House Bill No. 117, introduced by Representative Echols, aims to amend the existing workers' compensation law by establishing a medical fee reimbursement schedule. The bill mandates that the assistant secretary of the office of workers' compensation administration create a reimbursement schedule for various medical services, treatments, and supplies, ensuring that the fees are reasonable compared to those in surrounding 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 and information.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific responsibilities for the assistant secretary, including examining administrative relief for healthcare providers, reducing paperwork, and expanding access to patient care. It also emphasizes the importance of including external stakeholders in the reimbursement calculation process. To ensure transparency and oversight, the office of workers' compensation administration is required to report quarterly to the House and Senate committees on labor and industrial relations regarding the reimbursement process.

Statutes affected:
HB117 Original: 23:2(A)
HB117 Engrossed: 23:2(A)