Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB1467

Introduced

1/31/23

Refer

2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 50, relative to workers compensation.

Impact

The proposal is expected to have a significant impact on the landscape of workers' compensation law in Tennessee. By granting more autonomy to employees in selecting their medical professionals, HB1467 aims to facilitate timely and appropriate treatment for injured workers. This legislative change is poised to enhance the quality of healthcare accessed by employees, as it removes some bureaucratic hurdles in the process, potentially leading to better recovery outcomes. Additionally, it offers protections for workers through the presumption of medical necessity for the recommended treatments by selected providers.

Summary

House Bill 1467 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning workers' compensation. It establishes guidelines for injured employees regarding the selection and change of treating physicians. The bill permits employees to select one treating physician in any field or specialty without prior approval for any changes within that specialty, making it easier for employees to obtain necessary medical care. Furthermore, it includes provisions for second opinions in the case of surgery decisions, reinforcing the employee's ability to make informed choices about their treatment options.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics may express concerns about the potential financial implications for employers, who could face increased costs if employees opt for more treatments or specialists than necessary. There is also the fear that the amendments could lead to an increased burden on the healthcare system. Opponents argue that offering such freedoms could result in unnecessary treatments that do not adhere to established guidelines, jeopardizing both employer interests and the efficiency of the workers' compensation system.