SF 140 (LSB 1284XS (2) 89)

SENATE FILE 140

BY  BOULTON

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to replacement of prosthetic devices under the workers’ compensation program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 85.27, subsection 1, Code 2021, is amended to read as follows:
   1.  The employer, for all injuries compensable under this chapter or chapter 85A, shall furnish reasonable surgical, medical, dental, osteopathic, chiropractic, podiatric, physical rehabilitation, nursing, ambulance, and hospital services and supplies therefor and shall allow reasonably necessary transportation expenses incurred for such services. The employer shall also furnish reasonable and necessary crutches, artificial members, and appliances but shall not be required to furnish more than one set of permanent prosthetic devices.  A person shall be entitled to replacement of a prosthetic device, including subsequent replacements, by the employer if the prosthetic device is needed as a result of a compensable injury, and the replacement of the prosthetic device would otherwise be considered reasonable medical care under this chapter.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill provides that a person is entitled to replacement of a prosthetic device, including subsequent replacements, by an employer under the workers’ compensation program if the prosthetic device is needed as a result of a compensable injury, and the replacement of the prosthetic device would otherwise be considered reasonable medical care. Under current law, an employer is not required to furnish more than one set of permanent prosthetic devices.