Employer Penalized for Late Panel Despite Workers’ Comp Win
- The Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims denied Terry Painter’s request for additional disability benefits and a specific hip surgeon.
- The court ruled his temporary disability claim failed because his treating physician never assigned work restrictions.
- However, the judge referred Hollingshead Development to the state’s Compliance Program for penalty assessment.
- The employer failed to provide a required panel of specialists within three business days of the initial referral.
New Bill Blocks Cannabis Coverage for Injured Federal Workers
The House Appropriations Committee voted 34-28 to advance a Fiscal Year 2027 spending bill.
The legislation explicitly bans the Department of Labor from covering medical marijuana under federal workers’ compensation programs.
This restriction remains active regardless of any potential federal reclassification or scheduling changes to cannabis. Consequently, programs like the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act cannot recognize marijuana as a compensable medical treatment.
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction in New Mexico Workers’ Comp Dispute
- Federal Judge Kea Riggs granted a preliminary injunction in the case of Riley v. Jordan, addressing a dispute filed in New Mexico.
- The ruling focuses on administrative oversight regarding injured employees and regulatory compliance.
- This injunction establishes crucial temporary safeguards as the court determines permanent statutory workers’ compensation benefits.
- The decision ensures employee protections remain in place while the case continues.