General Assembly introduces new workers’ compensation laws

NASHVILLE – The 2019 session of the 111th General Assembly saw several new laws passed that will directly impact workers’ compensation. 

Maximum and minimum benefit changes

Temporary Benefits – The maximum weekly benefit rate for injuries occurring July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, is $1,056.00, or 110% of the state’s average weekly wage.

Permanent Benefits – The maximum weekly benefit rate for injuries occurring July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, is $960.00, or 100% of the state’s average weekly wage.

Minimum Weekly Benefit – The minimum weekly benefit rate for injuries occurring July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, for both temporary and permanent benefits is $144.00.

FIREFIGHTER CANCER PRESUMPTION

Public Chapter 490 (SB1442 by Bailey/HB0316 by Hicks) creates a presumption that certain conditions or impairments of full-time firefighters caused by certain cancers occurred in the course of employment unless the contrary is shown by competent medical evidence.

Gov. Lee signed Public Chapter 490 into law on May 24, 2019, and it becomes effective July 1, 2019.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Public Chapter 373 (SB0312 by Watson/HB0389 by Helton) prohibits a medical review officer from considering prescriptions issued more than six months prior to a positive confirmed drug result for purposes of determining a valid prescription and immunity from actions authorized for employers to take against employees and job applicants following such a result.

Gov. Lee signed Public Chapter 373 into law on May 10, 2019, and it became effective upon signing. 

EMPLOYEE/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR 

Public Chapter 337 (SB0466 by Roberts/HB0539 by Howell) requires the consideration of the 20-factor test in IRS Revenue Ruling 87-41 to determine whether an employer-employee relationship exists in certain employment arrangements. 

Note: The final amended version of this bill removes references to the workers’ compensation law. The bill applies to wage regulations, TOSHA, unemployment insurance, and drug-free workplace only. 

Gov. Lee signed Public Chapter 337 into law on May 10, 2019, and it becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2020.

EMPLOYEE/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Public Chapter 97 (SB0663 by Watson/HB0756 by Marsh) removes the deployment, implementation, or use of a motor carrier safety improvement required by a motor carrier from being considered when evaluating a person’s status as an employee or independent contractor. 

Gov. Lee signed Public Chapter 97 into law on March 28, 2019, and it became effective upon signing.

WORK-BASED LEARNING

Public Chapter 468 (SB1259 by Gresham/HB0740 by White) replaces the department of economic and community development with the Tennessee higher education commission as the state agency charged with administering grants related to work-based learning programs and requires the local school system to provide student accident insurance for volunteer interns.

Gov. Lee signed Public Chapter 468 into law on May 24, 2019, and it becomes effective on July 1, 2019.

DRUGS/PRESCRIPTIONS

Public Chapter 124 (SB0810 by Reeves/HB0843 by C. Sexton) makes various changes concerning the prescription of certain scheduled controlled substances.

Gov. Lee signed Public Chapter 124 into law on April 9, 2019, and it became effective upon signing. 

For a complete, detailed review of this information and all workers’ compensation bills introduced in this legislative session, please go to www.capitol.tn.gov.

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