Jim Lanier advocates for expanded mental health evaluations in workers' comp claims

The Economic Matters Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on February 26, 2025, to discuss a bill concerning the evaluation of mental health impairments in workers' compensation claims. The session featured testimony from various stakeholders, highlighting differing perspectives on the proposed legislation.

Jim Lanier, representing the Maryland Association for Justice, advocated for the bill, emphasizing its potential to broaden the pool of professionals qualified to conduct permanency evaluations for mental health issues. He noted that currently, only a limited number of psychiatrists and psychologists are available to perform these evaluations, with only two practitioners actively providing such services in the Towson and Pikesville areas. Lanier argued that allowing Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW-Cs) to conduct these evaluations would address the shortage of qualified providers and ensure that individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to after their recovery.

In contrast, Michael Daley, representing the Maryland Defense Council, opposed the bill, requesting an unfavorable report. Daley pointed out that the existing legal framework specifies that only physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists are qualified to perform medical impairment evaluations. He stressed the importance of maintaining these standards to ensure that evaluations are conducted by individuals with the necessary medical training and expertise.

The committee session underscored the ongoing debate over the qualifications required for mental health evaluations in the context of workers' compensation, with advocates for both sides presenting their arguments. The discussions highlighted the critical need for accessible mental health services while also addressing concerns about maintaining rigorous standards for medical evaluations.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were left to consider the implications of the proposed changes and the potential impact on both claimants and the integrity of the evaluation process. Further deliberations and decisions on the bill are expected in the coming sessions.