Illinois  Chamber Visits KAHRMA

Members of the Kankakee Area Human Resources Managers Association took a moment to pose with presenter Jay Shattuck. Left to right: Sue Norvell from Riverside, Denise St. Pierre from US Filter, Mary Jo Martyn from KCC, Jay Shattuck, Illinois Chamber of Commerce Employment Law Council, Raelynn Roman from Sorenson Wilder, Peggy Myers from the Kankakee Co. Training Center, and Tara Buck.

On Tuesday, November 21, Jay Shattuck from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce made a presentation at the Kankakee Area Human Resources Managers Association Luncheon regarding workers’ compensation laws in the state of Illinois.  He discussed major changes that were made to the law in 2005 and how they are being implemented. 2005 revisions include:

 1) Medical Cost Containment- Illinois now joins the rest of the nation by prohibiting a medical provider from billing an injured worker for the balance of medical charges not considered reasonable and necessary.

2) Fraud- A workers’ compensation fraud statute is established. An investigation unit is created.

3) Benefit Delivery- Penalties for unreasonable delay of benefits are increased, emergency hearings are expanded, and procedures for introduction of injured workers certified medical records into evidence before the Commission are simplified.

4) Benefit Structure- The minimum benefit for a worker killed on the job is increased, burial benefits are increased, and the maximum weekly benefit for wage differential injuries is increased. 

For more information, contact Jay Shattuck, Illinois Chamber Employment Law Council, www.ilchamber.org.