HF2988 Summary

• Self-Insurance Security Reforms: Adds new procedures for when private self-insurers face bankruptcy, requiring notification to the commissioner, meet-and-confer processes with security funds within 30 days, and automatic security deposit calls under specified conditions.

• System Efficiency Improvements: Modifies attorney fee limits, updates medical record copying procedures and costs, streamlines petition requirements by reducing response timeframes from 30 to 14 days, and clarifies second surgical opinion processes.

• Permanent Partial Disability Schedule: Updates compensation amounts for permanent partial disability ratings ranging from less than 5.5% (now $114,260) up to 100% (now $567,840), effective for injuries occurring on or after October 1, 2023.

• Hospital Outpatient Fee Schedule Reductions: Implements 3% payment reductions effective October 1, 2023 and 2024, and 4% reduction effective October 1, 2025 for hospital outpatient services.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Study: Requires $500,000 appropriation for a study on work-related PTSD prevention, treatment models, and regulatory improvements, with results due by August 1, 2025.