CS/HB 1399 Summary

• Redefines "specificity" for workers' compensation petitions to require detailed information about statutory classifications, benefit amounts, calculations, and medical necessity justifications

• Extends temporary total disability benefits from 104 weeks to 130 weeks (104 weeks plus up to 26 additional weeks) if employee has not reached maximum medical improvement

• Requires claimants to sign an attestation acknowledging that they, not employers or carriers, are responsible for paying attorney fees before engaging legal representation

• Modifies petition dismissal procedures to require good faith effort to resolve disputes before filing, with judges having 10-20 days to rule on motions to dismiss for lack of specificity

• Allows insurance carriers to depart from rating organization rates by up to 5 percent for 12 months without approval, if filed with regulatory office within 30 days

• Effective date: July 1, 2019