SCS/SB 374 - This act modifies workers' compensation law regarding temporary total benefits. Awarded temporary total benefits under a workers' compensation claim may only be terminated by consent of the employee, by the terms of the award, or by proving the employer is justified in terminating compensation. Compensation shall continue during the period until a decision is made concerning termination of benefits. If no award is made to the employee, the employer receives a judgment against the employee.

Currently, an employer terminates workers' compensation benefits by notifying the employee and providing a reason for the termination of compensation. The employee may then request a hearing before the Division of Workers' Compensation and proceed through a 90-day hearing process (60 days to set the hearing and 30 days to render a decision). The same 90 day schedule applies to employers.

Interest calculations for workers' compensation awards payments under subsection 3 of Section 287.160, RSMo are changed. Uncontested late payments accrue interest at 10% per annum from the date when due upon being fifteen days late. Provisions regarding interest calculations on contested payments are removed.
CHARLES HATCHER