The bill amends Arkansas Code 11-9-514(a) regarding the process for changing physicians under the Workers' Compensation Law. It establishes that if an employee selects a physician, a change can only be authorized by the Workers' Compensation Commission if the employee provides a compelling reason. However, if the employer selects the physician, the employee is allowed to petition for a change of physician one time, with the commission determining the new physician without being bound by the recommendations of either party. Additionally, the bill allows for referrals to relevant specialists and permits injured employees to request a change of physician to another physician or specialist associated with a certified managed care entity once per year.

The bill also clarifies that an injured employee may obtain one change of a specialist per year for each relevant specialty. It removes previous provisions that established a managed care system, which included specific conditions for changing physicians based on employer contracts with managed care organizations. The new language emphasizes continuity of care and improved outcomes while streamlining the process for changing physicians and specialists within the Workers' Compensation framework.

Statutes affected:
SB 288: 11-9-514(a)