What Work Comp Providers Need to Know: 2025 Legislative Session Updates
4/6/2025
As we continue to monitor the 2025 legislative session, here are the key updates and active bills that may impact your practice and patient care.
One of the most important developments is the progress of HB480, a bill introduced by the Workers' Compensation Working Group. This bill has officially moved forward to its final committee and could make a big difference in how we deliver care to injured workers. If passed, HB480 would allow providers to request a Functional Capacity Exam and a one-time specialist consultation—without prior authorization. This is a significant step toward reducing administrative delays and improving timely access to care.
Bills Still in Play After the Second Lateral Deadline:
HB72 – Registered Pharmacy Technicians
Would create formal registration for pharmacy techs, impacting scope and structure of pharmacy services.
Read MoreHB250 – Prior Authorization & Utilization Review Reporting
Introduces oversight for prior authorizations, requiring utilization review entities to report activities to the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA).
Read MoreHB480 – Workers’ Comp Reform
Allows Functional Capacity Exams and one-time specialist consults without prior authorization for workers' comp cases.
Read MoreHB712 – Prescription Drug Access and 340B Protections
Addresses discriminatory practices related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program and pharmacy access for covered entities.
Read MoreSB1245 – Pharmacist Reimbursement by Insurance
Ensures pharmacists are fairly reimbursed for services covered by insurance—may impact team-based care in rural or underserved areas.
Read MoreSB1279 – Telepharmacy Services
Expands access to medications for medically underserved communities via remote pharmacist consultations.
Read MoreSB1281 – Audio-Only Telehealth Reimbursement
Proposes continued insurance reimbursement for audio-only telehealth—particularly critical for patients without video access.
Read MoreSB1449 – Utilization Review Entity Reporting
Strengthens SHPDA’s ability to collect and analyze data on prior authorization practices and utilization trends.
Read More
We encourage you to stay informed and engaged. These bills, if passed, could have significant implications on how you care for injured workers, streamline your administrative workload, and advocate for better outcomes. We’ll continue tracking developments and provide updates as these bills move forward.
Want to take action? Reach out to your local representatives and share how these changes could benefit patient care and your practice.
Stay tuned and thank you for all you do.
