The bill aims to modify the employer's liability under the Workers' Compensation Law in Arkansas, specifically addressing the management of medical benefits for injured workers. Key amendments include the establishment of a managed health care system by the Workers' Compensation Commission, which is now required to maintain this system rather than just implement it. The bill also clarifies the rights of injured workers regarding their choice of treating physicians, allowing them to be treated by their regular physician if there is a pre-existing doctor-patient relationship, and outlines the process for changing physicians, including the ability to petition for a change once per year.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for independent medical exams, mandating that employers petition the commission for approval and provide detailed information about the examiner and the purpose of the exam. It ensures that all relevant correspondence and reports are shared with the claimant and grants the claimant the right to depose the examiner, with specific responsibilities for payment of fees and expenses. These changes aim to enhance transparency and ensure that injured workers have access to necessary medical care while also controlling costs for employers.

Statutes affected:
SB 284: 11-9-508(c), 11-9-508