The bill aims to restore the right of injured workers to designate their treating physician for workers' compensation purposes, revising existing references to managed care and preferred provider organizations. Key amendments include the removal of the insurer's authority to designate or approve a treating physician without the worker's choice, allowing workers to select a treating physician for initial treatment and subsequently designate that person or another qualified individual. The bill also stipulates that the designation must consider the type of injury and the worker's proximity to the physician, and it allows for changes in the treating physician with mutual consent from the worker and the insurer.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that insurers must provide individual written notice to workers regarding referrals to managed care or preferred provider organizations, ensuring that workers are informed of their options. It also clarifies that in cases of emergency medical treatment, insurers are required to cover costs at 100% of the department's fee schedule, even if the treatment is provided outside the designated organizations. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103
SB0295_1(1): 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103
SB0295_1: 39-71-1101, 39-71-1102, 39-71-1103