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Recent Changes to Workers’ Compensation Law

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Ron Coffel
Recent Changes to Workers’ Compensation Law

Workers’ compensation law in New Illinois is specially designed to safeguard the interest of the workers. Keeping in mind the safety in workplaces and employment policy, the Govt. has introduced several changes to the act. Recently, the governor-general has signed legislation that dictates minor changes in the law.


The workers' compensation lawyers association in Illinois has witnessed the requirement and urgency to amend some of the protocols. One of the most critical changes involves the choice of a doctor after an injury. It allows employers to set up a Preferred Provider Program that restricts the employees to choose their treatment provider. Initially, the employer was responsible to provide the necessary emergency services. However, the legislation has amended the act and introduced the following changes:


• The physicians who will treat the injured will be chosen based on their enrolment in a PPP (Preferred Provider Program). PPP is formed by a group of doctors and trained medical practitioners, who have been approved by the employer to provide medical assistance to their workers.


• In case any employer is not enrolled in a legitimate PPP program, they would not have the right to seek medical treatment. Hence, they would not have the right to choose any particular medical facility.


• On the flip side, if the employer is enrolled in a PPP, the injured employee can decide to ‘opt for’ or ‘opt out’ of the PPP. If the worker agrees to opt-in to a program, they can seek necessary treatment from the listed names of doctors. Hence, they have the right to choose their preferred medical assistance. In case, the Illinois workers compensation lawyers association finds any negligence in the treatment process, the employee has the right to choose another doctor (even if he/she is not listed in the network). 


• In case, the employee does not agree to opt for the program, he is limited to one doctor or a particular medical service provider referred by the doctor. However, in case of an emergency, the employers’ choices would not be considered. 


• If any worker wants to see a third doctor, he/she may do so, at their own expense. Similarly, the employer might approve the third doctor; however, they are not obliged to pay the expenses of treatment. 


Apart from the basic changes in New Illinois workers' compensation law, there are some other factors to consider:


• The employee must assure the injury is aroused because of his/her employment or took place in course of the employment. 


• The legislation might negotiate compensation if the employee was intoxicated during the injury. In fact, the legislative body also compares professional and ethical standards. 


Wrapping up 


Under the code of judicial Conduct, the entire case will be analyzed under the New Illinois workers' compensation law. Workers must seek assistance from professional lawyers to get their rights and compensation.

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