Session Law 2011-287: H709 Summary

• Expands "medical compensation" definition to include attendant care services and vocational rehabilitation services prescribed by authorized health care providers.

• Defines "suitable employment" as work within an employee's restrictions prior to maximum medical improvement or work the employee is capable of performing within 50 miles of residence after maximum medical improvement.

• Establishes employer defense against workers' compensation claims when employee knowingly misrepresents physical condition at hire and misrepresentation caused the injury.

• Increases temporary total disability benefit duration from 300 to 500 weeks and increases burial expense reimbursement from $3,500 to $10,000.

• Reduces Industrial Commission from seven to six commissioners with maximum two-term limits and subjects commissioner appointments to General Assembly confirmation.