Maryland House Passes Workers’ Comp Bill

Legislation allowing undisputed workers’ comp claims to be handled out of state was passed earlier this week by the Maryland House of Delegates.

HB 1223, which would abolish an outdated rule requiring workers’ comp insurers to maintain a claims office in the state, was approved by a vote of 119 to 6.

“This bill makes sense for both policyholders and insurers from a practical claims handling perspective,” said John A. Andryszak, assistant vice president of the mid-Atlantic region of the American Insurance Association. “Most insurance companies handle claims on a regional basis. Insurers have claims adjusters who are well-trained in Maryland law regardless of where their physical offices happen to be.”

HB 1223 has been referred to the Senate where it is pending in the Finance Committee.