Below is video from AIF’s General Counsel, Tammy Perdue, to update our members on what has happened in the world of Worker’s Compensation this week. Please stay tuned until the end of the video to see highlights from our Annual AIF Legislative Reception. To access the documents mentioned in the video, see the links below.
Workers' Compensation Update |
Links to Court Filings:
- Agents & Claims Amicus Brief
- Atty General Answer Brief
- Insurance Trades Amicus Brief
- Answer Brief On Merits
- Employer Amicus Brief
- Legal Reform Amicus Brief
Link to Administrative Rule:
Link to Workers’ Compensation Bills (Week 1):
HB 613- Relating to Workers’ Compensation System Administration
On Wednesday, January 13th, HB 613, relating to Workers’ Compensation System Administration, by Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R-Eustis) was heard in the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee and passed with 9 yeas and 3 nays. AIF’s General Counsel, Tammy Perdue, testified on this bill.
HB 613 passed with a commitment from the sponsor to resolve concerns raised by the business community that this bill could result in uninsured LLC members. AIF is working with legislators today in House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee on a bill that will update some of the tools and procedures available to the Division of Workers' Compensation to allow them to continue operating our self-executing system. Perdue commented that "While AIF identified some technical concerns with the current language in HB 613, we are confident that Rep. Sullivan will continue working with us to craft language that does not inadvertently permit employers to avoid properly securing workers' comp coverage for their employees and allows the Division to secure the tools it needs for successful administration."
AIF continues to lead Florida businesses in safeguarding the delicate balance needed for a successful workers' compensation system. The House Rulemaking Oversight & Repeal committee took a long-awaited step with a PCB to ratify reimbursement schedules for health care providers rendering treatment to injured workers. According to AIF General Counsel, Tammy Perdue "This measure is necessary to be certain that employers are able to provide their employees with the best medical treatment to get them well and back to work safely and quickly, and to keep our system current with national standards."
The next step for this bill will be the House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.
AIF supports Florida’s current workers’ compensation law and any proposed change to the workers’ compensation system- in the courtroom or Legislature- will be evaluated through the prism of coverage affordability, market stability, and employee safety.
