Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 1253

Bill Title: Workers' Compensation - Appeals - Evidence

Bill Sponsor(s): Del. Manno & Schuler

Subject: Workers' Compensation

Committee: ECM

Bill Summary: This bill would have authorized the introduction of specified health care records as evidence in an appeal from a decision of the Workers' Compensation Commission without supporting testimony.

History: SB 550 died in Committee in 2007. In 2009 HB 1253 received an unfavorable report by the Economic Matters Committee.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The informal evidence standard used in small claims in Maryland’s District Court is inappropriate for Circuit Court workers’ compensation appeals, where the amounts in controversy are often far in excess of the District Court’s $25,000 maximum. Also, unlike District Court cases, where treatment issues are seldom in dispute, workers’ compensation appeals frequently involve complicated medical issues, such as causal connection and apportionment, where reviewing a report alone is insufficient to judge the conclusions and opinions it contains. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposed this bill.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.