This bill amends the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act by introducing new provisions regarding injury reporting and workers' compensation insurance policies. It mandates that employers or insurers file reports of reportable injuries with the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court within ten days of being notified of the injury. Upon receipt of such reports, the court is required to notify the affected employee about the filing and provide information regarding their rights, including the option to seek legal advice. Additionally, the bill establishes confidentiality measures for employee information in these reports, allowing for limited disclosures under specific circumstances, such as to authorized representatives or in response to public records requests, while ensuring that personally identifiable information is protected.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the provisions related to workers' compensation insurance policies by allowing employers to choose deductibles for medical benefits and establishing that losses reimbursed under these deductibles will be credited against the employer's experience modification starting January 1, 2027. It clarifies that insurers must remain liable for the full cost of medical benefits despite the deductible and outlines the responsibilities of insurers in servicing claims. The bill also includes penalties for policyholders who improperly require employees to pay deductible amounts or waive their rights regarding physician selection. The original sections of the law being amended are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48-144.01
Final Reading: 48-144.01, 48-146.03
Slip Law: 48-144.01, 48-146.03