The bill amends R.S.34:15-64 to establish new regulations regarding fees for witnesses and attorneys in workers' compensation cases. It allows for specific fees to be paid to evaluating and treating physicians for their reports and testimony, including a maximum of $1,000 for an evaluating physician's written opinion and additional fees for court appearances. The bill also sets limits on fees for treating physicians based on the complexity of their reports and the nature of their testimony, with caps on hourly rates and total amounts. Furthermore, it stipulates that no fees for evaluating physicians can be contingent on the outcome of a case, and it introduces provisions for psychologists, nurse practitioners, and licensed clinical social workers to receive compensation for their treatment reports.

Additionally, the bill outlines the discretion of judges of compensation in allowing fees for attorneys and medical witnesses, emphasizing the need for reasonable compensation based on various factors, including the thoroughness of medical evaluations and the necessity of court appearances. It mandates that all attorney fees must be approved by the judge of compensation before payment, and it specifies how expenses should be deducted from judgments or awards. The act takes effect immediately and applies to all claims pending on or after the date of enactment.