SB 693 - This act modifies various provisions relating to workers' compensation.SECOND INJURY FUND LIABILITIES
(Section 287.220)
This act modifies the applicability of the priority schedule for payment of liabilities of the Second Injury Fund (SIF). Specifically, the act allows for the payment from the SIF of the following SIF liabilities prior to any liability set forth in the priority schedule:
• All death benefits incurred relating to claims for deaths occurring prior to January 1, 2014, consistent with a temporary or final award; and
• Ongoing medical expenses, but not past medical expenses, relating to claims for injuries occurring prior to January 1, 2014, consistent with a temporary or final award which includes future medical benefits.
These provisions are identical to a provision in HB 1542 (2020) and SB 156 (2019) and substantially similar to SCS/SB 1089 (2018) and HB 261 (2019).
THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATORS
(Section 287.280)
This act additionally permits the Division of Workers' Compensation to call the security of a group self-insured employer or public sector individual employer if they are deemed insolvent, are determined to be insolvent, file for bankruptcy, or fail to pay any obligations owed under the workers' compensation laws. Furthermore, the Division is permitted to retain a third-party administrator for the purpose of paying any compensation benefits owed to an injured employee.
These provisions are identical to SB 156 (2019) and substantially similar to a provision in HB 1542 (2020), SCS/SB 1089 (2018), and HB 261 (2019).
ELECTRONIC FILINGS WITH LIRC
(Section 287.480)
The act furthermore allows the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission to permit the filing of applications for review, briefs, motions, and other requests for relief with the Commission by electronic means, in such manner as it may, by rule, prescribe.
This provision is identical to a provision in HB 1542 (2020).
SCOTT SVAGERA