The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to workers' compensation in Arizona by updating the definitions and requirements for the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). Specifically, it would expand the definition of "interested party" to include third-party administrators and authorized representatives in cases where the employee is deceased. Additionally, the bill would modify the definition of "serve" or "service" to encompass electronic transmission methods that ensure effective notice, unless the receiving party opts out. The ICA would also be required to establish a schedule of fees for healthcare, dental care, and supplies for injured employees, and it would be exempt from certain procurement requirements for developing this schedule.

Furthermore, the bill proposes to increase the monthly dependent allowance from $25 to $100 for employees receiving compensation for temporary total disability, applicable only to claims filed on or after the effective date of the act. It mandates that the ICA publish the fee schedule on its website, rather than in the Arizona Administrative Register, and includes technical changes to ensure clarity and compliance with the new provisions. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of workers' compensation processes in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-901, 23-908, 23-1045, 41-1715, 23-1041, 35-192.01, 26-314, 17-214, 23-901.01, 23-901.09, 23-1105, 32-1963.01, 12-2235, 23-1070
Senate Engrossed Version: 23-901, 23-908, 23-1045, 41-1715, 23-1041, 35-192.01, 26-314, 17-214, 23-901.01, 23-901.09, 23-1105, 32-1963.01, 12-2235, 23-1070
House Engrossed Version: 23-901, 23-908, 23-1045, 41-1715, 23-1041, 35-192.01, 26-314, 17-214, 23-901.01, 23-901.09, 23-1105, 32-1963.01, 12-2235, 23-1070
Chaptered Version: 23-901, 23-908, 23-1045, 41-1715, 23-1041, 35-192.01, 26-314, 17-214, 23-901.01, 23-901.09, 23-1105, 32-1963.01, 12-2235, 23-1070