Bill > HB1749

This bill amends Virginia's workers' compensation law to establish a clear 45-calendar-day timeframe for employers to make decisions about providing medical attention to injured employees. Under the new provision, employers must issue a decision within 45 days of an employee's request for medical care, with specific exceptions that can justify an extension. These exceptions include challenges in obtaining medical information, the need for extended medical evaluation, requirements for specialist consultations, conflicts in medical opinions, or other exceptional circumstances as determined by the Workers' Compensation Commission. If an extension is needed, the employer must provide written notice to both the employee and the Commission within 45 days of the original request, explaining the reason for the delay and providing an expected decision date. The Commission retains the authority to order medical attention if it determines the employer has exceeded the 45-day period without a valid reason. Additionally, the bill allows employers to include chiropractors on the panel of physicians for injuries that can be treated within a chiropractor's scope of practice, further expanding medical care options for injured workers.

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https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1749