Time Limit Proposed for Permanent Total Disability Benefits
By: Kristen Beckman, Business Insurance, February 2017
A bill moved forward Tuesday that would limit permanent total disability workers compensation benefits paid to Arkansas workers.
House Bill 1586, introduced Friday by Rep. John Payton, R-Wilburn, would amend provisions of the state’s comp law to place a 450-week limit on weekly PTD benefits. The law currently exempts PTD benefits from a 450-week limit for other types of workers comp benefits.
The bill, which also establishes the same time limit for payments to dependents of deceased workers, cleared the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee with a “do pass” recommendation.
If signed into law, H.B. 1586 would apply to injuries occurring on or after July 1, according to the bill language.
The bill also directs employers to provide reasonably necessary medical treatment to employees exposed to rabies while on the job.
