SB 1332 Summary

• Establishes a comprehensive process for full and final settlements of accepted workers' compensation claims, requiring written agreements signed by both the carrier and employee with specific disclosures about medical conditions and future benefits.

• Requires employees without legal representation to appear before an administrative law judge for settlement approval, with the judge making specific factual findings and determining if the settlement is fair and reasonable.

• Prohibits full and final settlements for claims involving total and permanent disability and prevents settlements from including unrelated claims.

• Adds unemployment insurance information sharing with the Industrial Commission of Arizona, Department of Insurance, and Attorney General for workers' compensation fraud prevention and investigation.

• Expands medical benefit compensation to include reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses when employees must travel more than 25 miles from their residence to obtain medical care for the work injury.