of injury. Provides that no employer shall be required to pay temporary partial disability benefits to an employee who has been discharged for cause. Provides that an employer may utilize a preferred provider program approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance to satisfy its liabilities. Provides that an award for wage differential shall be effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5 years from the date of the award, whichever is later. Provides for a new determination of permanent partial disability for injuries occurring on or after December 31, 2011. Moves the utilization review program registration and administration to the Department of Insurance. Makes numerous other changes concerning privacy, employee intoxication, fee schedules, prescriptions, billing and best practices reports, utilization review, signature certification, a ban on gifts, fraud, sentencing, and annual reports. Effective immediately.

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