Virginia Advances Bill to Clarify Workers’ Comp Benefit Offsets
- A Virginia subcommittee unanimously reported House Bill 426 to clarify workers’ compensation offsets following third-party liability settlements.
- The bill specifies that carriers cannot claim credits for future medical expenses until the claimant’s net recovery from a third party is exhausted.
- It ensures employers only receive credit for the actual amount a claimant receives after deducting attorney fees and costs.
- This legislation aims to resolve ambiguities regarding the timing and calculation of these benefit offsets.
Oklahoma High Court Rules Workers Can Seek Multiple Physician Changes
- In February 2026, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma ruled that workers’ compensation claimants are not strictly limited to one change of treating physician per claim.
- While state statute guarantees a claimant’s first application for a change, it does not prohibit subsequent requests.
- The court determined that administrative law judges maintain the authority to authorize additional changes.
- Consequently, the court affirmed a Workers’ Compensation Commission order granting a second physician change.
Texas DWC Launches On-Demand Educational Courses for Workers’ Comp Professionals
- The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), has introduced new on-demand CompCourses designed to complement their 2026 webinar series.
- These courses offer educational content from subject-matter experts and provide Continuing Education (CE) credits.
- The program is intended to help professionals, both new and experienced, enhance their knowledge of the workers’ compensation system.
- Training can be accessed through the DWC’s new online learning platform.
Find our more information on the Texas Department of Insurance website.