S692 - Workers' Compensation Act Amendments

• Expands definition of compensable injury to include injuries to extremities of the body (not just back injuries) when arising from specific traumatic work incidents
• Adds new definitions for "suitable employment" and "rehabilitative employment" to establish standards for return-to-work programs and wage restoration goals
• Creates vocational rehabilitation services requirement for employers/insurers when employees have not returned to pre-injury wage employment, with services paid by employer under Commission fee schedule
• Establishes expedited hearing procedures for termination or suspension of total disability benefits, requiring deputy commissioner decision within 5 days and allowing automatic compensation reinstatement when conditions are met
• Increases maximum compensation award for loss of or permanent injury to important organs from $20,000 to $50,000
• Adds presumption of occupational disease for firefighters with 5+ years service who suffer myocardial infarction or coronary conditions, with conditions regarding pre-employment health exams and smoking history
• Includes commissioners and deputy commissioners of Industrial Commission in Consolidated Judicial Retirement System, effective July 1, 2011