Michigan workers' comp changes head to Snyder

By Tim Martin Associated Press LANSING (AP) -- A bill that could help Michigan employers reduce costs related to compensating workers injured on the job is on the way to Gov. Rick Snyder after getting final approval Tuesday in the state Legislature. The bill was approved 60-47 mostly along party lines in the Republican-led House, which agreed with changes to the legislation made last week in the Republican-controlled Senate. The bill exempts police and fire department employees from many of the new workers' comp rules outlined in the legislation. Attempts by Democrats to exempt other types of workers failed. Snyder, a Republican, will likely support the bill pending final review, spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said. Republicans say the measure updates Michigan's workers' compensation laws and could help crack down on fraud while encouraging injured workers to seek some type of employment when they're able. Supporters of the bill say it also reflects recent court rulings, which should make definitions clearer and cut down on the number of workers' comp lawsuits. "Our workers' compensation system needs to be clear so workers and employers can take advantage of it without confusion over coverage," the bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Bradford Jacobsen of Oxford, said in a statement. Democrats say some provisions would make it harder for injured employees to receive or keep benefits. Workers could risk losing some benefits if they don't accept alternative jobs once they're partially restored to health, even if the new jobs pay less. Opponents of the bill are concerned that injured workers seeking to get a second medical opinion or visit their own doctors would have to do so at their own expense. The version of the plan headed to Snyder, however, would let injured workers consult their own doctors more quickly than the original plan. The changes to the law would not affect those currently receiving benefits or those with pending claims. ---------- The worker's compensation House Bill 5002. Published: Thu, Dec 15, 2011