NCCI continually monitors issues that could potentially impact the workers compensation system. Here we summarize hot topics covered throughout 2018. View the
2018 Legislative Sessions: Workers Compensation Wrap-Up—Webinar on Demand for more information on these topics, plus a high-level overview of legislative, regulatory, and judicial activity across the country.
Legislative Overview for 2018
In 2018, NCCI tracked more than
850 state and federal workers compensation-related bills and monitored almost
270 workers compensation-related regulations. Medical cost management was a top theme of the regulations adopted, including medical fee schedules and treatment guidelines.
First Responders
In 2018, at least
17 states considered legislation addressing workers compensation coverage for mental-only injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Florida and
Washington passed legislation to expand benefits for first responders with PTSD.
New Hampshire established a commission to study the incidence of PTSD in first responders to explore if it should be covered under workers compensation. Several other states proposed, but ultimately did not pass legislation, including
Arizona,
Kentucky,
Missouri,
Ohio,
South Carolina, and
West Virginia.
Legalization of Marijuana
Following
Michigan’s voter-approved ballot measure, the recreational use of marijuana is now legal in 10 states, plus the
District of Columbia.
Utah,
Missouri, and
Oklahoma approved ballot measures in 2018 to legalize the medical use of marijuana.
Prescription Drugs
In 2018, almost every state introduced legislation related to prescription drugs and almost
20 states considered legislation addressing prescription drugs in workers compensation.
Arizona and
Hawaii passed legislation to address the use of opioids in workers compensation, while
Indiana and
Kentucky passed legislation impacting drug formularies.
Marketplace Contractors
Five states—Florida,
Indiana,
Iowa,
Kentucky, and
Tennessee—passed legislation that defines the term “marketplace contractor” to classify certain on-demand workers as independent contractors in 2018.
Alabama,
California,
Colorado, and
Georgia considered, but did not pass, similar legislation.
For more information, check out additional articles featured under
Workers Compensation Insights on
ncci.com for the latest in cutting-edge research, thought-provoking articles, and unmatched analysis.
This article is provided solely as a reference tool to be used for informational purposes only. The information in this article shall not be construed or interpreted as providing legal or any other advice. Use of this article for any purpose other than as set forth herein is strictly prohibited.
