Interstate Disparities in Workers’ Comp Pain Management Revealed by NCCI
- An NCCI study highlights significant interstate variation in pain management treatments for workers’ compensation claims.
- While nationwide opioid use has declined, treatment has shifted toward alternative therapies like physical therapy and non-opioid medications for workplace injuries.
- These regional differences directly impact medical costs and return-to-work outcomes for insurers and employers.
- Understanding these trends is crucial for managing the medical portion of workers’ compensation.
Nebraska Lawmakers Clash Over Massive Workers’ Comp Fund Tax
- On February 26, 2026, Nebraska senators debated a plan to tax insurance companies to refill a shrinking state fund for injured workers.
- This “Second Injury Fund” helps pay for workers who were already hurt before getting a new injury, but it is currently running out of money.
- While some leaders want a one-time tax to fix it, others worry this will raise insurance costs for every business in the state.
- This dispute has stalled the legislature, as lawmakers argue over whether a new tax is the best way to protect injured workers’ benefits.
Colorado Safety Bill Could Erode Workers’ Comp “Exclusivity” with Private Lawsuits
- Colorado legislators advanced House Bill 1054 on February 26, 2026, creating a state-level enforcement regime for workplace safety.
- The bill allows the attorney general and private citizens to sue employers for safety violations, potentially bypassing the “exclusive remedy” of workers’ compensation.
- By allowing the state to adopt stricter rules than federal OSHA, the measure increases litigation risk and compliance costs for businesses statewide.