Employees injured on the job would be able to choose their own doctor under proposed changes to workers' comp

Recipients of workers' compensation would be able to choose their own medical care after an accident on the job under a bill heard in a House committee Monday [March 14]. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Colona, D-St. Louis County, said the bill would give employees a peace of mind and restore more integrity into the workers' compensation system. However, witnesses filled the room and queued up to speak out against the bill and in the interest of business during a House Insurance Policy Committee hearing. In total, one witness spoke in support of the bill while seven spoke out in opposition. Colona said it is important for an employees to see their own primary care physician for an accurate diagnosis, especially when deciding if an injury is a pre-existing condition or one that was caused because of job-related activity. "Who better to evaluate somebody and say, 'This is a pre-existing condition,' other than your primary care physician," Colona said. "I think this adds a little bit more integrity from a realistic and employee or employer perspective." Rep. Bob Nance, R-Excelsior Springs, said a personal doctor might diagnose illness or injuries in a way that benefits the worker but is costly for the employers. "Your own doctor is going to be very generous to making an assumption as to what your problem is," Nance said. No immediate action was taken on the bill.