BILL NUMBER: S4030REVISED 2/5/2024
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the workers' compensation law, in relation to presump-
tions in opioid overdose claims for compensation
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to ensure adequate compensation for survi-
vors of injured workers who have died as the result of an opioid over-
dose.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill would provide that, for the purposes of any proceeding for the
enforcement of a workers' compensation claim, the death of an injured
worker due to an opioid overdose is compensable if such injured worker
was prescribed opioids to treat a workplace injury.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
N/A
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Many workers injured on the job are prescribed opioids to help treat
their injuries. In light of the recent opioid epidemic sweeping the
nation, this bill would ensure that if an injured worker overdoses on
opioids that were prescribed as the result of a workplace injury, such
death would be compensable under the workers' compensation system. This
would ensure that the workers' surviving beneficiaries receive the
adequate benefits afforded under the law, due to such death ultimately
being the result of a workplace injury.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-20: A5075/S2061
2021-22: A1770/S6374
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill would take effect immediately.