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The business community applauded recent movement on a bill that would extend from 90 days to 180 days the period during which an employee who has filed a workers’ compensation claim must seek treatment from an employer-designated medical provider panel.

House Bill 808’s intent to double the current time frame that employees are required to seek care is a result of the positive feedback generated from claimants and business owners who have used provider panels, versus employees who sought treatment programs on their own.

Additionally, a 2009 WC study found that injured workers who seek medical treatment from a provider not on the employer’s panel list are out of work 42 percent longer than those with proper panel access. The PA Chamber noted these facts in a recent memo to the House Labor and Industry Committee urging the bill’s passage.

The PA Chamber’s support of H.B. 808 is consistent with its member-driven Workers’ Compensation Policy, which calls for appropriate employee attention when injury or illness occurs on the job site. In these situations, provider panels are a proven benefit to both employees and employers. They lower costs to businesses, are conducive to quick, effective recoveries, and help to ensure a smooth transition back to the workforce.

“Businesses and their employees share a common goal when they’re faced with a workplace injury – a full recovery and a quick return to a safe work environment,” PA Chamber Government Affairs Director Sam Denisco said. “Extending the time frame required for workers’ compensation claimants to receive treatment from medical provider panels helps to meet this goal, while saving employers money and ensuring that their employee is receiving a high level of care.”

House Bill 808 now faces consideration by the full House, which could occur the week of May 23.

The measure is sponsored by Rep. David Hickernell, R-Lancaster.

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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with thousands of statewide members representing businesses of all sizes and all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of Business™. More information is available on the Chamber’s website at www.pachamber.org.