Workers’ compensation: medical-legal expenses: fee schedule.

Senator Hurtado's workers' compensation legislation modifies California's medical-legal fee schedule by authorizing biennial adjustments based on medical practice costs and aligning updates with related medical service fees. The bill amends the Labor Code to permit the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation to revise fees every two years according to the Medicare Economic Index, including adjustments to the conversion factor and per-page costs for reviewing records.

The measure maintains existing provisions that limit provider charges to the established fee schedule unless extraordinary circumstances warrant higher fees, which must not exceed the provider's usual rate. Employers and employees retain the right to contest fees exceeding scheduled amounts. In disputed cases where providers testify under subpoena, judges may authorize reasonable testimony fees if the charges are deemed justified.

The legislation prohibits providers from accepting any additional compensation beyond authorized fees for medical-legal expenses, with violations subject to licensing board discipline. This restriction applies only to services covered by the administrative director's fee schedule. The updates must occur simultaneously with revisions to maximum fees for other medical services, including pharmaceuticals and pharmacy services provided to injured workers.