state,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014
Alabama,,,,,,,,,,,,"* increased payments for funerals from $3,000 to $6,500_deathbenefit"
Alaska,,,* created administrative appeals commission_legalstandard* increased causation standard necessary to prove claim_legalstandard* froze fees for medical treatments_medicalbenefit* tightened eligibility for mental stress claims_legalstandard,,,,,"* doubled payments for funerals from $5,000 to $10,000_deathbenefit",,,,* adopted a new medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals_medicalbenefit
Arizona,,,,,"* increased the maximum wage-replacement benefits allowed for most disabled workers from $1,600 a month to $2,400 a month (and tied benefits to inflation)_compensation* Increased the death benefits for spouses and children from $1,600 a month to $2,400 a month (and tied benefits to inflation)_deathbenefit",,,,,,* excluded out-of-state employees who get injured in Arizona from workers' comp coverage_legalstandard,
Arkansas,,,,,"* closed special fund that provided additional benefits to workers with disabilities who are rendered more severely disabled by a new workplace injury_other* increased the cap on permanent total disability and death benefits from $75,000 to an amount set by formula, which was $170,000 in 2008_compensation",,,,,,,
California,"* repealed presumption that the worker's treating doctor is correct in favor of medical treatment guidelines set by the state_medicalbenefit* required employers and insurers to have treatment requests reviewed against the guidelines, often by outside doctors, before denying a claim_medicalbenefit* capped chiropractor and physical therapy at 24 sessions for the life of the claim_medicalbenefit* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals and for prescription drugs_medicalbenefit",* limited temporarily disabled workers to 2 years of benefits regardless if they've recovered from their injury_compensation* switched to a new injury rating system that cut benefits to permanently partially disabled workers by more than half_compensation* limited workers' ability to choose their own doctors_medicalbenefit* reduced insurers' and employers' liability when the work injury aggravates an existing condition caused by aging or prior injuries_legalstandard* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gave the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard,,,,,,,,"* increased use of independent medical reviewers (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes and limited a worker's ability to appeal even though these doctors never see the patients. (These doctors have ruled against injured workers most of the time.)_medicalbenefit* restored some of the wage-loss benefits for workers with permanent partial disabilities that had been cut under the 2004 law_compensation* updated medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals and limited fees for copy services, home health care, vocational experts and interpreters_medicalbenefit",* excluded out-of-state professional athletes who get injured in California from workers' comp coverage_legalstandard,
Colorado,* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes_medicalbenefit* excluded horse track workers who perform services for more than one employer from workers' comp coverage_legalstandard,,,,,,,* eliminated a provision that reduced workers' comp benefits when an injured worker receiving compensation for a permanent partial disability was also receiving Social Security benefits_compensation,,,,"* increased the number of doctors from which injured workers can choose from 2 to 4, provided by their employer or insurer_medicalbenefit"
Connecticut,,,,* eliminated requirement that workers' comp benefits be reduced when injured worker was also receiving Social Security retirement benefits_compensation,,,,,,,,* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to hospitals and other medical facilities_medicalbenefit
Delaware,,,,,* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals_medicalbenefit* established medical treatment guidelines_medicalbenefit* allowed employers and insurers to seek a second opinion on whether treatment is necessary and reasonable_medicalbenefit,,,,,,,* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals to cut medical costs by a third by 2017_medicalbenefit
Florida,* strictly limited eligibility for permanent total disability benefits_compensation* capped permanent total disability benefits at age 75_compensation* eliminated wage-loss benefits for workers who are permanently partially disabled_compensation* increased death benefits and payments for funerals_deathbenefit* toughened causation standards making it more difficult for workers with occupational diseases and repetitive stress injuries to qualify_legalstandard* eliminated compensation for psychiatric claims unless stemming from physical injuries and limited payments for such claims to 6 months_legalstandard* placed strict caps on workers' attorney fees_attorney,,,,,,,,,,,
Georgia,"* restricted eligibility for ""catastrophic"" injury benefits (similar to permanent total disability in other states)_compensation* raised maximum weekly compensation checks by $25_compensation",* closed special fund that provided additional benefits to workers with disabilities who are rendered more severely disabled by a new workplace injury_other,,"* increased the cap on death benefits to a spouse with no dependents from $125,000 to $150,000_deathbenefit",* raised maximum compensation checks from $450 to $500 a week_compensation* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to include psychological exams_medicalbenefit,,,,,,* terminated medical care after 400 weeks (about 8 years) for all but catastrophic injuries_medicalbenefit* required injured workers to attempt light duty job for at least 1 day or face cutoff of benefits_other* raised maximum compensation checks from $500 to $525 a week_compensation,
Hawaii,,,,,,,,,,,,
Idaho,,,* developed medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors_medicalbenefit,,,,,,,,,
Illinois,,,* increased compensation for permanent partial disabilities and raised minimum weekly benefits_compensation* doubled cap on death benefits and payment for funerals_deathbenefit* allowed employers and insurers to seek a second opinion on whether treatment is necessary and reasonable_medicalbenefit* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals_medicalbenefit,,,,,,"* reduced payments to doctors and hospitals on medical fee schedules by 30%_medicalbenefit* limited some workers' ability to choose their own doctors_medicalbenefit* raised the burden of proof for injured workers to qualify for workers' comp coverage_legalstandard* created the presumption that a medical review or second opinion sought by the employer or insurer is correct if based on treatment guidelines_medicalbenefit* capped wage-loss benefits for workers who return to work at a lower salary at age 67 or 5 years after the injury, whichever comes later_compensation* limited compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repetitive stress_compensation* required new American Medical Association guidelines be used for determining disability awards, which studies show significantly lowers ratings used for compensation_compensation",,,* restored some of the cuts in payments to doctors that were made in 2011_medicalbenefit
Indiana,,,,* capped fees for workers' attorneys_attorney* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gives the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard* slightly increased wage-replacement benefits for most disabled workers_compensation,,,,,,,"* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals_medicalbenefit* increased maximum compensation checks for temporarily disabled workers and raised the cap on lifetime benefits for the most severely disabled workers to $400,000 by 2018_compensation",
Iowa,* increased payments for funerals_deathbenefit,* reduced insurers' and employers' liability when a work injury renders a worker more severely disabled because of a previous injury_legalstandard,,,,,,,,,,
Kansas,,,,,,,,,"* made it more difficult for workers to receive benefits when they suffer repetitive stress injuries or the work injury triggers or aggravates an existing condition caused by aging or prior injuries_legalstandard* increased evidence standards for workers to qualify as permanently and totally disabled and eliminated the presumption for quadriplegics and double amputees_legalstandard* created a presumption that the opinion of the treating doctor (usually chosen by the employer or insurer) is correct_medicalbenefit* raised the cap on death benefits for surviving spouses and children from $250,000 to $300,000_deathbenefit  * raised the cap on benefits to permanently and totally disabled workers from $125,000 to $155,000_compensation* allowed employers and insurers to terminate medical benefits if no treatment has been received in 2 years_medicalbenefit* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gave the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard",,"* required new American Medical Association guidelines be used for determining disability awards, which studies show significantly lowers ratings used for compensation_compensation* created a nominating committee for workers' comp judges stacked with representatives from business groups_legalstandard",
Kentucky,,,,,,,,,,,,
Louisiana,* repealed provision that reduced workers' comp benefits when injured worker was also receiving Social Security old-age benefits_compensation,,,,,,,,,"* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gave the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard* raised payments for funerals from $7,500 to $8,500_deathbenefit* increased supplemental first-year payment to some catastrophically injured workers from $30,000 to $50,000_compensation",,
Maine,,,,,,,,,,,,
Maryland,,,,,,,,,,,,
Massachusetts,,,,,,,,,,,,"* required nannies, housekeepers and other domestic workers to be covered by workers' comp_legalstandard"
Michigan,,,,,,,,,* extended the time that injured worker can't choose their own doctor from 10 days to 28 days_medicalbenefit* made it more difficult for workers to receive benefits when the work injury aggravates an existing condition caused by aging or prior injuries_legalstandard* raised burden of proof for workers to show they can't find a suitable job in order to receive wage-loss benefits_legalstandard* excluded out-of-state professional athletes who get injured in Michigan from workers' comp coverage_legalstandard,,,
Minnesota,,,,,,* extended time that temporarily disabled workers can receive benefits from 2 years to 2.5 years_compensation* raised the maximum wage-replacement benefits allowed for most disabled workers from $750 to $850 a week_compensation,,,,,"* allowed compensation for work-related post-traumatic stress disorder that does not involve a physical injury, following a school shooting in which several teachers suffered from PTSD_legalstandard* increased compensation checks for temporarily disabled workers from $850 a week to 102% of the state's average wage ($980 in 2014)_compensation* increased the cap on cost-of-living adjustment for permanently disabled workers from 2% to 3% a year_compensation* raised the cap on workers' attorney fees_attorney",
Mississippi,,,,,,,,,,"* made it more difficult for injured workers to change doctors_medicalbenefit* reduced insurers' and employers' liability when the work injury aggravates an existing condition caused by aging or prior injuries_legalstandard* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gave the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard* increased payments for funerals from $2,000 to $5,000_deathbenefit* increased immediate death benefit to $1,000 and facial disfigurement compensation from $2,000 to $5,000_deathbenefit",,
Missouri,,,"* strictly limited what injuries are covered, making it more difficult for workers with occupational diseases and repetitive stress injuries to qualify_legalstandard* reduced insurers' and employers' liability when the work injury aggravates an existing condition caused by aging or prior injuries_legalstandard* reduced benefits by 25-50% if the injury was caused by a failure to follow the company's safety rules_legalstandard* increased burden of proof for permanent partial and total disability_legalstandard",,,,,,,,"* clarified that occupational diseases, which were unintentionally eliminated in the 2005 law, are covered under workers' comp and are barred from lawsuits against employers_legalstandard* limited compensation from a special fund that provides additional benefits to workers with disabilities who are rendered more severely disabled by a new workplace injury_other",
Montana,* eliminated permanent partial disability benefits based exclusively on pain_compensation* increased compensation for permanent partial disabilities_compensation* eliminated provision that limited permanently totally disabled workers to 10 cost-of-living adjustments over lifetime_compensation,,,,* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals_compensation* established medical treatment guidelines_medicalbenefit* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes_medicalbenefit,,,,"* allowed the insurer to choose the injured worker's doctor_medicalbenefit* terminated medical care 5 years after injury with limited exceptions for amputees and permanently and totally disabled workers_medicalbenefit* froze fees for medical treatments_medicalbenefit* required new American Medical Association guidelines be used for determining disability awards, which studies show significantly lowers ratings used for compensation_compensation",,,
Nebraska,,,,,* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to hospitals_medicalbenefit,,,,,,,
Nevada,* established a periodic cost of living increase for permanently totally disabled workers_compensation* excluded sports officials at amateur and intercollegiate events from workers' comp coverage_legalstandard,,,,,,"* allowed spouses to continue receiving death benefits after remarriage_deathbenefit* doubled payments for funerals from $5,000 to $10,000_deathbenefit* allowed broader and more generous guidelines to be used for determining disability awards_compensation",,,,,
New Hampshire,,,,,,,"* doubled payments for funerals from $5,000 to $10,000_deathbenefit",,,,,
New Jersey,,* increased death benefits for spouses and children_deathbenefit,,,,,,,,,,
New Mexico,"* included significant brain injuries in qualifying for permanent total disability benefits_compensation* raised cap on attorney fees from $12,500 to $16,500_attorney* created uninsured employers' fund to protect injured workers whose employers fail to obtain workers' comp insurance_other",,,,,,,,,,,
New York,,,,,"
* capped wage-loss benefits for workers with permanent partial disabilities, an estimated 35% cut for those workers_compensation* increased maximum wage-replacement benefits for most disabled workers but capped compensation at two-thirds of state's average wage (current maximum benefit is $809 a week)_compensation* doubled death benefits for spouses and children_deathbenefit* limited some workers' ability to choose their own doctors_medicalbenefit* expanded medical fee schedules to cap payments for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals_medicalbenefit* closed special fund that provided additional benefits to workers with disabilities who are rendered more severely disabled by a new workplace injury_other",,,* implemented medical treatment guidelines_medicalbenefit,,,* reduced assessments on businesses by 26% in part by closing a fund for old cases_other* increased the minimum wage-replacement benefit from $100 to $150 a week_compensation,
North Carolina,,,,,,,,,"
* raised the burden of proof for injured workers to qualify for workers' comp coverage_legalstandard* made it more difficult for workers to qualify as permanently and totally disabled_compensation* capped benefits for temporarily disabled workers at 500 weeks (about 9.5 years)_compensation* reduced workers' comp benefits when injured worker is also receiving Social Security old-age benefits_compensation* made it more difficult for workers to change their treating doctors, who are usually chosen by the employer or insurer_medicalbenefit* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes; workers can get second opinion but it is given less weight_medicalbenefit* increased the cap on death benefits to spouses and children from 400 weeks (about 8 years) to 500 weeks (about 9.5 years)_deathbenefit* raised payments for funerals from $3,500 to $10,000_deathbenefit* placed term limits on commissioners who oversee the workers' comp system, which is expected to make rulings more favorable for employers and insurers over time_legalstandard",,"* stripped workers' comp judges (known as deputy commissioners) of their civil service protections, making them easier to dismiss_legalstandard",
North Dakota,"* increased cap on death benefits for spouses and children from $197,000 to $250,000_deathbenefit",,* limited temporarily disabled workers to 2 years of benefits regardless if they've recovered from their injury_compensation* strictly limited eligibility for permanent total disability benefits_compensation,,,"* shifted to a more aggressive search for prior injuries and preexisting conditions, helping to drive a 25% increase in the claims denial rate_legalstandard","* increased the maximum wage-replacement benefits allowed for most disabled workers_compensation* raised the cap on death benefits for surviving spouses and children from $250,000 to $300,000_deathbenefit* increased payments for funerals from $6,500 to $10,000_deathbenefit",,"* required new American Medical Association guidelines be used for determining disability awards, which studies show significantly lowers ratings used for compensation_compensation* slightly increased benefits for workers with minor permanent injuries_compensation",,* clarified that no deference should be given to the worker's treating doctor_medicalbenefit,* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes. (These doctors have ruled against injured workers most of the time.)_medicalbenefit
Ohio,* increased payments for funerals_deathbenefit,,,"* raised the burden of proof when work injury aggravates an existing condition caused by aging or prior injuries_legalstandard* reduced the time limit on compensation for workers who are physically able to return to work but can't find a job consistent with their capabilities from 200 weeks (about 4 years) to 1 year_compensation* lowered the ""life"" of claims so that claims are automatically closed 5 years after last medical treatment or benefits check (which had been 10 years in some cases), making it difficult for workers who suffer a reoccurrence of symptoms to get medical care or compensation_medicalbenefit* raised cap on workers' attorneys fees from $2,500 to $4,200_attorney",,,,,,,,
Oklahoma,,,"* allowed employers to choose workers' doctors and created presumption their medical opinions are correct_medicalbenefit* limited temporarily disabled workers to 300 weeks (about 6 years) of benefits regardless if they've recovered from their injury_compensation* limited compensation for sprains, strains and hernias to 6-8 weeks_compensation* adopted medical fee schedule that caps payments for medical treatment, pharmaceuticals and equipment to reduce medical costs by at least 4%_medicalbenefit* increased death, funeral and disfigurement benefits_deathbenefit* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes_medicalbenefit* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gives the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard",,,,,"* raised the burden of proof for injured workers to qualify for workers' comp coverage_legalstandard* capped benefits for permanently totally disabled workers at 15 years or when they reach Social Security retirement age, a decrease of 35%_compensation* reduced benefits for workers with permanent partial disabilities, capping them at $323 a week until 2015_compensation* allowed employers to cut off benefits if injured worker rejects a good-faith offer of a light-duty position at the same rate of pay_other","* cut wage-replacement benefits for temporarily disabled workers from 300 weeks (about 6 years) to 3 years regardless if they've recovered from their injury_compensation* made it more difficult for workers to change their treating doctors, who are usually chosen by the employer or insurer_medicalbenefit* strengthened employer's ability to get a second opinion from independent medical examiners (outside doctors) appointed by the judge and established presumption that their opinions are correct_medicalbenefit* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals to reduce medical costs by 5%_medicalbenefit* placed strict caps on workers' attorney fees_attorney* extended lawsuit immunity to oil and gas companies that are not the
immediate employer of an injured or deceased worker_legalstandard",,"* allowed employers to opt out of the workers' comp system and create their own benefit plan, but still maintain their immunity from lawsuits_legalstandard* cut maximum benefit checks to temporarily disabled workers from $801 to $561 a week_compensation* cut wage-replacement benefits for temporarily disabled workers from 3 years to 2 years regardless if they've recovered from their injury_compensation* reduced compensation for workers with permanent partial disabilities by 30%_compensation* replaced a court-based system with an administrative commission stacked with business and insurance interests to handle disputes_legalstandard* limits some occupational disease claims_medicalbenefit* limited psychiatric claims to victims of violent crimes_legalstandard* reduced insurers' and employers' liability when the work injury aggravates an existing condition caused by aging or prior injuries_legalstandard* required new American Medical Association guidelines be used for determining disability awards, which studies show significantly lowers ratings used for compensation_compensation",
Oregon,* changed the way permanent partial disabilities are compensated and raised the maximum benefit level. Workers who are unable to return to work receive more while those who can return to regular work receive less_compensation,,,,,,* doubled payments for funerals from 10 to 20 times the state's average weekly wage_deathbenefit,,,,,
Pennsylvania,,,,,,,,,,,,
Rhode Island,,* raised cap on attorney fees_attorney,,,* created Uninsured Employers Fund to protected injured workers whose employers fail to obtain workers' comp insurance_other,,,"* required new American Medical Association guidelines be used for determining disability awards, which studies show significantly lowers ratings used for compensation_compensation* doubled compensation for amputation or loss of use of arms, hands, legs, feet, and other specific body parts_compensation* limited what a physician can charge to the medical fee schedule_medicalbenefit",,,"* increased payments for funerals from $15,000 to $20,000_deathbenefit",
South Carolina,,,,"* adopted a new hospital fee schedule, which caps payments for procedures and was expected to reduce medical costs by 10%_medicalbenefit","
* increased evidence standards for workers with repetitive stress injuries to qualify for benefits_legalstandard* made it more difficult for workers with back injuries to qualify as permanently and totally disabled_compensation* capped compensation for shoulder and hip injuries_compensation* mandated that workers' comp commissioners strictly adhere to American Medical Association guidelines in determining disability awards_legalstandard* excluded real estate agents and certain agricultural salespeople from workers' comp coverage_legalstandard* closed special fund that provided additional benefits to workers with disabilities who are rendered more severely disabled by a new workplace injury_other",,,,,,,
South Dakota,,,,,,,"* increased payments for funerals to $7,500_deathbenefit","* increased payments for funerals to $10,000_deathbenefit",,,"* required new American Medical Association guidelines be used for determining disability awards, which studies show significantly lowers ratings used for compensation_compensation",
Tennessee,,* cut benefits to permanently partially disabled workers_compensation* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes_medicalbenefit* adopted a medical fee schedule that caps payments to doctors and hospitals_medicalbenefit* slightly increased maximum compensation for temporarily disabled workers_compensation,,,,,,,,,* cut benefits to workers with permanent partial disabilities by nearly 25%_compensation* limited permanent partial disability benefits for undocumented immigrants_legalstandard* raised the burden of proof for injured workers to qualify for workers' comp coverage_legalstandard* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gave the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard* replaced a court-based system with an administrative commission to handle disptues_legalstandard,
Texas,,,* limited workers' ability to choose their own doctors_medicalbenefit* increased use of independent medical examiners (outside doctors) to resolve treatment disputes_medicalbenefit* increased weekly benefits for temporarily disabled workers_compensation,,,,,,,,,
Utah,,,,,,,* ruled unconstitutional a provision that reduced workers' comp benefits when injured worker was also receiving Social Security retirement benefits_compensation,,,,,
Vermont,,"* slightly reduced compensation to injured workers by changing the computation method_compensation* adopted medical fee schedule that caps payments for medical treatment, pharmaceuticals and equipment to reduce medical costs by at least 4%_medicalbenefit* reduced statute of limitations for filing a claim_legalstandard",,,,,,,,,,
Virginia,,,,,,,,,,,,
Washington,,,,,,,,,* limited workers' ability to choose their own doctors_medicalbenefit* created a subsidy program for employers who return injured workers to a light duty position_other* reduced pension benefits to workers who have received compensation for permanent partial disabilities_compensation,,,
West Virginia,* limited temporarily disabled workers to 2 years of benefits regardless if they've recovered from their injury_compensation* capped permanent total disability benefits at age 70_compensation* made it more difficult for injured workers to qualify for permanent total disability_compensation* reduced maximum weekly checks a temporary disabled worker can receive to two-thirds of the state's average wage_compensation* cut maximum compensation for permanent partial disabilities by 30%_compensation* limited workers' ability to choose their own doctors_medicalbenefit* eliminated standard in workers' comp that gives the injured worker the benefit of the doubt_legalstandard,,,,,,,,,,,
Wisconsin,,,,* slightly increased wage-replacement benefits for most disabled workers and death benefits for spouses and children_compensation* eliminated statute of limitations for workers who suffer amputations and other traumatic injuries likely requiring future medical care_medicalbenefit* established pharmacy fee schedule that limits charges for prescription drugs_medicalbenefit* created an advisory committee to establish guidelines for medical treatment_medicalbenefit,,* slightly increased wage-replacement benefits for most disabled workers and death benefits for spouses and children_compensation,,,,* slightly increased wage-replacement benefits for most disabled workers and death benefits for spouses and children_compensation* eliminated compensation for disfigurement if the employer offers the injured worker a job at the same or higher wage_compensation,,
Wyoming,,,,,,,* raised cap on death benefits to spouse from 4.5 years to a little over 8 years_deathbenefit* increased death benefits for surviving children as well as disability awards for workers with permanent partial disabilities_deathbenefit* set a minimum level of compensation that temporarily disabled workers must be paid regardless of their wages at the time of the injury_compensation* tied benefits for permanently and totally disabled workers to inflation_compensation,,,,,