Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition.
Deletes all provisions in the previous version and replaces them with AN ACT PROVIDING THAT THE NORTH CAROLINA RATE BUREAU SHARE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION INFORMATION ON THE STATUS OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE COVERAGE ON EMPLOYERS IN THIS STATE AND MAKING CLARIFYING, CONFORMING, AND OTHER CHANGES RELATED TO THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Enacts new GS 58-36-17, requiring the NC Rate Bureau (Bureau) to share information in the Bureau’s records regarding workers’ compensation insurance on NC employers and amends GS 58-36-16 to require the Bureau share information related to each employer’s experience rate modifier and name and address with the NC Industrial Commission (Commission). Specifies that the information is confidential and provides for immunity for releasing information.
Amends GS 97-25.6 to require the employer to provide the employee a copy of any medical records the employer receives upon the employee’s request (previously required the employer to provide a copy absent any request). Authorizes the employer to request information from the employee’s health care provider regarding the employee’s ability to return to work with the employer. Requires an employee to file a request for a protective order with the Commission within 10 days after the employer sends notification that the employer intends to communicate additional medical information to the employee’s health care provider and authorizes the employer to submit the information to the provider if the employee does not do so. Increases the methods by which additional forms of communication with the health care provider may be authorized. Makes additional clarifying changes. Amends GS 97-26.1 to authorize the Commission to establish fees to compensate providers for the time spent communicating with employers and employees.
Amends GS 97-26 to provide that the Commission must adopt a schedule of fees for medical compensation and for hospital fees by rule. Makes conforming changes to remove provisions on public comments, hearings, and appeals. Requires the Commission to provide information on the basis for the fee schedule rate as specified.
Amends GS 97-27(b) to specify that an employee must cover all travel expenses when obtaining another examination when dissatisfied with the percentage of permanent disability. Makes conforming changes to GS 97-29(b). Amends GS 97-32.2(a) to provide that vocational rehabilitation services may not be required if the employee qualifies for extended compensation under GS 97-29(c) or permanent disability under GS 97-29(d).
Applies to claims filed on or after the date the act becomes law.