Arkansas: State commission outlines changes to WC laws
A bill passed during the 2009 legislative session made numerous changes to the state's workers' compensation regulations.
The Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission recently outlined those changes and explained how Act 327 would impact employers and insurers.
According to the commission, the legislation:
- Prohibits an offset for benefits previously paid by a group disability policy if the policy was purchased by the injured worker.
- Clarifies that the employer at the time of the compensable injury is liable for benefits for permanent partial disability or permanent total disability claims made on or after Jan. 1, 2008.
- Shifts the liability for permanent total disability benefit payments compensable by the Second Injury Fund to the Arkansas Death and Permanent Total Disability Trust Fund, effective Jan. 1, 2010.
- Requires the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board to obtain proof of workers' comp coverage prior to issuing or renewing licenses to contractors.
- Affirms that the Contractors Licensing Board has the authority to not issue or to revoke a contractor's license for failure to obtain or maintain workers' comp coverage as required by law.
Read more at the WORKERSCOMP ForumTM homepage.
August 10, 2009 Copyright 2009© LRP Publications
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