HB 22-1347 Summary

• Increases maximum funeral and burial expense benefits from $7,000 to $12,500, with annual adjustments beginning July 1, 2023 based on state average weekly wage changes.

• Establishes advance mileage expense payments for claimants requiring round-trip travel greater than 100 miles for compensable treatment, requiring employers or insurers to pay within 7 days of written request or provide written denial with reason.

• Allows employees with scheduled injuries to receive higher benefits from either the injury schedule or nonscheduled medical impairment calculation, whichever amount is greater.

• Requires employers to report injuries involving active medical treatment lasting more than 180 days, defining "active medical treatment" as treatment determined by an authorized physician to be reasonably necessary and requiring ongoing physician supervision.

• Eliminates the special funds board for self-insured workers' compensation programs, transferring duties to the Director of the Department of Labor and Employment.