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Committee concurs on SB 345 to change workers' comp evidentiary rules
Summary
The House Business and Labor Committee voted to concur in Senate Bill 345, which adds an evidentiary standard and sets rules for insurer‑paid independent medical examinations in workers' compensation; the motion passed on a roll call after brief debate. The bill will move to the House floor.
The House Business and Labor Committee concurred in Senate Bill 345 on a roll‑call vote after brief debate on insurer‑paid independent medical examinations and an added evidentiary standard.
Chair Buttrey opened executive action by noting the bill is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Hertz; Vice Chair Seacon Skrow moved concurrence. The bill "changes and adds a section on evidentiary standard" and clarifies when an insurer‑paid independent examination may be requested, according to the chair's explanation to the committee.
Vice Chair Lynch said he opposed the measure, arguing that "treating physicians should get to determine where claimants go and not have insurance companies be deciding that." Lynch asked members to vote no, citing concern about insurer influence over medical treatment and claimant outcomes.
After the short discussion the committee proceeded to a roll call. Chair Buttrey announced the motion passed, "with 11 for and 9 against," and said the bill will move to the House floor. The chair said he will follow up with staff on sponsor assignments after committee.
The committee record shows no amendments were adopted during executive action on SB 345. The next procedural step is transmittal to the floor for further consideration.
