This bill amends Section 85.34 of the Iowa Code regarding the determination of loss or permanent impairment for permanent partial disability under workers' compensation. It specifies that the most recent annual update to the most recent edition of the guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment, published by the American Medical Association, shall be used for these determinations. The bill removes the previous requirement that the workers' compensation commissioner adopt these guides by rule, streamlining the process for assessing permanent impairment.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that lay testimony or agency expertise will not be considered when determining the extent of loss or percentage of permanent impairment in specific cases. This change aims to ensure that the evaluation is based solely on the established medical guidelines. The provisions of this bill will apply to determinations made on or after its effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 85.34, 85.27