This bill proposes updates to section 23-1062 of the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding workers' compensation. It introduces new provisions that allow injured employees to select their medical provider, pharmacy for prescription drugs, and ancillary services such as laboratory, imaging, and durable medical equipment. This addition aims to enhance the autonomy of injured employees in managing their medical care related to their injuries.

Additionally, the bill modifies the timeline for compensation payments by changing the language around the first installment. It specifies that the first payment must be made not later than the twenty-first day after the commission notifies the carrier of a claim, replacing the previous phrasing that stated "no" regarding the timing of this payment. The overall structure of compensation payments during periods of temporary total disability remains unchanged, ensuring that employees continue to receive compensation at least bi-weekly and monthly thereafter, with specific provisions for the initial waiting period after an injury.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1062