House Bill No. 863, introduced by Representative Echols, aims to amend and reenact certain provisions of the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Act, specifically R.S. 23:1034.2, to establish a medical fee reimbursement schedule for workers' compensation claims. The bill mandates that the assistant secretary of the office of workers' compensation administration create a reimbursement schedule for various medical services, supplies, and treatments, ensuring that the fees are reasonable when compared to similar states. The initial reimbursement schedule is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and adjustments to the schedule will be made annually based on collected data.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific duties for the assistant secretary, including examining administrative relief for healthcare providers, reducing paperwork, and expanding access to patient care. It also requires the office to report quarterly to the House and Senate committees on labor and industrial relations, providing legislative oversight of the reimbursement process. The bill retains existing provisions regarding the confidentiality of collected information, ensuring that it remains privileged and not subject to public record.

Statutes affected:
HB863 Original: 23:2(A)
HB863 Engrossed: 23:2(A), 23:2(C)(3)
HB863 Reengrossed: 23:2(A)