HB 1417 Summary

• Allows injured employees to select their own physician, surgeon, or health care provider for workers' compensation treatment, with the employer retaining selection rights only if the employee makes no choice.

• Requires health care providers to communicate fully with employees about their injury and recommended treatment, with violations subject to disciplinary action under chapter 620.

• Mandates health care providers disclose in writing any financial interest they or their partners have in facilities to which they refer patients, with violations constituting a class A misdemeanor.

• Prohibits hospitals and health care providers from billing employees or reporting payment failures to credit agencies once proper notice of a workers' compensation claim is received.

• Extends similar employee selection rights to physical rehabilitation services, allowing employees to choose qualified facilities unless they decline to do so.