Bill > HB1355

This bill updates Georgia's workers' compensation laws by modifying how an employer's "experience modification factor" is calculated, which is a rating that adjusts an employer's insurance premium based on their past claims history. Specifically, it prevents certain accidents where the employer or employee was not at fault (defined as less than 50% at fault) from negatively impacting this factor, and also prohibits insurers from using such accidents to increase premiums, cancel policies, or refuse to renew them. The bill also revises procedures for when an injured employee is released to return to work with restrictions, allowing a "referral physician" (a doctor other than the primary treating physician) to make such releases, and establishes clearer processes for employees to petition for the reinstatement of benefits if they are unable to perform a proffered job after attempting it, including the use of sworn statements and teleconferences, and permits an "interlocutory order" which is a temporary ruling by a judge. Finally, the bill increases the maximum weekly benefits for total and temporary partial disability, as well as the maximum amounts for certain death benefits, including burial expenses and total dependency benefits for a surviving spouse.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73330