Bill Summary: HB 165 - Occupational Disease Claims

• Amends KRS 342.125 to modify requirements for reopening workers' compensation claims for occupational pneumoconiosis (coal worker's lung disease)

• Removes the requirement that employees must have two additional years of coal dust exposure in Kentucky to seek review of pneumoconiosis awards

• Allows employees to apply for review upon showing progression of previously-diagnosed occupational pneumoconiosis and development of respiratory impairment, without additional exposure requirement

• Application for review must be made within one year of when the employee knew or should have known that disease progression and respiratory impairment development or progression occurred

• Benefits awarded after review are reduced by amounts previously awarded under KRS 342.732, with remaining amount divided across awarded weeks and apportioned according to KRS 342.316