Arizona – Governor Katie Hobbs signed an Executive Order aimed at protecting workers from heat-related risks in the workplace. The order mandates the creation of a Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, which will include industry leaders, worker representatives, and occupational safety experts. The task force is responsible for developing and recommending heat safety guidelines for employers by the end of the year. To learn more, check out this article.
Massachusetts – S 2520 was introduced in the Senate. The bill aims to enhance pharmaceutical pricing transparency and improve patient access to medications. The bill would require pharmaceutical companies to provide early notice of new drugs and significant price increases, and to report price hikes exceeding certain thresholds.
Minnesota – The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released the CompScope Benchmark for Minnesota. The study compares Minnesota's workers' compensation system with 17 other states, focusing on trends in indemnity benefits, medical payments, and benefit delivery expenses. According to the report, workers' compensation costs per claim in Minnesota rose about 10 percent annually from 2021 to 2023, following stability during the first two years of the pandemic. Rising wages, longer duration of temporary disability, and increased medical payments per claim were the main drivers of this recent cost growth.
Montana – LC 820 died this week. As a reminder, the bill would have revised laws related to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The bill was set to enhance transparency and regulate pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices to ensure fair treatment of pharmacies and patients. It specifically addresses PBM reimbursement rates and requires PBMs to disclose pricing.
Texas – HB 2488 passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature this week. The bill 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.
Virginia – The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released CompScope Benchmark for Virginia. The study compares Virginia's workers' compensation system with 17 other states, focusing on trends in indemnity benefits, medical payments, and benefit delivery expenses. According to the report, the total costs per workers' compensation claim in Virginia have grown more slowly than in most other states.
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