AZ HB2240

Adds a one-time change of administrative law judge as a matter of right for any interested party if filed within 30 days of hearing notice or assignment of a new judge, with affidavits for cause for change still permitted under existing grounds.

Creates new section 23-954 requiring payment of interest on workers' compensation awards at the lesser of 10% per annum or prime rate plus 1%, payable when permanent partial/total disability benefits are not paid within 10 days of award finality or when dependent benefits are initially denied then later accepted.

Adds translation services as a covered medical benefit, allowing carriers to select certified translators not employed by the carrier or permitting parties to agree on non-certified translators if certified ones are unavailable.

Amends permanent partial disability compensation provisions to clarify language regarding loss of use determinations and treatment of scheduled versus non-scheduled injuries.

Directs the Industrial Commission of Arizona to research and recommend procedures for investigating workers' compensation fraud affecting self-insured employers, with recommendations due by December 31, 2016.