LA HB357

Replaces the current workers' compensation medical reimbursement standard (mean of usual and customary charges) with rates that must be "reasonable when compared to" surrounding states' workers' compensation fee schedules

Requires the assistant secretary of workers' compensation to promulgate an initial reimbursement schedule effective January 1, 2027, with mandatory annual adjustments supported by collected data

Mandates the assistant secretary examine administrative relief and paperwork reductions for healthcare providers, processes to expand medical market access, and inclusion of external stakeholders in calculating the schedule

Establishes data collection requirements including surveys managed with an academic institution, minimum 30 providers per statistic, no single provider representing more than 25% of any statistic, and data at least 6 months old

Requires quarterly reporting to the House and Senate labor and industrial relations committees, which will have legislative oversight over the rate study process