Modifies provisions relating to marijuana use and workers' compensation
Impact
The new bill specifically affects how injuries are categorized and compensated under workers' compensation laws, especially in cases involving psychological injuries and those linked to marijuana usage. The legislation enforces a stricter interpretation of mental injuries arising from work-related stress and adds stipulations regarding the use of marijuana, asserting the employer's right to refuse reimbursement for treatments involving medical marijuana. This may lead to altered legal precedents and employee expectations concerning workplace injuries, stringently controlling how cases are adjudicated in the realm of workers' compensation.
Summary
House Bill 2135 proposes significant modifications to the workers' compensation laws in Missouri, specifically repealing sections 287.120 and 287.140. One major provision of the bill includes a clarification of what constitutes an accident, expanding the definition to encompass injury or death caused by unprovoked violence or assault, which previously was not distinctly characterized. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that compensation cannot be awarded if the injury is a result of the employee's refusal to submit to reasonable medical treatment, which opens discussions on the responsibilities placed on employees regarding their own health decisions in the workplace.
Contention
Notably, there is potential contention regarding the implications of the bill on employees' rights and employer liabilities when it comes to workplace safety and health care management. The stipulation that employees must comply with their employer’s directives regarding safety protocols and treatment can spark legal debates over personal autonomy and employer overreach in health-related issues. Critics of the bill may view these provisions as undermining protections for employees, particularly in light of their ability to seek necessary medical attention independent of employer specifications. As such, the balance between employer authority in managing workplace safety and employee rights to personal health decisions remains a critical area of concern.