Conference Focuses on New Workers’ Compensation Laws
Louisiana employers, HR professionals, insurance representatives, attorneys, and risk managers will gather for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s (LABI) Workers’ Compensation Conference on Sept. 2-3 at L’Auberge Casino Hotel.
Speaking on Mornings with Brian Haldane, LABI’s Patrick Robinson said this year’s conference arrives at a critical time. Lawmakers approved major workers’ compensation reforms during the recent legislative session. Robinson called it one of the most significant years for reform in more than a decade.
Legislative Changes Take Center Stage
The conference agenda will highlight the new laws and explain how businesses should prepare for the changes. A featured panel will examine the updated medical fee schedule and its impact on employers, healthcare providers, and injured workers.
Robinson said the legislation modernizes an outdated reimbursement system. It also introduces electronic utilization reviews and faster care recommendations. Those changes should improve efficiency and speed up treatment for injured employees.
Why Workers’ Compensation Matters
Robinson stressed that workers’ compensation provides quick medical care and wage replacement benefits after workplace injuries. The no-fault system helps employees recover without lengthy court battles. It also gives employers a more predictable claims process.
Another conference session will review legislation that allows employers to resolve disputed claims through the workers’ compensation court system. Employers can continue paying benefits while seeking a legal determination when questions arise about a claim.
Fraud Prevention and Claims Management
Robinson noted that fraud accounts for only a small percentage of workers’ compensation claims. However, stronger investigative tools protect the system from abuse. They also help reduce delays for employees with legitimate claims.
He added that recent reforms give employers better access to records and legal procedures when investigating questionable claims. Those changes improve fairness while preserving benefits for workers who truly need them.
Registration Information
The conference will also feature lawmakers who sponsored several key workers’ compensation bills during the legislative session. Attendees will hear firsthand how those measures were developed and what businesses should expect moving forward.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities remain available through LABI. Employers, HR professionals, insurance representatives, attorneys, and risk managers can learn more and register by visiting LABI.org.