MN SF1234

Modifies the rehabilitation review panel's complaint investigation procedures, changing from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may") investigation of complaints against qualified rehabilitation consultants and vendors.

Increases attorney fee limits in workers' compensation cases from $13,000 to $26,000 total per injury, and adjusts the fee formula to 20 percent of the first $130,000 of compensation awarded instead of 25 percent of first $4,000 plus 20 percent of next $60,000.

Expands occupational disease and personal injury definitions to include mental impairment (post-traumatic stress disorder) with specific exclusions for disciplinary actions, job transfers, demotions, promotions, terminations, and similar employer actions taken in good faith.

Changes maximum weekly temporary total disability compensation from a fixed $850 per week (as of October 1, 2008) to 102 percent of statewide average weekly wage, adjusted annually beginning October 1, 2013.

Implements job development service limitations of 20 hours per month or 26 consecutive or intermittent weeks maximum for qualified rehabilitation consultants, with required consultation after 13 weeks to extend services beyond that period.

Adds criteria for long-term opioid or scheduled medication use in workers' compensation treatment standards, including requirement for written contracts between injured workers and prescribing health care providers.

Establishes a two-year patient advocate pilot program for employees with back injuries considering fusion surgery, funded through the special compensation fund.

Requires the commissioner to study workers' compensation carrier and health care provider reimbursement system effectiveness and costs, with findings due to the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council by December 31, 2013.