A bill that would make major changes to the state’s workers compensation system had its first hearing in a House committee this week. HB 1300 would expand the number of physicians that injured workers are able to choose from four to over 1,000 and extend the timeline to change doctors under the system. The Colorado Chamber is in an “opposed” position due in part to the increased costs employers would face and the lack of stakeholder engagement on the bill.
The Colorado Chamber played a key role in negotiations over physician choice over a decade ago, which led to an agreement between labor and business groups to expand the number of physicians from two to four, among other changes. The business community believes that the 2014 deal strikes an appropriate balance, allowing for flexibility when choosing a doctor while preventing abuse of the system. Any future changes to the workers compensation should be carefully considered and negotiated – not rushed in a late-session bill without adequate feedback from employers.
The bill passed out of the House Business and Labor Affairs Committee on a party line vote on Tuesday. It was amended in committee to remove problematic language shifting the burden of proof in medical treatments, however the vast expansion of available physicians and timelines would still expose employers to higher costs and litigation, while also leading to medical delays and inconsistencies in care.
HB 1300 is expected to be heard on the House Floor next week. Learn more about the bill in The Sum & Substance, the Colorado Chamber’s digital publication.