Senate Mulling Bill to Require Hearings Before Benefits Are Terminated

A bill that would require employers and insurers to request an expedited hearing before a workers’ compensation judge before cutting off a claimant’s benefits is awaiting a vote in the Louisiana Senate after winning the blessing of a policy committee. Senate Bill 536, by Sen. Jay Luneau. D-Alexandria, would prohibit payers from unilaterally terminating benefits. Instead, the employer would have to request an expedited hearing and ask a judge to approve the termination. The hearing would have to be held within 30 days. SB 536 would also require payers to request an expedited h...