DE HB408

Allow service of hearing notices by secure email with electronic receipt in addition to personal delivery or certified mail in workers' compensation proceedings under §§ 2345, 2346, 2347, and 2348.

Prohibit use of the term "Independent Medical Examination" or "IME" for physician examinations required by employers, with fines up to $500 per violation; allow the Board to appoint disinterested physicians for medical examinations under § 2320(7).

Require the Board to render written decisions within 14 days of hearing with findings of fact and conclusions of law, with an option to extend an additional 14 days if a decision cannot be reached; decisions must be served by personal delivery, secure email with electronic receipt, or certified mail.

Modify the appeal deadline in § 2349 to allow appeals within 30 days of when the notice of award was mailed or electronically received by secured email to the Superior Court.

Allow judgments based on final workers' compensation awards to automatically continue for 20 years from the date of award without requiring renewal under the standard judgment renewal provisions.