AR HB1840

Restores the statutory intent of Arkansas workers' compensation law by repealing prior court and commission decisions that the 88th General Assembly views as having impermissibly broadened the scope beyond Act 796 of 1993.

Creates rebuttable presumption that injuries sustained during breaks, when clocked out, or when entering/exiting premises occurred outside employment services and are therefore non-compensable.

Requires compensable injuries be established by medical evidence supported by objective findings made specifically by a licensed physician, and excludes prescriptions without specific findings from qualifying as objective evidence.

Restructures third-party liability and subrogation provisions by giving employers an absolute first lien upon settlement proceeds and establishing the employee's entitlement to a minimum one-third of recovery after collection costs.

Amends physician change procedures to require compelling reasons for changes and limits employees to one change petition; modifies permanent disability benefits to include physical impairment ratings; and annuls specific case law decisions deemed inconsistent with statutory intent.