The Director of the DIR John Duncan announced that there needs to be a change in PD rates from the reform in 2004.  Although the reform did decrease the amount of money owed in the worker’s compensation system by billions, it also decreased the amount of money an injured worker was payed in regards to his/her permanent disability rating.  The idea for a change is to reform other parts of the system by controlling costs, thus allowing a larger PD rating to the injured worker.  Duncan has until Jan 1, 2010 in order to update this PD rating schedule.

Last week a bill was passed that will increase the penalties owed by employers who fail to provide worker’s compensation benefits to injured workers. The increase will be from $1,000 to $1,500 and will take effect January 2011. The idea is to discourage employers from not providing benefits with the assumption they will pay a hefty penalty otherwise. All it needs is the governor’s signature.