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A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers has introduced legislation that would significantly expand eligibility and benefits under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, including increasing certain payments to $150,000 and extending the program for 15 years. H.R. 10115, introduced Monday, would expand compensation for people exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear testing, Manhattan Project waste and other nuclear-related activities. The bill…

Comorbid health conditions are contributing to longer disability periods and substantially higher medical costs in workers compensation claims, yet the conditions often remain underreported in part due to communication gaps among patients, medical providers, and insurers and employers, according to experts. “We’re not asking, and they’re not telling us,” said Mark Williams, Scarborough, Maine-based medical director at The Hartford, during…

Companies that layer multiple contractor safety and risk management programs can substantially reduce serious injuries and fatalities, according to a white paper released Thursday by a company that manages supply chain risk. The findings point to the value of using several safety controls together rather than relying on a single contractor screening or compliance measure, with Avetta identifying the layered…

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Friday that makes significant changes to workers compensation medical reviews, insurer assessments and penalties for licensed businesses that fail to maintain coverage. H.B. 5228, which took effect immediately and passed both chambers in April and May, requires that adverse utilization review determinations for services delivered or recommended by a physician be made by a…