Connecticut’s largest business organization is seeking legislation to require the use of generic prescriptions in the state’s workers’ compensation system, according to a report by the Hartford Courant.

Rep. Holly Cheeseman

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association included suggestions for workers’ comp as one of 12 policy priorities during the legislative session that began Jan. 9. In addition to requiring generics, CBIA urges lawmakers to "limit permanent partial disability awards to what is related to the work injury."

What's more, the group asks that lawmakers refrain from imposing new penalties or “undermine workers’ compensation as an exclusive remedy,” according to the report. 

Connecticut had the seventh most expensive workers' compensation insurance costs in the nation in 2018, according to a biennial premium ranking study released by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services in October. New York ranked No. 1 and California No. 2.

As of Thursday, only one workers’ compensation bill had been introduced in the state General Assembly. House Bill 5369, by Rep. Holly Cheeseman, R-East Lyme, would reduce the process time for workers’ compensation claims by members of the National Guard and provide assistance in filing.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.