Mississippi lawmakers await gubernatorial action on comp bill

Preexisting conditions and the influence of alcohol or drugs -- including prescription medications -- would have more of a bearing on workers' comp benefits under legislation before the governor. If signed, S.B. 2576 would take effect in July.

Supporters say the measure would make workplaces safer and possibly reduce workers' comp premiums. Opponents argue the legislation would make it more difficult for injured workers to get benefits.

Among the provisions is one to allow a partial reduction in payments to workers with preexisting conditions. Another says there would no compensation for workers found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including the improper use of legal prescription medications. Current law says no compensation is owed if the intoxication of the employee was the proximate cause of the injury.

NIOSH: Promote work-family balance to reduce workplace injuries (10/29/12)
Proposed survey targets asthma among health care workers (07/26/12)
Report outlines effective strategies for successful self-insurance groups (06/18/12)
Louisiana signs on to put a stop to misclassification of employees (03/05/12)
Oklahoma governor signs comp reform legislation (06/16/11)

Other portions of the legislation include:

Establish a 60-day deadline for an injured worker to file medical records. Current law does not include a deadline.
Increase benefits for a spouse of a deceased worker to $1,000, up from $250.
Increase the weekly payment for rehabilitation to $25 from $10.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

May 31, 2012

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