The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 28-33, which pertains to Workers’ Compensation — Benefits. It modifies the requirements for obtaining permission for major surgery, now allowing employees to proceed without permission from the workers’ compensation court, employer, or insurance carrier, unless non-compliance would be fatal or detrimental to the employee. The bill also updates the employer's liability for hospital services and mandates administrative procedures for hospital billing and data submission. Additionally, it clarifies that employees are not entitled to compensation if they are gainfully employed with a wage equal to or exceeding their pre-injury wage, or if they are imprisoned. Employers are granted the right to credit any overpayment of weekly benefits against future compensation benefits, with the court's agreement or determination.

The bill further details the compensation for specific injuries, such as the loss of limbs or sight, with payments adjusted based on the injury date and typically made in a one-time payment. It assigns specific weeks of compensation for the loss or loss of use of various body parts and addresses permanent disfigurement and hearing loss due to industrial noise. A new penalty clause is inserted, imposing a $100 daily fine for late compensation payments, which must be mailed within 14 days of a decree, order, or agreement. Payments, except for those related to permanent disfigurement, are to be made only after the employee has reached maximum medical improvement. The act will take effect upon passage.