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SS/SCS/SB 66 - Under this act, for the purposes of workers' compensation laws, the term "maximum medical improvement" is defined as the point at which the injured employee's medical condition has stabilized and can no longer reasonably improve, as determined by the employer's physician. Furthermore, in the case of temporary total and temporary partial disability benefits, such benefits shall only continue until the employee reaches maximum medical improvement unless such benefits are terminated by the employee's return to work or are otherwise terminated under law. The act further stipulates that, in the case of temporary total disability, an employer shall only be required to pay compensation until the employee reaches maximum medical improvement unless such benefits are terminated by the employee's return to work or are otherwise terminated under law, but in no event more than 400 weeks. The act modifies provisions relating to compromise settlements under workers' compensation laws. For all compromise settlements offered after a claimant has reached maximum medical improvement, such claimants have 9 months after receiving an initial permanent disability rating from the employer's physician to acquire a rating from a second physician of his or her own choosing. Absent extenuating circumstances, if after 9 months the claimant has not acquired a second rating then any compromise settlement entered into shall be based upon the initial rating. Employers may waive these provisions with or without stating a reason. This act is substantially similar to SB 1027 (2016). SCOTT SVAGERA
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