WorkersCompensation.com's CompNewsNetwork: WIN WIN for Workers Compensation Employers and Employees in LOUISIANA

WIN WIN for Workers Compensation Employers and Employees in LOUISIANA
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Republished with permission from ReduceYourWorkersComp.com on 29 June, 2009 09:10:52
 
New Louisiana Law Provides Cost Controls and Quality Medical CareThe American
Insurance Association   (AIA) applauds passage of Louisiana's SB303 workers'
compensation medical treatment legislation designed to ensure the timely
delivery of quality medical treatment to injured workers while controlling
rising employer costs. Governor Bobby Jindal is expected to sign the
legislation.
The legislation aims  to achieve these goals by requiring medical treatments
to adhere to a new treatment schedule and such treatments must be in accordance
with the principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM).
"Adoption of SB303  will help injured workers receive high quality medical
treatment when it's most needed without bureaucratic delay," said John Marlow,
assistant vice president for AIA's Southwest Region.  "This legislation is a
good first step in reforming Louisiana's workers' compensation system," added
Marlow.  "SB303 represents a common-sense agreement between labor, employers
and the medical community as to what's best for Louisiana's workers," said
Marlow.    
The legislation requires  the director of the Office of Workers' Compensation
Administration to establish a medical treatment schedule, in accordance with
EBM principles, which the Administration must formally adopt by September 30,
2010.
The director  will also be responsible for appointing a medical advisory
committee, contract with a medical director in order to oversee the development
and mandated bi-annual review of the treatment schedule.   "AIA will work
 with advisory committee members to ensure the new medical treatment schedule
adheres to sound evidence-based medicine principles," said Marlow.
"The committee  can also take steps to reduce costs by applying Medicare fee
schedules to reimbursements, requiring Medicaid rates be used for
pharmaceutical reimbursements, and compelling the utilization of employers'
designated physicians and treatment networks," added
Marlow. (workersxzcompxzkit).
"Louisiana's workers'  compensation system now has a significant opportunity
to advance access to quality treatment while reducing employer costs," Marlow
concluded.
Author:  Robert Elliott, J.D.
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