Relates to the determination of assessment rates for employers who have an established alternate dispute resolution.
Impact
The implications of this bill touch on both economic and administrative aspects of the workers' compensation system. By allowing employers to utilize self-insured plans approved by the state, A08900 could lead to significant financial benefits for businesses, potentially reducing the overall costs associated with workers' compensation. These changes are targeted to take effect from 2026, which means businesses will have time to adapt their practices accordingly. Furthermore, this alteration could ease the burden on state resources that administer these systems, resulting in potential savings for the state government as well.
Summary
A08900 aims to amend the workers' compensation law in New York state by establishing new provisions for determining assessment rates for employers that implement an alternate dispute resolution (ADR) program. This bill is designed to create a more flexible and potentially cost-saving mechanism for employers who seek to manage workers' compensation benefits outside the standard processes. The new assessment rate would reflect the savings in administrative expenses these alternative programs create for the state, thus incentivizing businesses to participate in ADR systems.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, A08900 may face scrutiny from various stakeholders. Critics might argue that relying on ADR could undermine the protections traditionally afforded to workers under the existing system and may lead to inconsistent outcomes in cases of disputes. Furthermore, concerns could arise regarding the adequacy of oversight and the effectiveness of these alternative programs in ensuring fair treatment for employees. Balancing cost savings for employers with the need to protect employee rights and welfare will likely be a central point of contention as discussions around this bill continue.
Requires written notice of an adverse determination made by a utilization review agent in relation to a step therapy protocol override determination which includes the clinical review criteria relied upon to make such determination and any applicable alternative prescription drugs subject to the step therapy protocol of the utilization review agent.
Requires written notice of an adverse determination made by a utilization review agent in relation to a step therapy protocol override determination which includes the clinical review criteria relied upon to make such determination and any applicable alternative prescription drugs subject to the step therapy protocol of the utilization review agent.
Establishes certain rights and remedies for employees who are wrongfully discharged; establishes remedies for wrongful discharge; allows an employee or employer to make a written offer to arbitrate a dispute covered under this act; defines terms.
Relates to disputes arising from collective negotiations; addresses strikes which occur on a date or dates more than one year after the expiration of the last agreement between the employee's public employer and the public employee organization representing such employee; relates to impasse resolution.
Requires public employers who opt out of providing paid family leave benefits to provide parental leave in the alternative at the same pay rate and amount of time as paid family leave.
Requires public employers who opt out of providing paid family leave benefits to provide parental leave in the alternative at the same pay rate and amount of time as paid family leave.