The bill SB 408 seeks to amend various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning workers' compensation, particularly focusing on the office of workers' compensation administration. Key provisions include mandatory reporting of medical and pharmacy claims data, enhanced confidentiality protections, and penalties for non-compliance. The bill introduces new definitions and requirements for the controversion of compensation and medical benefits, including notice and delivery requirements, preliminary determination hearings, and the finality of decisions made by the medical services section. Additionally, it establishes a new reimbursement schedule for medical services, particularly for implants, and clarifies notice requirements for employers and payors regarding compensation modifications or terminations.

Significant changes include the requirement for a minimum of 30 healthcare providers to report data for statistical purposes, ensuring that no single provider's data can dominate any statistic. The bill mandates that all workers' compensation payors submit detailed claims data quarterly and establishes a comprehensive, confidential database for this information, with criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Starting July 1, 2027, all claims for medical services must be submitted electronically, and the bill outlines a new process for resolving billing disputes, with the non-prevailing party responsible for review costs. Overall, SB 408 aims to improve the management and transparency of medical billing and reimbursement within Louisiana's workers' compensation system while enhancing protections for injured workers.

Statutes affected:
SB408 Original: 23:2(B), 23:1201(E), 23:1203(B), 44:1(B)(12)
SB408 Engrossed: 23:2(B), 23:1201(E), 23:1203(B), 23:1(J)(1), 44:1(B)(12)
SB408 Reengrossed: 23:2(B), 23:1201(E), 23:1203(B), 23:1(J)(1), 44:1(B)(12)
SB408 Re-Reengrossed: 23:2(B), 23:1201(E), 23:1203(B), 23:1(J)(1), 44:1(B)(12)
SB408 Enrolled: 23:2(C), 23:1201(E), 23:1203(B), 23:1(J)(1), 23:1(A), 44:1(B)(12)
Conference Committee Report, #4517, House Adopted, Senate Adopted: 23:1(A)