Workers Comp Laws Could Face Changes

MIAMI (CBSMiami/NSF) --  A new proposal, filed Monday could mean more requirements for injured employees in workers-compensation insurance cases.

The bill (SB 1214), filed by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, deals with issues such as the award of permanent total disability benefits and how preexisting conditions are factored into determining the causes of workplace injuries.

Also, it would make changes in laws about drug testing after workers are injured.

Under part of a law dealing with employers who take part in the drug-free workplace program, the bill says workers would be required to submit to drug testing after receiving initial treatment for injuries and, if they refused, "it shall be presumed, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, that the injury was occasioned primarily by the influence of drugs."

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.