Bill > S1011

This bill aims to increase injured workers' access to medical care and workers' compensation benefits. Key provisions include: 1. Clarifying that injured workers can seek benefits even if there is a dispute over whether they are an employee or the calculation of their average weekly wages. 2. Requiring insurers, including the Workers' Compensation Trust Fund, to consider all available evidence when determining whether to commence weekly benefit payments, even if the employer has failed to provide information. 3. Mandating that the Department of Labor provide qualified interpreters for injured workers whose primary language is not English during conciliations, conferences, hearings, and medical exams. 4. Expanding the types of expenses the insurer must cover, including interpretation, transportation, and other services necessary for the injured worker to obtain effective and timely medical care. 5. Requiring the Workers' Compensation Trust Fund to make initial benefit payments within 14 days in cases where the only disputes are about which insurer is liable or whether the employer is insured.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S1011