Repaso a las tendencias legislativas de 2019 en materia de indemnización por accidentes de trabajo

With 2019 in the rearview and 2020 now upon us, now is a perfect time to reflect on last year’s top legislative trends in the world of workers’ compensation. With the closing of one chapter, we also take a glance into 2020 to see what legislative changes could be on the horizon.

Among the many changes and adoptions that 2019 brought, the three workers’ compensation legislative trends below made the most impact on injured workers and their healthcare providers and were seen in many states across the country.

Programas de control de medicamentos de venta con receta

In 2019, over 40 bills were passed in states across the country that either enabled the implementation of a Programa de control de los medicamentos de venta con receta (PDMP) or required healthcare providers to consult existing PDMPs before prescribing controlled substances to injured workers.

Many states recognized how PDMPs can significantly reduce opioid-related deaths and acted in the form of legislation to ensure their successful creation and implementation. At the end of 2019, all states except Missouri had an active PDMP, and some states now have laws in place requiring providers to consult the state’s specific program before prescribing controlled medications for work injury cases.

Cobertura ampliada para los primeros intervinientes

2019 fue un año monumental y extremadamente exitoso para primera intervención workers’ compensation coverage. Throughout the entire year, bills were introduced in states from Connecticut to Montana aiming to expand workers’ compensation coverage for additional work-related dangers, such as cancer presumption and PTSD.

Beginning in 2020, many first responders gained the ability to file a workers’ compensation claim for traumatic events or exposure to cancer-causing substances. In 2019, elected officials, and more importantly employers, recognized the many dangers and hazards that first responders encounter daily and took action to ensure that these individuals receive the benefits they deserve.

Prescripción electrónica obligatoria

The use of electronic prescribing for controlled substances gained even more recognition and popularity in 2019. In 2019 and into 2020, a growing number of states implemented or began considering electronic prescribing mandates for controlled substances. By mid-2020, 12 states had mandatory EPCS laws in effect, with 6 states specifically requiring compliance beginning January 1, 2020, representing a significant shift in how medications are prescribed to patients, including injured workers.

Receta electrónica allows for greater control and safety for individuals who are prescribed controlled substances. With the opioid epidemic in America still one of the country’s greatest causes of concern, states realized that implementing mandatory E-Prescribing and eliminating paper and faxed prescriptions allows both providers and pharmacists more control and better monitoring of prescriptions for work injury cases.

Qué esperar en 2020

Aunque no podemos predecir el futuro, se han producido algunas tendencias emergentes en todo el país que tienen el potencial de convertirse en temas candentes en 2020.

Formulario de medicamentos específicos del Estado

Los formularios específicos de cada Estado, como el New York workers’ compensation drug formulary, provocó un cambio importante para los proveedores de Nueva York, mientras que estados como Indiana y Kentucky alteraron su formulario de medicamentos en 2019.

While it’s still a bit too early in the year to foresee further drug formulary implementations, New York has triggered other states’ interest in changing their own formularies. Already, Louisiana introduced Senate Bill 160 in its 2020 legislative session to create a workers’ compensation prescription drug formulary, with implementation targeted for January 1, 2021, and Illinois was also among states considering formulary development around this period, which could affect how injured workers access medications for work-related injuries.

La marihuana medicinal como alternativa a los opiáceos

Although marijuana remains a controlled substance federally, some states are exploring the idea of marijuana’s medical applications for injured workers. With the increased acceptance of medical marijuana as a pain management treatment and opioid alternative, it’s no surprise that some states are actively pursuing the acceptance of medical marijuana as a treatment option for injured workers.

In 2019, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled in favor of an injured worker seeking medical reimbursement for the use of marijuana to help treat pain from a work injury. With a strong focus on curbing the nation’s opioid epidemic, medical marijuana will certainly be a trend to watch in 2020.

2019 was an impactful year for injured workers and the workers’ compensation industry. With many states gearing up for the 2020 legislative session, additional changes are sure to happen.

Legislative changes can come fast, so be sure to stay up to date on all things workers’ compensation by reading and subscribing to our weekly State of the States blog.

Cortesía de Blog de farmacia para trabajadores lesionados

¡Llame a Northland Injury Law para obtener ayuda con su lesión relacionada con el trabajo!

Si ha sufrido una lesión o enfermedad laboral, Ley de lesiones de Northland can help ensure you get full and fair compensation under the law. The attorneys at Northland Injury Law are experienced in navigating the ins and outs of the workers’ compensation process, and their experience can help you with a complicated claim. For a more comprehensive list of all the questions you might have about workers’ compensation, and for a free consultation, please call (816) 400-4878. Si tiene más preguntas sobre su caso, no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros por teléfono, a través del formulario de contacto, o incluso con la opción de chat en vivo que aparece en nuestro sitio!