HB2797 Summary

• Amends the Workers' Compensation Act to require that accidental injuries arise out of and in the course of employment only if the accident significantly caused or contributed to both the resulting condition and disability.

• Excludes injuries from compensation if the hazard or risk was not incidental to employment or was a hazard to which the general public is also exposed, did not occur at a time and place reasonably required by employment, or resulted from a personal risk.

• Limits repetitive or cumulative trauma claims to cases where the trauma significantly caused or contributed to both the medical condition and disability, and excludes ordinary gradual deterioration or progressive degeneration caused by aging or normal daily activities.

• Requires that when repetitive or cumulative trauma occurred for fewer than 3 months, the prior employer becomes liable if evidence demonstrates the exposure significantly caused or contributed to the resulting condition and disability.

• Requires that injuries, their occupational cause, and any resulting disability manifestations be established to a reasonable degree of medical certainty based on objective relevant medical evidence, effective immediately.