Committee certifies Robert Rapaort to Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission; he highlights faster medical petitions and AI concerns

The House Labor and Commerce Committee certified Robert Rapaort to be elected to the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission for a six-year term after Rapaort reviewed recent reforms and answered members' questions.

Rapaort said he has handled "over 10,000 cases" in his career and described several changes designed to reduce delay and help unrepresented claimants. He highlighted a petition-for-medical-treatment (PMT) initiative that, he said, allows certain authorizations to be resolved in about six days rather than months, and an alternative dispute resolution program that has reduced the number of cases sent to hearing.

Rapaort also described an ombuds program to help unrepresented claimants navigate the system, six investigators to verify employer insurance coverage, streamlined forms and rules, and new hearing technology to support remote proceedings — a particular benefit for litigants in western parts of the state who otherwise must travel long distances.

On artificial intelligence, Rapaort told the committee the commission has seen two categories of issues: filers using AI improperly and producing "ghost citations" to cases that do not exist or are irrelevant, and the commission’s internal exploration of AI to accelerate opinion drafting while maintaining timeliness and quality.

A member moved and a second agreed to certify Rapaort; the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Committee members asked for follow-up or clarification where necessary; Rapaort thanked staff and emphasized ongoing work to replace retiring deputy commissioners and hearing officers.

The committee then read subcommittee assignments and adjourned.