AR HB1611

Amends Arkansas Code § 11-9-715(a) to allow attorney's fees to be awarded on medical benefits or services in workers' compensation cases, modifying the previous prohibition on such fees.

Establishes that attorney's fees on medical benefits shall be limited to cases where medical providers voluntarily contract with the claimant's attorney to recover disputed bills, with reasonable collection fees charged to the provider.

Maintains the 25% fee cap on indemnity benefits payable to injured employees or dependents of deceased employees, with fees split 50/50 between employer/carrier and employee in controverted claims.

Updates the effective date provision in Arkansas Code § 11-9-715(e) from July 1, 2001 to the effective date of this act (2023) for amendments regarding attorney's fees.

Clarifies that fee limitations apply to all cases where attorney's fees are allowed by the Workers' Compensation Commission.