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H.B. 150
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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies provisions related to the Workers' Compensation Act and the Utah
10 Occupational Disease Act.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . clarifies language related to when an employer is an employer of a contractor,
14 subcontractor, or their employees for purposes of workers' compensation;
15 . addresses when an employer of a contractor, subcontractor, or their employees is
16 protected by the exclusive remedy of workers' compensation;
17 . defines terms related to managed health care programs and provides for consistent
18 use of terms;
19 . expands the persons with whom and purposes for which contracts may be made in a
20 managed health care workers' compensation setting;
21 . expands requirements for a workers' compensation carrier's designated agent;
22 . gives the commission the exclusive jurisdiction and authority to determine the
23 reasonableness and to adjudicate the collection of certain amounts related to
24 workers' compensation benefits;
25 . addresses treatment of hospital services for purposes of workers' compensation;
26 . addresses reporting requirements;
27 . addresses contracts with providers of health services relating to the pricing of goods
28 and services;
29 . clarifies burden of proof in permanent total disability claims;
30 . addresses who may file an application for a hearing;
31 . deletes out-of-date language;
32 . makes technical changes; and
33 . provides for legislative intent.
34 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
35 None
36 Other Special Clauses:
37 None
38 Utah Code Sections Affected:
39 AMENDS:
40 34A-2-103, as last amended by Chapter 71, Laws of Utah 2005
41 34A-2-111, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
42 34A-2-407, as last amended by Chapter 113, Laws of Utah 2004
43 34A-2-413, as last amended by Chapter 261, Laws of Utah 2005
44 34A-2-801, as last amended by Chapter 67, Laws of Utah 2003
45 34A-3-108, as last amended by Chapter 205 and renumbered and amended by Chapter
46 375, Laws of Utah 1997
47 ENACTS:
48 34A-2-113, Utah Code Annotated 1953
49 Uncodified Material Affected:
50 ENACTS UNCODIFIED MATERIAL
51
52 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
53 Section 1. Section 34A-2-103 is amended to read:
54 34A-2-103. Employers enumerated and defined -- Regularly employed --
55 Statutory employers.
56 (1) (a) The state, and each county, city, town, and school district in the state are
57 considered employers under this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act.
58 (b) For the purposes of the exclusive remedy in this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah
59 Occupational Disease Act prescribed in Sections 34A-2-105 and 34A-3-102 , the state is
60 considered to be a single employer and includes any office, department, agency, authority,
61 commission, board, institution, hospital, college, university, or other instrumentality of the
62 state.
63 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (4), each person, including each public utility
64 and each independent contractor, who regularly employs one or more workers or operatives in
65 the same business, or in or about the same establishment, under any contract of hire, express or
66 implied, oral or written, is considered an employer under this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah
67 Occupational Disease Act.
68 (b) As used in this Subsection (2):
69 [
70 work for another who, while so engaged, is:
71 [
72 [
73 [
74 [
75 employer's design.
76 [
77 business, profession, or occupation of the employer, whether continuous throughout the year or
78 for only a portion of the year.
79 (3) (a) The client company in an employee leasing arrangement under Title 58, Chapter
80 59, Professional Employer Organization Registration Act, is considered the employer of leased
81 employees and shall secure workers' compensation benefits for them by complying with
82 Subsection 34A-2-201 (1) or (2) and commission rules.
83 (b) [
84 secured in accordance with Subsection (3)(a) showing the leasing company as the named
85 insured and each client company as an additional insured by means of individual endorsements.
86 (c) Endorsements shall be filed with the division as directed by commission rule.
87 (d) The division shall promptly inform the Division of Occupation and Professional
88 Licensing within the Department of Commerce if the division has reason to believe that an
89 employee leasing company is not in compliance with Subsection 34A-2-201 (1) or (2) and
90 commission rules.
91 (4) A domestic employer who does not employ one employee or more than one
92 employee at least 40 hours per week is not considered an employer under this chapter and
93 Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act.
94 (5) (a) As used in this Subsection (5):
95 (i) (A) "agricultural employer" means a person who employs agricultural labor as
96 defined in Subsections 35A-4-206 (1) and (2) and does not include employment as provided in
97 Subsection 35A-4-206 (3); and
98 (B) notwithstanding Subsection (5)(a)(i)(A), only for purposes of determining who is a
99 member of the employer's immediate family under Subsection (5)(a)(ii), if the agricultural
100 employer is a corporation, partnership, or other business entity, "agricultural employer" means
101 an officer, director, or partner of the business entity;
102 (ii) "employer's immediate family" means:
103 (A) an agricultural employer's:
104 (I) spouse;
105 (II) grandparent;
106 (III) parent;
107 (IV) sibling;
108 (V) child;
109 (VI) grandchild;
110 (VII) nephew; or
111 (VIII) niece;
112 (B) a spouse of any person provided in Subsection (5)(a)(ii)(A)(II) through (VIII); or
113 (C) an individual who is similar to those listed in Subsections (5)(a)(ii)(A) or (B) as
114 defined by rules of the commission; and
115 (iii) "nonimmediate family" means a person who is not a member of the employer's
116 immediate family.
117 (b) For purposes of this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, an
118 agricultural employer is not considered an employer of a member of the employer's immediate
119 family.
120 (c) For purposes of this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, an
121 agricultural employer is not considered an employer of a nonimmediate family employee if:
122 (i) for the previous calendar year the agricultural employer's total annual payroll for all
123 nonimmediate family employees was less than $8,000; or
124 (ii) (A) for the previous calendar year the agricultural employer's total annual payroll
125 for all nonimmediate family employees was equal to or greater than $8,000 but less than
126 $50,000; and
127 (B) the agricultural employer maintains insurance that covers job-related injuries of the
128 employer's nonimmediate family employees in at least the following amounts:
129 (I) $300,000 liability insurance, as defined in Section 31A-1-301 ; and
130 (II) $5,000 for health care benefits similar to benefits under health care insurance as
131 defined in Section 31A-1-301 .
132 (d) For purposes of this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, an
133 agricultural employer is considered an employer of a nonimmediate family employee if:
134 (i) for the previous calendar year the agricultural employer's total annual payroll for all
135 nonimmediate family employees is equal to or greater than $50,000; or
136 (ii) (A) for the previous year the agricultural employer's total payroll for nonimmediate
137 family employees was equal to or exceeds $8,000 but is less than $50,000; and
138 (B) the agricultural employer fails to maintain the insurance required under Subsection
139 (5)(c)(ii)(B).
140 (6) An employer of agricultural laborers or domestic servants who is not considered an
141 employer under this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, may come under
142 this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, by complying with:
143 (a) this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act; and
144 (b) the rules of the commission.
145 (7) (a) If any person who is an employer procures any work to be done wholly or in
146 part for the employer by a contractor over whose work the employer retains a right of
147 supervision or control, and this work is a part or process in the trade or business of the
148 employer, the contractor, all persons employed by the contractor, all subcontractors under the
149 contractor, and all persons employed by any of these subcontractors, are considered employees
150 of the original employer for the purposes of this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational
151 Disease Act.
152 (b) Any person who is engaged in constructing, improving, repairing, or remodelling a
153 residence that the person owns or is in the process of acquiring as the person's personal
154 residence may not be considered an employee or employer solely by operation of Subsection
155 (7)(a).
156 (c) A partner in a partnership or an owner of a sole proprietorship [
157 considered an employee under Subsection (7)(a) if the employer who procures work to be done
158 by the partnership or sole proprietorship obtains and relies on either:
159 (i) a valid certification of the partnership's or sole proprietorship's compliance with
160 Section 34A-2-201 indicating that the partnership or sole proprietorship secured the payment of
161 workers' compensation benefits pursuant to Section 34A-2-201 ; or
162 (ii) if a partnership or sole proprietorship with no employees other than a partner of the
163 partnership or owner of the sole proprietorship, a workers' compensation policy issued by an
164 insurer pursuant to Subsection 31A-21-104 (8) stating that:
165 (A) the partnership or sole proprietorship is customarily engaged in an independently
166 established trade, occupation, profession, or business; and
167 (B) the partner or owner personally waives the partner's or owner's entitlement to the
168 benefits of this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, in the operation of the
169 partnership or sole proprietorship.
170 (d) A director or officer of a corporation [
171 under Subsection (7)(a) if the director or officer is excluded from coverage under Subsection
172 34A-2-104 (4).
173 (e) A contractor or subcontractor is not an employee of the employer under Subsection
174 (7)(a), if the employer who procures work to be done by the contractor or subcontractor obtains
175 and relies on either:
176 (i) a valid certification of the contractor's or subcontractor's compliance with Section
177 34A-2-201 ; or
178 (ii) if a partnership, corporation, or sole proprietorship with no employees other than a
179 partner of the partnership, officer of the corporation, or owner of the sole proprietorship, a
180 workers' compensation policy issued by an insurer pursuant to Subsection 31A-21-104 (8)
181 stating that:
182 (A) the partnership, corporation, or sole proprietorship is customarily engaged in an
183 independently established trade, occupation, profession, or business; and
184 (B) the partner, corporate officer, or owner personally waives the partner's, corporate
185 officer's, or owner's entitlement to the benefits of this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah
186 Occupational Disease Act, in the operation of the partnership's, corporation's, or sole
187 proprietorship's enterprise under a contract of hire for services.
188 (f) (i) Notwithstanding the other provisions in this Subsection (7), if the conditions of
189 Subsection (7)(f)(ii) are met, a contractor, all persons employed by the contractor, all
190 subcontractors under the contractor, and all persons employed by any of these subcontractors,
191 are all considered employees of the original employer for purposes of Section 34A-2-105 .
192 (ii) Subsection (7)(f)(i) applies if the employer who procures work to be done in whole
193 or in part by the contractor, the subcontractor, and all persons employed by the contractor or
194 subcontractor:
195 (A) under Subsection (7)(a) is liable for and pays workers' compensation benefits
196 because the contractor or subcontractor fails to comply with Section 34A-2-201 ;
197 (B) secures the payment of workers' compensation benefits for the contractor or
198 subcontractor pursuant to Section 34A-2-201 ; or
199 (C) (I) obtains and relies on:
200 (Aa) a valid certification described in Subsection (7)(c)(i) or (7)(e)(i);
201 (Bb) a workers' compensation policy described in Subsection (7)(c)(ii) or (7)(e)(ii); or
202 (Cc) proof that a director or officer is excluded from coverage under Subsection
203 34A-2-104 (4);
204 (II) is liable under Subsection (7)(a) for the payment of workers' compensation benefits
205 if the contractor or subcontractor fails to comply with Section 34A-2-201 ;
206 (III) procures work to be done that is part or process in the trade or business of the
207 employer; and
208 (IV) exercises supervision or control over the means by which the work is
209 accomplished through the implementation of a written workplace accident and injury reduction
210 program meeting the standards of Subsection 34A-2-111 (3).
211 Section 2. Section 34A-2-111 is amended to read:
212 34A-2-111. Managed health care programs -- Other safety programs.
213 (1) As used in this section:
214 (a) (i) "Health care provider" means a person who furnishes treatment or care to
215 persons who have suffered bodily injury.
216 (ii) "Health care provider" includes:
217 (A) a hospital;
218 (B) a clinic;
219 (C) an emergency care center;
220 (D) a physician;
221 (E) a nurse;
222 (F) a nurse practitioner;
223 (G) a physicians' assistant;
224 (H) a paramedic; or
225 (I) an emergency medical technician.
226 (b) "Physician" means any health care provider licensed under:
227 (i) Title 58, Chapter 5a, Podiatric Physician Licensing Act;
228 (ii) Title 58, Chapter 24a, Physical Therapist Practice Act;
229 (iii) Title 58, Chapter 67, Utah Medical Practice Act;
230 (iv) Title 58, Chapter 68, Utah Osteopathic Medical Practice Act;
231 (v) Title 58, Chapter 69, Dentist and Dental Hygienist Practice Act;
232 (vi) Title 58, Chapter 70a, Physician Assistant Act;
233 (vii) Title 58, Chapter 71, Naturopathic Physician Practice Act;
234 (viii) Title 58, Chapter 72, Acupuncture Licensing Act; and
235 (ix) Title 58, Chapter 73, Chiropractic Physician Practice Act.
236 (c) "Preferred health care facility" means a facility:
237 (i) that is a health care facility as defined in Section 26-21-2 ; and
238 (ii) designated under a managed health care program.
239 (d) "Preferred provider physician" means a physician designated under a managed
240 health care program.
241 (e) "Self-insured employer" is as defined in Section 34A-2-201.5 .
242 [
243
244 employees the benefits of this chapter or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, beginning
245 January 1, 1993. The plan [
246 Subsection (2).
247 [
248 preferred provider program allows a selection by the employee of more than one physician in
249 the health care specialty required for treating the specific problem of an industrial patient. [
250 (ii) (A) Subject to the requirements of this section, if a preferred provider program is
251 developed by an [
252
253 (I) preferred provider physicians; and
254 (II) [
255 (B) If a preferred provider program is not developed, an [
256 may have free choice of health care providers. [
257
258
259 (iii) The failure to do the following may, if the [
260 of the preferred provider program, result in the [
261 charges in excess of the preferred provider allowances[
262 (A) use a preferred health care facility; or
263 (B) initially receive treatment from a preferred provider physician.
264 [
265 (2)(b)(i) through (iii), a self-insured [
266 (A) (I) (Aa) have its own health care facility on or near its worksite or premises; and
267 (Bb) continue to contract with other health care providers; or
268 [
269 (B) require employees to first seek treatment at the provided health care or contracted
270 facility.
271 [
272 or employed by an employer having its own health care facility may procure the services of any
273 qualified [
274 (A) for emergency treatment, if a physician employed in the preferred provider
275 program or at the health care facility is not available for any reason;
276 (B) for conditions the employee in good faith believes are nonindustrial; or
277 (C) when an employee living in a rural area would be unduly burdened by traveling to:
278 (I) a preferred provider physician; or
279 (II) preferred health care facility.
280 [
281 enter into contracts with [
282 (2)(c)(i)(B):
283 (I) health care providers [
284 (II) medical review organizations; or
285 (III) vendors of medical goods, services, and supplies including medicines.
286 (B) A contract described in Subsection (1)(c)(i)(A) may be made for the following
287 purposes:
288 [
289 for managed health care services with [
290 [
291 [
292 [
293 [
294 (VI) discounted purchasing; and
295 (VII) the establishment of a reasonable health care cost containment program including
296 the implementation of medical treatment and quality care guidelines that are:
297 (Aa) scientifically based;
298 (Bb) peer reviewed; and
299 (Cc) consistent with standards for health care cost containment programs that the
300 commission shall establish by rules made in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
301 Administrative Rulemaking Act, including the authority of the commission to approve a health
302 care cost containment program before it is used or disapprove a health care cost containment
303 program that does not comply with this Subsection (2)(c)(i)(B)(VII).
304 (ii) [
305 Subsection [
306 contract.
307 [
308
309 [
310 [
311 [
312 [
313 [
314 [
315 [
316 [
317 [
318 [
319
320 [
321 may require an employer to establish a work place safety program if the employer:
322 (i) has an experience modification factor of 1.00 or higher, as determined by the
323 National Council on Compensation Insurance; or
324 (ii) is determined by the insurance carrier to have a three-year loss ratio of 100% or
325 higher.
326 (b) A workplace safety program may include:
327 (i) a written workplace accident and injury reduction program that:
328 (A) promotes safe and healthful working conditions[
329 (B) is based on clearly stated goals and objectives for meeting those goals; and
330 (ii) a documented review of the workplace accident and injury reduction program each
331 calendar year delineating how procedures set forth in the program are met.
332 [
333 Subsection [
334 [
335 the program;
336 [
337 and maintained;
338 [
339 conditions, and operations;
340 [
341 employees are informed of work-related hazards and controls;
342 [
343 implemented; and
344 [
345 [
346 workplace safety program pursuant to Subsection [
347 over any existing current rates and premium modifications charged that employer.
348 Section 3. Section 34A-2-113 is enacted to read:
349 34A-2-113. Designated agent required.
350 Each workers' compensation insurance carrier writing insurance in this state shall
351 maintain a designated agent in this state that is:
352 (1) registered with the division; and
353 (2) authorized to receive on behalf of the workers' compensation insurance carrier all
354 notices or orders provided for under this chapter or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act.
355 Section 4. Section 34A-2-407 is amended to read:
356 34A-2-407. Reporting of industrial injuries -- Regulation of health care providers
357 -- Funeral expenses.
358 (1) As used in this section, "physician" is as defined in Section 34A-2-111 .
359 (2) (a) Any employee sustaining an injury arising out of and in the course of
360 employment shall provide notification to the employee's employer promptly of the injury.
361 (b) If the employee is unable to provide the notification required by Subsection (2)(a),
362 the following may provide notification of the injury to the employee's employer:
363 (i) the employee's next-of-kin; or
364 (ii) the employee's attorney.
365 (c) An employee claiming benefits under this chapter, or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational
366 Disease Act, shall comply with rules adopted by the commission regarding disclosure of
367 medical records of the employee medically relevant to the industrial accident or occupational
368 disease claim.
369 (3) (a) An employee is barred for any claim of benefits arising from an injury if the
370 employee fails to notify within the time period described in Subsection (3)(b):
371 (i) the employee's employer in accordance with Subsection (2); or
372 (ii) the division.
373 (b) The notice required by Subsection (3)(a) shall be made within:
374 (i) 180 days of the day on which the injury occurs; or
375 (ii) in the case of an occupational hearing loss, the time period specified in Section
376 34A-2-506 .
377 (4) The following constitute notification of injury required by Subsection (2):
378 (a) an employer's or physician's injury report filed with:
379 (i) the division;
380 (ii) the employer; or
381 (iii) the employer's insurance carrier; or
382 (b) the payment of any medical or disability benefits by:
383 (i) the employer; or
384 (ii) the employer's insurance carrier.
385 (5) (a) In the form prescribed by the division, each employer shall file a report with the
386 division of any:
387 (i) work-related fatality; or
388 (ii) work-related injury resulting in:
389 (A) medical treatment;
390 (B) loss of consciousness;
391 (C) loss of work;
392 (D) restriction of work; or
393 (E) transfer to another job.
394 (b) The employer shall file the report required by Subsection (5)(a) within seven days
395 after:
396 (i) the occurrence of a fatality or injury;
397 (ii) the employer's first knowledge of the fatality or injury; or
398 (iii) the employee's notification of the fatality or injury.
399 (c) (i) An employer shall file a subsequent report with the division of any previously
400 reported injury that later results in death.
401 (ii) The subsequent report required by this Subsection (5)(c) shall be filed with the
402 division within seven days following:
403 (A) the death; or
404 (B) the employer's first knowledge or notification of the death.
405 (d) A report is not required to be filed under this Subsection (5) for minor injuries,
406 such as cuts or scratches that require first-aid treatment only, unless:
407 (i) a treating physician files a report with the division in accordance with Subsection
408 (9); or
409 (ii) a treating physician is required to file a report with the division in accordance with
410 Subsection (9).
411 (6) An employer required to file a report under Subsection (5) shall provide the
412 employee with:
413 (a) a copy of the report submitted to the division; and
414 (b) a statement, as prepared by the division, of the employee's rights and
415 responsibilities related to the industrial injury.
416 (7) Each employer shall maintain a record in a manner prescribed by the division of all:
417 (a) work-related fatalities; or
418 (b) work-related injuries resulting in:
419 (i) medical treatment;
420 (ii) loss of consciousness;
421 (iii) loss of work;
422 (iv) restriction of work; or
423 (v) transfer to another job.
424 (8) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(b), an employer who refuses or neglects to
425 make reports, to maintain records, or to file reports with the division as required by this section
426 is:
427 (i) guilty of a class C misdemeanor; and
428 (ii) subject to a civil assessment:
429 (A) imposed by the division, subject to the requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46b,
430 Administrative Procedures Act; and
431 (B) that may not exceed $500.
432 (b) An employer is not subject to the civil assessment or guilty of a class C
433 misdemeanor under this Subsection (8) if:
434 (i) the employer submits a report later than required by this section; and
435 (ii) the division finds that the employer has shown good cause for submitting a report
436 later than required by this section.
437 (c) A civil assessment collected under this Subsection (8) shall be deposited into the
438 Uninsured Employers' Fund created in Section 34A-2-704 .
439 (9) (a) [
440 employee shall comply with rules established by the commission regarding:
441 (i) fees for physician's services;
442 (ii) disclosure of medical records of the employee medically relevant to the employee's
443 industrial accident[
444 (iii) reports to the division regarding:
445 (A) the condition and treatment of an injured employee; or
446 (B) any other matter concerning industrial cases that the physician is treating.
447 (b) A physician who is associated with, employed by, or bills through a hospital is
448 subject to Subsection (9)(a).
449 (c) A hospital providing services for an injured employee is not subject to the
450 requirements of Subsection (9)(a)[
451 described in Subsection (9)(a)(ii) or (iii).
452 (d) The commission's schedule of fees may reasonably differentiate remuneration to be
453 paid to providers of health services based on:
454 (i) the severity of the employee's condition;
455 (ii) the nature of the treatment necessary; and
456 (iii) the facilities or equipment specially required to deliver that treatment.
457 (e) This Subsection (9) does not [
458 with a provider of health services relating to the pricing of goods and services [
459
460 [
461
462
463
464 (10) A copy of the initial report filed under Subsection (9)(a)(iii) shall be furnished to:
465 (a) the division;
466 (b) the employee; and
467 (c) (i) the employer; or
468 (ii) the employer's insurance carrier.
469 (11) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (11)(b), a [
470
471 (9)(a)(iii) is guilty of a class C misdemeanor for each offense.
472 (b) A [
473 misdemeanor under this Subsection (11), if:
474 (i) the [
475 (ii) the division finds that there is good cause for submitting a late report.
476 (12) (a) Subject to appellate review under Section 34A-1-303 , the commission has
477 exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine:
478 (i) whether [
479
480 compensable pursuant to this chapter or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act[
481 including:
482 (A) medical, nurse, or hospital services;
483 (B) medicines; and
484 (C) artificial means, appliances, or prosthesis;
485 (ii) the reasonableness of the amounts charged or paid for a good or service described
486 in Subsection (12)(a)(i); and
487 (iii) collection issues related to a good or service described in Subsection (12)(a)(i).
488 (b) Except as provided in Subsection (12)(a), Subsection 34A-2-211 (7), or Section
489 34A-2-212 , a person may not maintain a cause of action in any forum within this state other
490 than the commission for collection or payment [
491 or services described in Subsection (12)(a) that are compensable under this chapter or Chapter
492 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act.
493 Section 5. Section 34A-2-413 is amended to read:
494 34A-2-413. Permanent total disability -- Amount of payments -- Rehabilitation.
495 (1) (a) In cases of permanent total disability resulting from an industrial accident or
496 occupational disease, the employee shall receive compensation as outlined in this section.
497 (b) To establish entitlement to permanent total disability compensation, the employee
498 [
499 (i) the employee sustained a significant impairment or combination of impairments as a
500 result of the industrial accident or occupational disease that gives rise to the permanent total
501 disability entitlement;
502 (ii) the employee is permanently totally disabled; and
503 (iii) the industrial accident or occupational disease was the direct cause of the
504 employee's permanent total disability.
505 (c) To [
506
507 (i) the employee is not gainfully employed;
508 (ii) the employee has an impairment or combination of impairments that limit the
509 employee's ability to do basic work activities;
510 (iii) the industrial or occupationally caused impairment or combination of impairments
511 prevent the employee from performing the essential functions of the work activities for which
512 the employee has been qualified until the time of the industrial accident or occupational disease
513 that is the basis for the employee's permanent total disability claim; and
514 (iv) the employee cannot perform other work reasonably available, taking into
515 consideration the employee's:
516 (A) age;
517 (B) education;
518 (C) past work experience;
519 (D) medical capacity; and
520 (E) residual functional capacity.
521 (d) Evidence of an employee's entitlement to disability benefits other than those
522 provided under this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, if relevant:
523 (i) may be presented to the commission;
524 (ii) is not binding; and
525 (iii) creates no presumption of an entitlement under this chapter and Chapter 3, Utah
526 Occupational Disease Act.
527 (2) For permanent total disability compensation during the initial 312-week
528 entitlement, compensation shall be 66-2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage at the time
529 of the injury, limited as follows:
530 (a) compensation per week may not be more than 85% of the state average weekly
531 wage at the time of the injury;
532 (b) compensation per week may not be less than the sum of $45 per week, plus $5 for a
533 dependent spouse, plus $5 for each dependent child under the age of 18 years, up to a
534 maximum of four dependent minor children, but not exceeding the maximum established in
535 Subsection (2)(a) nor exceeding the average weekly wage of the employee at the time of the
536 injury; and
537 (c) after the initial 312 weeks, the minimum weekly compensation rate under
538 Subsection (2)(b) shall be 36% of the current state average weekly wage, rounded to the nearest
539 dollar.
540 (3) This Subsection (3) applies to claims resulting from an accident or disease arising
541 out of and in the course of the employee's employment on or before June 30, 1994.
542 (a) The employer or its insurance carrier is liable for the initial 312 weeks of permanent
543 total disability compensation except as outlined in Section 34A-2-703 as in effect on the date
544 of injury.
545 (b) The employer or its insurance carrier may not be required to pay compensation for
546 any combination of disabilities of any kind, as provided in this section and Sections 34A-2-410
547 through 34A-2-412 and Part 5, Industrial Noise, in excess of the amount of compensation
548 payable over the initial 312 weeks at the applicable permanent total disability compensation
549 rate under Subsection (2).
550 (c) Any overpayment of this compensation shall be reimbursed to the employer or its
551 insurance carrier by the Employers' Reinsurance Fund and shall be paid out of the Employers'
552 Reinsurance Fund's liability to the employee.
553 (d) After an employee has received compensation from the employee's employer, its
554 insurance carrier, or the Employers' Reinsurance Fund for any combination of disabilities
555 amounting to 312 weeks of compensation at the applicable permanent total disability
556 compensation rate, the Employers' Reinsurance Fund shall pay all remaining permanent total
557 disability compensation.
558 (e) Employers' Reinsurance Fund payments shall commence immediately after the
559 employer or its insurance carrier has satisfied its liability under this Subsection (3) or Section
560 34A-2-703 .
561 (4) This Subsection (4) applies to claims resulting from an accident or disease arising
562 out of and in the course of the employee's employment on or after July 1, 1994.
563 (a) The employer or its insurance carrier is liable for permanent total disability
564 compensation.
565 (b) The employer or its insurance carrier may not be required to pay compensation for
566 any combination of disabilities of any kind, as provided in this section and Sections 34A-2-410
567 through 34A-2-412 and Part 5, Industrial Noise, in excess of the amount of compensation
568 payable over the initial 312 weeks at the applicable permanent total disability compensation
569 rate under Subsection (2).
570 (c) Any overpayment of this compensation shall be recouped by the employer or its
571 insurance carrier by reasonably offsetting the overpayment against future liability paid before
572 or after the initial 312 weeks.
573 (5) Notwithstanding the minimum rate established in Subsection (2), the compensation
574 payable by the employer, its insurance carrier, or the Employers' Reinsurance Fund, after an
575 employee has received compensation from the employer or the employer's insurance carrier for
576 any combination of disabilities amounting to 312 weeks of compensation at the applicable total
577 disability compensation rate, shall be reduced, to the extent allowable by law, by the dollar
578 amount of 50% of the Social Security retirement benefits received by the employee during the
579 same period.
580 (6) (a) A finding by the commission of permanent total disability is not final, unless
581 otherwise agreed to by the parties, until:
582 (i) an administrative law judge reviews a summary of reemployment activities
583 undertaken pursuant to Chapter 8, Utah Injured Worker Reemployment Act;
584 (ii) the employer or its insurance carrier submits to the administrative law judge:
585 (A) a reemployment plan as prepared by a qualified rehabilitation provider reasonably
586 designed to return the employee to gainful employment; or
587 (B) notice that the employer or its insurance carrier will not submit a plan; and
588 (iii) the administrative law judge, after notice to the parties, holds a hearing, unless
589 otherwise stipulated, to:
590 (A) consider evidence regarding rehabilitation; and
591 (B) review any reemployment plan submitted by the employer or its insurance carrier
592 under Subsection (6)(a)(ii).
593 (b) Before commencing the procedure required by Subsection (6)(a), the administrative
594 law judge shall order:
595 (i) the initiation of permanent total disability compensation payments to provide for the
596 employee's subsistence; and
597 (ii) the payment of any undisputed disability or medical benefits due the employee.
598 (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (6)(a), an order for payment of benefits described in
599 Subsection (6)(b) is considered a final order for purposes of Section 34A-2-212 .
600 (d) The employer or its insurance carrier shall be given credit for any disability
601 payments made under Subsection (6)(b) against its ultimate disability compensation liability
602 under this chapter or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act.
603 (e) An employer or its insurance carrier may not be ordered to submit a reemployment
604 plan. If the employer or its insurance carrier voluntarily submits a plan, the plan is subject to
605 Subsections (6)(e)(i) through (iii).
606 (i) The plan may include retraining, education, medical and disability compensation
607 benefits, job placement services, or incentives calculated to facilitate reemployment funded by
608 the employer or its insurance carrier.
609 (ii) The plan shall include payment of reasonable disability compensation to provide
610 for the employee's subsistence during the rehabilitation process.
611 (iii) The employer or its insurance carrier shall diligently pursue the reemployment
612 plan. The employer's or insurance carrier's failure to diligently pursue the reemployment plan
613 shall be cause for the administrative law judge on the administrative law judge's own motion to
614 make a final decision of permanent total disability.
615 (f) If a preponderance of the evidence shows that successful rehabilitation is not
616 possible, the administrative law judge shall order that the employee be paid weekly permanent
617 total disability compensation benefits.
618 (7) (a) The period of benefits commences on the date the employee became
619 permanently totally disabled, as determined by a final order of the commission based on the
620 facts and evidence, and ends:
621 (i) with the death of the employee; or
622 (ii) when the employee is capable of returning to regular, steady work.
623 (b) An employer or its insurance carrier may provide or locate for a permanently totally
624 disabled employee reasonable, medically appropriate, part-time work in a job earning at least
625 minimum wage provided that employment may not be required to the extent that it would
626 disqualify the employee from Social Security disability benefits.
627 (c) An employee shall fully cooperate in the placement and employment process and
628 accept the reasonable, medically appropriate, part-time work.
629 (d) In a consecutive four-week period when an employee's gross income from the work
630 provided under Subsection (7)(b) exceeds $500, the employer or insurance carrier may reduce
631 the employee's permanent total disability compensation by 50% of the employee's income in
632 excess of $500.
633 (e) If a work opportunity is not provided by the employer or its insurance carrier, a
634 permanently totally disabled employee may obtain medically appropriate, part-time work
635 subject to the offset provisions contained in Subsection (7)(d).
636 (f) (i) The commission shall establish rules regarding the part-time work and offset.
637 (ii) The adjudication of disputes arising under this Subsection (7) is governed by Part
638 8, Adjudication.
639 (g) The employer or its insurance carrier shall have the burden of proof to show that
640 medically appropriate part-time work is available.
641 (h) The administrative law judge may:
642 (i) excuse an employee from participation in any job that would require the employee
643 to undertake work exceeding the employee's medical capacity and residual functional capacity
644 or for good cause; or
645 (ii) allow the employer or its insurance carrier to reduce permanent total disability
646 benefits as provided in Subsection (7)(d) when reasonable, medically appropriate, part-time
647 employment has been offered but the employee has failed to fully cooperate.
648 (8) When an employee has been rehabilitated or the employee's rehabilitation is
649 possible but the employee has some loss of bodily function, the award shall be for permanent
650 partial disability.
651 (9) As determined by an administrative law judge, an employee is not entitled to
652 disability compensation, unless the employee fully cooperates with any evaluation or
653 reemployment plan under this chapter or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act. The
654 administrative law judge shall dismiss without prejudice the claim for benefits of an employee
655 if the administrative law judge finds that the employee fails to fully cooperate, unless the
656 administrative law judge states specific findings on the record justifying dismissal with
657 prejudice.
658 (10) (a) The loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of both hands, both arms,
659 both feet, both legs, both eyes, or any combination of two such body members constitutes total
660 and permanent disability, to be compensated according to this section.
661 (b) A finding of permanent total disability pursuant to Subsection (10)(a) is final.
662 (11) (a) An insurer or self-insured employer may periodically reexamine a permanent
663 total disability claim, except those based on Subsection (10), for which the insurer or
664 self-insured employer had or has payment responsibility to determine whether the worker
665 remains permanently totally disabled.
666 (b) Reexamination may be conducted no more than once every three years after an
667 award is final, unless good cause is shown by the employer or its insurance carrier to allow
668 more frequent reexaminations.
669 (c) The reexamination may include:
670 (i) the review of medical records;
671 (ii) employee submission to reasonable medical evaluations;
672 (iii) employee submission to reasonable rehabilitation evaluations and retraining
673 efforts;
674 (iv) employee disclosure of Federal Income Tax Returns;
675 (v) employee certification of compliance with Section 34A-2-110 ; and
676 (vi) employee completion of sworn affidavits or questionnaires approved by the
677 division.
678 (d) The insurer or self-insured employer shall pay for the cost of a reexamination with
679 appropriate employee reimbursement pursuant to rule for reasonable travel allowance and per
680 diem as well as reasonable expert witness fees incurred by the employee in supporting the
681 employee's claim for permanent total disability benefits at the time of reexamination.
682 (e) If an employee fails to fully cooperate in the reasonable reexamination of a
683 permanent total disability finding, an administrative law judge may order the suspension of the
684 employee's permanent total disability benefits until the employee cooperates with the
685 reexamination.
686 (f) (i) Should the reexamination of a permanent total disability finding reveal evidence
687 that reasonably raises the issue of an employee's continued entitlement to permanent total
688 disability compensation benefits, an insurer or self-insured employer may petition the Division
689 of Adjudication for a rehearing on that issue. The petition shall be accompanied by
690 documentation supporting the insurer's or self-insured employer's belief that the employee is no
691 longer permanently totally disabled.
692 (ii) If the petition under Subsection (11)(f)(i) demonstrates good cause, as determined
693 by the Division of Adjudication, an administrative law judge shall adjudicate the issue at a
694 hearing.
695 (iii) Evidence of an employee's participation in medically appropriate, part-time work
696 may not be the sole basis for termination of an employee's permanent total disability
697 entitlement, but the evidence of the employee's participation in medically appropriate, part-time
698 work under Subsection (7) may be considered in the reexamination or hearing with other
699 evidence relating to the employee's status and condition.
700 (g) In accordance with Section 34A-1-309 , the administrative law judge may award
701 reasonable attorneys fees to an attorney retained by an employee to represent the employee's
702 interests with respect to reexamination of the permanent total disability finding, except if the
703 employee does not prevail, the attorneys fees shall be set at $1,000. The attorneys fees shall be
704 paid by the employer or its insurance carrier in addition to the permanent total disability
705 compensation benefits due.
706 (h) During the period of reexamination or adjudication if the employee fully
707 cooperates, each insurer, self-insured employer, or the Employers' Reinsurance Fund shall
708 continue to pay the permanent total disability compensation benefits due the employee.
709 (12) If any provision of this section, or the application of any provision to any person
710 or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this section shall be given effect without the
711 invalid provision or application.
712 Section 6. Section 34A-2-801 is amended to read:
713 34A-2-801. Initiating adjudicative proceedings -- Procedure for review of
714 administrative action.
715 (1) (a) To contest an action of the employee's employer or its insurance carrier
716 concerning a compensable industrial accident or occupational disease alleged by the employee,
717 any of the following shall file an application for hearing with the Division of Adjudication:
718 (i) the employee; or
719 (ii) a representative of the employee, the qualifications of whom are defined in rule by
720 the commission.
721 (b) To appeal the imposition of a penalty or other administrative act imposed by the
722 division on the employer or its insurance carrier for failure to comply with this chapter or
723 Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, any of the following shall file an application for
724 hearing with the Division of Adjudication:
725 (i) the employer;
726 (ii) the insurance carrier; or
727 (iii) a representative of either the employer or the insurance carrier, the qualifications
728 of whom are defined in rule by the commission.
729 (c) A [
730 described in Subsections 34A-2-407 (12) and 34A-3-108 (12) may file an application for hearing
731 in accordance with Section 34A-2-407 or 34A-3-108 .
732 (d) An attorney may file an application for hearing in accordance with Section
733 34A-1-309 .
734 (2) Unless a party in interest appeals the decision of an administrative law judge in
735 accordance with Subsection (3), the decision of an administrative law judge on an application
736 for hearing filed under Subsection (1) is a final order of the commission 30 days after the date
737 the decision is issued.
738 (3) (a) A party in interest may appeal the decision of an administrative law judge by
739 filing a motion for review with the Division of Adjudication within 30 days of the date the
740 decision is issued.
741 (b) Unless a party in interest to the appeal requests under Subsection (3)(c) that the
742 appeal be heard by the Appeals Board, the commissioner shall hear the review.
743 (c) A party in interest may request that an appeal be heard by the Appeals Board by
744 filing the request with the Division of Adjudication:
745 (i) as part of the motion for review; or
746 (ii) if requested by a party in interest who did not file a motion for review, within 20
747 days of the date the motion for review is filed with the Division of Adjudication.
748 (d) A case appealed to the Appeals Board shall be decided by the majority vote of the
749 Appeals Board.
750 (4) All records on appeals shall be maintained by the Division of Adjudication. Those
751 records shall include an appeal docket showing the receipt and disposition of the appeals on
752 review.
753 (5) Upon appeal, the commissioner or Appeals Board shall make its decision in
754 accordance with Section 34A-1-303 .
755 (6) The commissioner or Appeals Board shall promptly notify the parties to any
756 proceedings before it of its decision, including its findings and conclusions.
757 (7) The decision of the commissioner or Appeals Board is final unless within 30 days
758 after the date the decision is issued further appeal is initiated under the provisions of this
759 section or Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
760 (8) (a) Within 30 days after the date the decision of the commissioner or Appeals
761 Board is issued, any aggrieved party may secure judicial review by commencing an action in
762 the court of appeals against the commissioner or Appeals Board for the review of the decision
763 of the commissioner or Appeals Board.
764 (b) In an action filed under Subsection (8)(a):
765 (i) any other party to the proceeding before the commissioner or Appeals Board shall
766 be made a party; and
767 (ii) the commission shall be made a party.
768 (c) A party claiming to be aggrieved may seek judicial review only if the party has
769 exhausted the party's remedies before the commission as provided by this section.
770 (d) At the request of the court of appeals, the commission shall certify and file with the
771 court all documents and papers and a transcript of all testimony taken in the matter together
772 with the decision of the commissioner or Appeals Board.
773 Section 7. Section 34A-3-108 is amended to read:
774 34A-3-108. Reporting of occupational diseases -- Regulation of health care
775 providers.
776 (1) Any employee sustaining an occupational disease, as defined in this chapter, arising
777 out of and in the course of employment shall provide notification to the employee's employer
778 promptly of the occupational disease. If the employee is unable to provide notification, the
779 employee's next-of-kin or attorney may provide notification of the occupational disease to the
780 employee's employer.
781 (2) (a) Any employee who fails to notify the employee's employer or the division
782 within 180 days after the cause of action arises is barred from any claim of benefits arising
783 from the occupational disease.
784 (b) The cause of action is considered to arise on the date the employee first suffered
785 disability from the occupational disease and knew, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence
786 should have known, that the occupational disease was caused by employment.
787 (3) The following constitute notification of an occupational disease:
788 (a) an employer's or physician's injury report filed with the:
789 (i) division;
790 (ii) employer; or
791 (iii) insurance carrier; or
792 (b) the payment of any medical or disability benefits by the employer or the employer's
793 insurance carrier.
794 (4) (a) In the form prescribed by the division, each employer shall file a report with the
795 division of any occupational disease resulting in:
796 (i) medical treatment;
797 (ii) loss of consciousness;
798 (iii) loss of work;
799 (iv) restriction of work; or
800 (v) transfer to another job.
801 (b) The report required under Subsection (4)(a), shall be filed within seven days after:
802 (i) the occurrence of an occupational disease;
803 (ii) the employer's first knowledge of the occupational disease; or
804 (iii) the employee's notification of the occupational disease.
805 (c) Each employer shall file a subsequent report with the division of any previously
806 reported occupational disease that later resulted in death. The subsequent report shall be filed
807 with the division within seven days following:
808 (i) the death; or
809 (ii) the employer's first knowledge or notification of the death.
810 (d) A report is not required for:
811 (i) minor injuries that require first-aid treatment only, unless a treating physician files,
812 or is required to file, the Physician's Initial Report of Work Injury or Occupational Disease with
813 the division;
814 (ii) occupational diseases that manifest after the employee is no longer employed by the
815 employer with which the exposure occurred; or
816 (iii) when the employer is not aware of an exposure occasioned by the employment that
817 results in an occupational disease as defined by Section 34A-3-103 .
818 (5) Each employer shall provide the employee with:
819 (a) a copy of the report submitted to the division; and
820 (b) a statement, as prepared by the division, of the employee's rights and
821 responsibilities related to the occupational disease.
822 (6) Each employer shall maintain a record in a manner prescribed by the division of all
823 occupational diseases resulting in:
824 (a) medical treatment;
825 (b) loss of consciousness;
826 (c) loss of work;
827 (d) restriction of work; or
828 (e) transfer to another job.
829 (7) Any employer who refuses or neglects to make reports, to maintain records, or to
830 file reports with the division as required by this section is guilty of a class C misdemeanor and
831 subject to citation under Section 34A-6-302 and a civil assessment as provided under Section
832 34A-6-307 , unless the division finds that the employer has shown good cause for submitting a
833 report later than required by this section.
834 (8) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(c), all physicians, surgeons, and other
835 health providers attending occupationally diseased employees shall:
836 (i) comply with all the rules, including the schedule of fees, for their services as
837 adopted by the commission; and
838 (ii) make reports to the division at any and all times as required as to the condition and
839 treatment of an occupationally diseased employee or as to any other matter concerning
840 industrial cases they are treating.
841 (b) A physician, as defined in [
842 with, employed by, or bills through a hospital is subject to Subsection (8)(a).
843 (c) A hospital is not subject to the requirements of Subsection (8)(a) except a hospital
844 is subject to rules made by the commission under Subsections 34A-2-407 (9)(a)(ii) and (iii).
845 (d) The commission's schedule of fees may reasonably differentiate remuneration to be
846 paid to providers of health services based on:
847 (i) the severity of the employee's condition;
848 (ii) the nature of the treatment necessary; and
849 (iii) the facilities or equipment specially required to deliver that treatment.
850 (e) This Subsection (8) does not [
851 with a provider of health services relating to the pricing of goods and services [
852
853 [
854
855
856
857 (9) A copy of the physician's initial report shall be furnished to the:
858 (a) division;
859 (b) employee; and
860 (c) employer or its insurance carrier.
861 (10) Any [
862 subject to reporting under Subsection (8)(a)(ii) or Subsection 34A-2-407 (9)(a)(iii) who refuses
863 or neglects to make any report or comply with this section is guilty of a class C misdemeanor
864 for each offense, unless the division finds that there is good cause for submitting a late report.
865 (11) (a) Applications for a hearing to resolve disputes regarding occupational disease
866 claims shall be filed with the Division of Adjudication.
867 (b) After the filing, a copy shall be forwarded by mail to:
868 (i) the employer or to the employer's insurance carrier;
869 (ii) the applicant; and
870 (iii) the attorneys for the parties.
871 (12) (a) Subject to appellate review under Section 34A-1-303 , the commission has
872 exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine:
873 (i) whether [
874
875
876 Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act[
877 (A) medical, nurse, or hospital services;
878 (B) medicines; and
879 (C) artificial means, appliances, or prosthesis;
880 (ii) the reasonableness of the amounts charged or paid for a good or service described
881 in Subsection (12)(a)(i); and
882 (iii) collection issues related to a good or service described in Subsection (12)(a)(i).
883 (b) Except as provided in Subsection (12)(a), Subsection 34A-2-211 (7), or Section
884 34A-2-212 , a person may not maintain a cause of action in any forum within this state other
885 than the commission for collection or payment of [
886
887 compensable under this chapter or Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act.
888 Section 8. Legislative intent language.
889 It is the intent of the Legislature that the amendments to Section 34A-2-413 in this bill
890 be interpreted as merely clarifying an existing principle that the employee bears the burden of
891 proving that the employee is permanently totally disabled based on those factors listed as
892 matters on which the commission is to make a conclusion in Subsection 34A-2-413 (1)(c), as
893 enacted before the amendments of this bill.
Legislative Review Note
as of 1-24-06 9:53 AM
Based on a limited legal review, this legislation has not been determined to have a high
probability of being held unconstitutional.