Assembly Bill 232 proposes a significant restructuring of Wisconsin's workers' compensation system by transferring adjudicatory functions from the Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The bill includes the repeal of specific provisions related to the DHA, such as sections 102.01 (2) (ad) and 102.15 (1) (b), and amends various sections, including 40.65 (2) (b) 3. and 102.13 (1) (c), to reflect the DWD's new role. This consolidation aims to enhance efficiency and clarity in handling disputed workers' compensation claims, simplifying the process for both claimants and employers.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes concerning the determination of the necessity and reasonableness of treatment and prescription drug charges for injured employees. It empowers the DWD to obtain expert opinions on treatment necessity during disputes and mandates adherence to specific standards in its determinations. The bill clarifies that the department will deny payment for unnecessary treatments and that both health service providers and insurers must comply with the department's findings unless modified through specified processes. It also addresses disputes over prescription drug charges, allowing the department to include reasonableness determinations in its orders. Overall, the bill aims to streamline decision-making processes while ensuring compliance with the department's determinations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 40.65(2)(b)3, 40.65, 40.65(2)(b)4, 102.01(2)(ad), 102.01, 102.01(2)(dm), 102.04(2r)(b), 102.04, 102.07(8)(c), 102.07, 102.12, 102.13(1)(c), 102.13, 102.13(1)(d)2, 102.13(1)(d)3, 102.13(1)(f), 102.13(2)(a), 102.13(3), 102.13(4), 102.13(5), 102.14(title), 102.14, 102.14(1), 102.14(2), 102.15(1)(b), 102.15, 102.16(1), 102.16, 102.16(1m)(a), 102.16(1m)(b), 102.16(1m)(c), 102.16(2)(a)
Text as Enrolled: 40.65(2)(b)3, 40.65, 40.65(2)(b)4, 102.01(2)(ad), 102.01, 102.01(2)(dm), 102.04(2r)(b), 102.04, 102.07(8)(c), 102.07, 102.12, 102.13(1)(c), 102.13, 102.13(1)(d)2, 102.13(1)(d)3, 102.13(1)(f), 102.13(2)(a), 102.13(3), 102.13(4), 102.13(5), 102.14(title), 102.14, 102.14(1), 102.14(2), 102.15(1)(b), 102.15, 102.16(1), 102.16, 102.16(1m)(a), 102.16(1m)(b), 102.16(1m)(c), 102.16(2)(a), 102.16(2)(b), 102.16(2m)(a), 102.16(2m)(b), 102.16(4), 102.17(1)(a)1, 102.17