Bill > HB1352

This bill modifies the workers' compensation medical billing and dispute resolution process in several key ways. The legislation changes the standard for resolving payment disputes from a "reasonable effort" to a "good faith effort" and introduces an optional mediation process to help parties resolve disagreements about medical service costs. Under the new provisions, either party in a dispute can request an impartial mediator to help facilitate communication and explore solutions. The bill increases civil penalties from $2,500 to $5,000 for various infractions, such as improperly sharing medical records or failing to process medical bills within the specified timeframe. The payment timeline for medical bills is extended from 30 to 45 days, and insurance carriers or self-insurers are now required to electronically submit detailed information to the labor department if they do not pay or deny a medical bill within the prescribed period. Healthcare providers will continue to have the burden of proving their medical service bills are reasonable, and the labor department will develop rules to guide the new mediation process. The bill becomes effective 60 days after its passage, providing time for stakeholders to adapt to the new requirements.

Labor and Employment

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2367&inflect=2