SB 116 Summary

• Allows employees and employers to request voluntary mediation of disputed workers' compensation claims conducted by a hearing officer or classified employee of the division of workers' compensation.

• Mediation is conducted informally through in-person or telephonic conferences, is confidential, and cannot be recorded; mediator cannot compel settlement and either party may withdraw after the first conference.

• Protects mediation confidentiality by prohibiting evidence of settlement efforts or statements made during mediation from being used as evidence in subsequent hearings.

• Permits collective bargaining agreements to establish alternative dispute resolution processes, identify exclusive health care providers and medical evaluators, establish joint safety committees, and create light-duty employment programs.

• Requires that arbitration decisions under collective bargaining agreements have the same force and effect as hearing officer decisions and are subject to the same appeal procedures; prohibits collective bargaining agreements from reducing employee benefits.

• Takes effect July 1, 2012.