Bill > H3874

This bill amends South Carolina's workers' compensation law to provide the Workers' Compensation Commission with enhanced authority to establish and adjust medical fee schedules for medical practitioners, excluding hospital inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory surgery center services. The bill allows the commission to adopt fee schedules based on federally funded program requirements, with annual adjustments limited to the percentage change indicated by those programs. For proposed fee schedule changes exceeding 10% annually, the commission must conduct an evidentiary hearing to review and potentially modify the proposed adjustment. Parties can pursue an expedited appeal to the Administrative Law Court if they disagree with a fee schedule change, and the court may accept, reduce, or revert the proposed adjustment within 90 days. The bill requires the commission to strive for a balance between ensuring quality medical care and access for injured workers while controlling system costs. Additionally, the commission must conduct annual reviews of the fee schedules, considering factors like the medical consumer price index and regional workers' compensation fee schedules, and may retain experts to assist in developing these schedules. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3874&session=126&summary=B