This bill amends the workers' compensation laws in Iowa to clarify the rights of injured employees regarding their choice of physician for treatment. It establishes that while employers have the right to choose the care for injured employees, this right is contingent upon whether the employee has predesignated a physician. The bill mandates that employers must provide written notice to employees about their right to predesignate a primary care provider who has previously treated them and retained their medical records. If an employer fails to notify an employee of this right, the employee can choose any physician for treatment, which will be considered authorized care.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for addressing dissatisfaction with the chosen care, allowing either party to communicate their concerns and seek alternate care if necessary. It also stipulates that if an employee's chosen physician indicates that no significant improvement is expected from an injury, the employee can obtain a medical opinion regarding their permanent disability at the employer's expense. If the employer disputes this evaluation, they may arrange for a second opinion from a physician of their choice. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to injuries occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 85.27, 85.39