Arkansas to consider changes to comp doctor choice, litigation practices

Arkansas lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow injured workers to request to switch to a doctor of their choice once per year instead of one time only and would require them to pay for legal fees related to deposing a medical examiner.

Under S.B. 284, introduced Monday, an injured worker would have the right to petition the state Workers’ Compensation Commission for “(a)nother treating physician who is associated with a managed care entity certified by the commission or otherwise agrees to the commission rules and fee schedule; or (a)n appropriate specialist physician who is associated with a managed care entity certified by the commission or otherwise agrees to the commission rules and fee schedule.”

The bill adds amendments to state law requiring the commission’s approval for independent medical examinations, to be paid by the employer, who must then provide documents to the injured worker. If the worker chooses to depose the medical examiner, he or she must cover witness testimony fees and other payments associated with court reporting, according to the proposal.