The bill amends Section 50 of the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act to modify the reimbursement rate provisions specifically regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services. It stipulates that reimbursement for MRI services will only be allowed if provided by entities that meet Medicare requirements or are accredited by recognized organizations. Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions that set reimbursement rates for other radiology procedures, thereby streamlining the focus on MRI services. The bill also establishes that reimbursement for medical services related to the Evaluation and Management of injured employees must be at least 150% of the Medicare Fee Schedule.
Furthermore, the bill outlines various provisions related to the Fee Schedule, including the requirement for the Commission to conduct a review and update of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) every two years. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality medical care for injured employees and allows for the development of a reasonable stop-loss provision for catastrophic injuries. The bill also mandates that the Commission will have sole authority to recover charges for medical care related to workplace injuries and sets forth penalties for employers or insurance carriers that delay payments for medical services. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.