HB 1052 Summary

• Expands workers compensation coverage for preventive treatment of communicable disease exposure to include health care providers, firefighters, peace officers, correctional officers, court officers, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians exposed to bloodborne pathogens or rabies during employment.

• Extends the deadline for filing requests for reconsideration of claim and employer decisions from 45 days to 40-45 days from the date notice of decision was mailed, with requests considered filed only upon receipt by the organization.

• Permits the organization to calculate employer premiums using wage caps from previous payroll reports, investigative data, or job service North Dakota information when employers fail to provide payroll reports, with such calculations presumed accurate.

• Changes the standard for cease and desist orders against uninsured employers from "by registered mail" to "knowingly conducts business with an uninsured employer" and increases the penalty for general contractors or subcontractors using uninsured employers to $5,000 plus $100 per day of violation.

• Requires the Workforce Safety and Insurance to study section 65-04-26.2 regarding general contractor liability for subcontractors and independent contractors during the 2023-24 interim, with findings and recommendations due to legislative management by July 1, 2024.