HF3873 Summary

• Establishes a workers' compensation hospital outpatient fee schedule (HOFS) effective October 1, 2018, based on Medicare OPPS relative weights with conversion factors calculated to maintain existing payment levels, with annual adjustments using Medicare market basket index.

• Defines ambulatory surgical center (ASC) payment methodology at 320 percent of Medicare ASCPS payment or ASC's usual and customary charge (whichever is lower), effective October 1, 2018, with conversion factor adjustments when Medicare rates decline.

• Increases temporary partial disability compensation period from 225 weeks to 275 weeks maximum, and extends temporary partial compensation during retraining plans with exemption from the 275-week limitation.

• Adds presumptive occupational disease coverage for emergency responders (police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, nurses, dispatchers) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or infectious/communicable diseases contracted in the course of employment.

• Increases permanent partial disability benefit amounts across all impairment rating categories and raises permanent total disability retirement presumption age from 67 to 72, with provisions for employees injured after age 67 to receive benefits for 5 years.