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Committee split over restoring injured workers' right to choose their treating physician
Summary
Senate hearing on SB 295 drew emotional testimony from injured workers and labor groups urging restored doctor choice, while insurers and business groups warned the 2011 reforms improved system efficiency and reduced costs; extended questioning focused on NCCI estimates, mediation timelines and verification safeguards.
Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs on Monday heard hours of testimony for and against Senate Bill 295, which would restore an injured worker's right to designate their treating physician in workers' compensation claims.
Sponsor Senator Andrea Olsen said SB 295 "restore[s] every person's right as a worker to be able to choose their own doctor," framing the change as both a matter of patient autonomy and better health outcomes. Proponents told personal stories of delayed treatment and burdensome travel because insurers designated distant providers: Stacy Temple Saint John described a client for whom the insurer initially wanted a 500'mile round trip and said the…
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