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HF 450

A bill for an act relating to standards for determination of loss or permanent impairment for purposes of permanent partial disability under workers’ compensation and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ann Meyer

HF 450 updates standards for assessing permanent partial disability in workers' compensation, ensuring fairer evaluations using the latest AMA medical guidelines.

Subcommittee Meeting: 02/27/2025 8:30AM RM 304 (Cancelled).
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Bill Summary · HF 450

Summary of Bill HF 450

Overview

Bill Number: HF 450
Title: A bill for an act relating to standards for determination of loss or permanent impairment for purposes of permanent partial disability under workers’ compensation and including applicability provisions.
Introduced: February 18, 2025
Status: Subcommittee Meeting: 02/27/2025 8:30 AM RM 304 (Cancelled)
Classification: Bill
Subject: Disabilities, Workers' Compensation

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 450 is to update the standards used to determine the extent of loss or percentage of permanent impairment for individuals seeking permanent partial disability benefits under the workers' compensation system. This bill aims to ensure that the most current medical guidelines are utilized in these determinations, thereby improving the accuracy and fairness of assessments related to permanent impairments.

Key Provisions

  • Use of Updated Guidelines: The bill mandates that the most recent annual update to the latest edition of the American Medical Association's (AMA) guides for the evaluation of permanent impairment be used for determining loss or percentage of permanent impairment.

  • Elimination of Rule Adoption Requirement: HF 450 removes the requirement for the workers’ compensation commissioner to adopt these guidelines by rule, streamlining the process for implementing updates.

  • Applicability: The provisions of this bill will apply to determinations of loss or percentage of permanent impairment occurring on or after the effective date of the bill.

Impact

  • Workers' Compensation Claimants: Individuals who are assessed for permanent partial disability under workers' compensation will benefit from more current and relevant medical guidelines, potentially leading to more equitable compensation outcomes.

  • Workers’ Compensation Commissioner: The commissioner will have the flexibility to apply the most recent updates to the AMA guidelines without the need for formal rule adoption, which could expedite the implementation of new standards.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services committee on February 18, 2025.
  • A subcommittee meeting was scheduled for February 27, 2025, but it was cancelled.

Conclusion

HF 450 represents a significant update to the standards used in determining permanent partial disability under workers' compensation. By ensuring that the most current medical guidelines are applied, the bill aims to enhance the fairness and accuracy of impairment assessments for workers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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