NEWS RELEASE: Frerichs responds to new workers’ compensation appointments

After systematic abuse and fraudulent workers’ compensation claims cost the State of Illinois millions of dollars in waste, the Senate Executive Appointments Committee today voted on the nominations of a full, new slate of workers’ compensation arbitrators, advisory board members and commissioners during a hearing in Chicago. 

“The top priority of the new advisory board, arbitrators and commissioners is to ensure complete oversight and fairness for employers and employees are implemented in each case.” – Senator Michael Frerichs

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NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator Michael Frerichs, 52nd Legislative District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 17, 2012 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 217-782-0995

Frerichs responds to new workers’ compensation appointments

SPRINGFIELD, IL – After systematic abuse and fraudulent workers’ compensation claims cost the State of Illinois millions of dollars in waste, the Senate Executive Appointments Committee today voted on the nominations of a full, new slate of workers’ compensation arbitrators, advisory board members and commissioners during a hearing in Chicago. 

“In cases such as Menard Correctional Facility, which has seen federal and state investigations into workers’ compensation claims, we know that the system is being abused repeatedly,” Senator Frerichs said.  “Only a handful of State facilities are seeing the majority of workers’ compensation claims, implying there is an obvious fraud taking place that we need to eliminate.” 

The nominations and hearing are part of the workers’ compensation reforms approved by Illinois lawmakers during the 2011 session and signed into law in June by Gov. Pat Quinn. The new appointments are required as part of the reforms included in House Bill 1698. These reforms are expected to save Illinois businesses hundreds of millions of dollars by addressing systematic abuses, while at the same time ensuring legitimately injured workers remain protected.

“The Executive Appointments hearing today is a significant step in a long process of reforms to workers’ compensation in Illinois,” Frerichs continued.  “Now that a new advisory board is in place and arbitrators and commissioners have been appointed, I expect to see responsible solutions to workers’ compensation reform implemented in the following months.”  

Shortly after the bill passed, Illinois Manufacturers Association President and C.E.O, Greg Baise said “We have been fighting for this kind of reform since 1975.”

Other highlights of House Bill 1968 include caps on carpal tunnel awards, increased penalties for workers compensation fraud, guidelines for doctors and the Workers’ Compensation Commission to determine levels of disability, and an easier process for employers to deny claims for accidents resulting from intoxication.  House Bill 1968 went into effect on June 28, 2011.

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