NC S43

Directs the Office of State Personnel, in conjunction with the Department of Public Instruction and the Office of State Budget and Management, to study expenses related to workers' compensation claims management for state and local government employees.

Requires the study to identify which state agencies have budget line items for workers' compensation expenses and which do not, and explain how those expenses are funded.

Mandates examination of how workers' compensation management expenses are allocated among agencies, including third-party administrator fees and legal defense costs.

Requires recommendations for alternative budgeting methods using fractional percentages of agency payroll, lump sum settlement approaches, and strategies to return injured employees to work faster.

Directs identification of state agencies suitable for a pilot program to test recommendations for improving efficiency and reducing costs, with findings and recommendations due to the General Assembly by October 1, 2013.