National – The Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released two studies:
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- Designing Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedules, 2025 - The study compares medical fee schedules in 44 states and D.C. The study examines how states have addressed several key challenges: setting appropriate fee schedule levels, determining the frequency of updates, choosing the basis for fee schedules, deciding whether to adopt relative values from the Medicare program or another scale, and establishing methods for reimbursing unassigned medical services.
- Artificial Intelligence in Workers’ Compensation: An Overview of Promises and Challenges – The study explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workers’ compensation system, highlighting both its transformative potential and the challenges it presents. It outlines current and emerging AI applications, identifies associated risks such as bias and transparency, and suggests safeguards to ensure responsible use.
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released two new resources to support heat illness prevention in the workplace. One is a fact sheet aimed at young workers, highlighting their increased vulnerability to heat-related illnesses and outlining key safety precautions, symptoms of heat stress, and emergency response steps. The second resource, titled Safety in 5: Plan and Respond to a Heat Emergency, provides a five-step guide for employers to conduct brief safety talks. It includes instructions on recognizing heat emergencies, taking preventive actions, and reporting safety concerns.
North Carolina – The North Carolina Labor Commissioner announced a 3% pay increase for experienced workplace safety inspectors, effective June 1, 2025. Eligible inspectors include Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) who have served in the Department for three years or more. This decision addresses the growing need for effective safety oversight and the challenges of retaining experienced inspectors in a competitive job market.
Oregon – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) released its 2023 Workers’ Compensation Claims Characteristics Brochure, revealing key trends in occupational injuries and diseases. The report also highlights demographic and geographic insights, including claims from workers under 18 and over 65.
Rhode Island – Governor Daniel McKee signed HB 6319 and its companion bill SB 1060 into law, effective July 1, 2025. This legislation clarifies the authority of the Workers’ Compensation Court in cases involving injured police officers and firefighters. The bill now explicitly empowers the court to determine the nature and extent of injuries, assess the disability of the officer or firefighter, evaluate whether the individual has reached maximum medical improvement, assess the availability of suitable alternative employment, and award attorney fees and costs when appropriate.
Texas – Texas’s special legislative session ended this week on June 23rd, and three bills were enacted:
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- SB 493 is designed to safeguard the ability of pharmacists and pharmacies to communicate openly about prescription drug benefits. The bill would allow pharmacists and pharmacies to discuss cost-saving options and provide patients with information on drug pricing and benefits without fear of retaliation or penalties.
- HB 2488 permits certain contested case hearings in the workers' compensation system to be conducted via videoconference. This legislative change aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency in the hearing process for all parties involved, including employers, insurance companies, and legal professionals.
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