Senate Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill

Advocates for workers across Florida joined together to address the key areas in need of reform as the state Legislature works to develop a more effective workers’ compensation system. The advocates held a news conference call featuring Mark Touby, president of Florida Workers’ Advocates, and Rich Templin, legislative and political director of Florida AFL-CIO. The speakers detailed why the Senate version of workers’ compensation reform offers progress for both workers and businesses and should be supported.
Among the topics specifically addressed were the Senate bill’s provision allowing injured workers to have greater access to the courts. The advocates argued that a constitutionally valid provision making insurance companies responsible when they wrongfully deny legitimate benefits provides injured workers the opportunity to pursue the benefits to which they are entitled. The bill also creates a competitive ratemaking process that would allow employers to shop for affordable coverage and also reins in defense attorney fees by requiring insurance companies to refund premiums to businesses when excessive fees are charged by their own attorneys.
“When insurance providers wrongfully deny workers these necessary benefits, the workers need to have a way to fight for their rights,” said Mark Touby, president of Florida’s Workers’ Advocates. “The Senate’s workers’ comp bill recognizes this necessity. It allows for greater access to the courts for the injured worker, by allowing them to be made whole and not placing the financial burden on the injured worker to pay an attorney to pursue the benefits which were wrongfully denied.”
Also addressed was the importance of efficient delivery of medical care to injured workers. The speakers explained how the Senate bill streamlines the medical care authorization process, allowing for quicker treatment and recovery for injured workers.
Florida’s workers are not the only ones who stand to gain from the Senate reforms. The speakers noted that the bill would provide more market competition and predictability concerning premiums, significantly saving businesses money.
“The key to effective workers’ compensation reform is balancing the benefits for workers and the needs of the employers who are paying the premiums.” said Rich Templin, legislative and political director of Florida AFL-CIO. “The foundation of workers’ compensation is built on the medical care that injured workers receive. So if treatment is efficiently delivered, the worker can return to the job more quickly.”
Overall, the advocates support the Senate’s take on workers’ compensation reform and view it as the right and constitutional bill, as opposed to the insurance industry’s bill passed by the House.