AR HB1953

Reverses case law allowing employees properly terminated for misconduct to receive temporary total or temporary partial disability benefits when employer has work available within employee's medical restrictions.

Amends definition of "objective findings" to require specific diagnosis of palpable muscle spasms; muscle relaxant prescriptions alone cannot establish muscle spasms as an objective finding.

Modifies third-party liability provisions to allow employers/carriers a future credit against workers' compensation benefits from third-party settlements after reimbursement, preventing double recovery to injured employees.

Eliminates consideration of the "made whole doctrine" when determining employer/carrier liens in third-party claims and requires written consent from employer or carrier for any out-of-court third-party settlements.

Allows Medicare-eligible claimants to petition for partial settlement of all issues except future medical treatment, with commission retaining jurisdiction only over future medical expense claims.