IL HB0076

Employers must provide written notification to claimants including the specific reason when denying payment for medical expenses; claims without communicated specific reasons shall not be considered denied.

Denials that comply with a registered utilization review program receive a rebuttable presumption that employers are not liable for additional compensation under Section 19(k).

Increases daily additional compensation from $30 to $100 per day for employer failure to pay benefits without good cause, with a maximum cap increasing from $10,000 to $33,000.

Establishes requirements for utilization review program registration with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, including compliance with URAC standards or alternative accreditation by national organizations.

Effective January 1, 2012.