WORK COMP-STATE LICENSURE

Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, on or before July 1, 2026 or 15 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, whichever is later, and on or before July 1 of each year thereafter, in addition to the amount required, the Director shall charge an amount to be included in a company's obligation to pay the annual Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund Surcharge. Sets forth provisions concerning the process for calculating the additional amount and notice requirements for the Department of Insurance before collecting the additional amount. Provides that the additional amount shall be deposited into the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund. Establishes procedures for determining the additional amount if a company survives or was formed by a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or reincorporation. Further amends the Workers' Compensation Act. In provisions concerning the amount of compensation which shall be paid for an accidental injury to the employee resulting in death, provides that the sum of $10,000 (rather than $8,000) for burial expenses shall be paid by the employer to the widow or widower, other dependent, next of kin or to the person or persons incurring the expense of burial. Sets forth provisions concerning the development of standards to be used as part of the utilization review process. Provides that any adverse determination made during the utilization review process shall be made by a physician if the health care services are to be delivered or are recommended by a physician. Provides that certification made under the utilization review process shall be valid for the 3 months immediately after the date on which the employee and health care provider receive the certification or for the length of treatment as determined by the employee's health care provider. Sets forth procedures for the appeal of a non-certification. Provides that, if an employer asks a medical practitioner for an examination of the reasonableness and necessity of the medical services proposed or provided, instead of a utilization review, the examination and the report of the examination shall be provided by the medical practitioner to the employee or the employee's representative and the employee's treating health care professional within 90 days after receipt of the request for the examination of the reasonableness and necessity of treatment. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Status

Passed

Signed or otherwise enacted

Status date

Aug 7, 2026

97 days ago

Current chamber

House of Representatives

Session

2025-2026 Regular Session