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Workers compensation-related bills that were proposed by the California state legislature within the past year could alter some of the regulations that are present in the existing system.
Two state Senate bills, Senate Bill 537 and Senate Bill 542, and one from the California State Assembly, Assembly Bill 1107, each aim to change certain established rules that the state’s workers’ compensation system has in place.
Senate Bill 542
If the law proposed in Senate Bill 542 is passed, it could accomplish a major victory for the state’s firefighters and police. The bill would allow for workers’ compensation coverage for the treatment of mental illnesses developed as a result of employment in these industries, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Workers’ compensation for mental illness is a debate that is being argued across the country, and has elevated in recent years as conversations about mental illness become more open. Although work-related mental conditions are recognized as an occupational risk in many roles, opposing parties question how the legitimacy of claims could be proven. Employees with work-related mental illnesses may not exhibit signs that are as easily recognizable as physical ailments, but the conditions are equally as prevalent as developing an occupational injury or disease in some jobs.
Senate Bill 537
Senate Bill 537 pushes for greater transparency and a more streamlined process to benefit injured workers. The law mainly focuses on changes for medical provider networks, who would have to avoid making changes to certain treatment and financial information, and would be required to publish the names of approved providers.
Assembly Bill 1107
Assembly Bill 1107 proposes a goal that is similar to that of Senate Bill 537: Reducing delays in the state’s workers’ compensation process. The Assembly legislation aims to do this by allowing for increased compensation for claims that are delayed, providing an incentive for providers to act quickly on workers’ comp cases.
All of these bills passed in their respective legislative houses, and are awaiting approval in the other section of the legislature to fully become law.
At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., our attorneys focus strictly on representing the victims of on-the-job injuries. Our practice is committed exclusively to helping those with workers’ compensation claims receive the benefits they deserve. Contact us if you were injured at work.
Send us a message or call (800) 980-6905 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with our experienced legal team.