S.D. Senator Blocks Workers’ Comp Health Records Bill

A South Dakota senator has succeeded in at least temporarily blocking a measure that would force injured workers to give their entire lifelong medical records to their employers.

When the Senate considered changes made to a bill dealing with medical claims made by injured workers, Senator Gil Koetzle of Sioux Falls objected to new language that would force injured workers to give their employers medical records covering their entire life.

Koetzle says employers will use childhood injuries as an excuse not to pay for recent on-the-job injuries.

The Senate rejected the language suggested in a compromise version of HB 1037. Lawmakers will now seek a new compromise.