Senate Bill 376 aims to improve workers' comp access for injured Nevada firefighters
May 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding workers' compensation in Nevada, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 376. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the accessibility and choice of medical specialists for injured workers.
The session began with a personal testimony from an injured worker who detailed an arduous eight-month struggle with the workers' compensation system. After seeking treatment for an occupational disease, the individual faced multiple denials and delays in accessing necessary specialists, including a pulmonologist, cardiologist, and ENT. The testimony underscored a systemic failure, revealing that the lists of available doctors were severely limited, often leaving patients with no viable options. The worker emphasized that the current laws do not adequately support patient choice or timely access to care, which is crucial for recovery.
Following this testimony, committee members engaged in a discussion about the implications of these experiences. Questions arose regarding the process when no doctors are available, leading to a description of how case managers attempt to find alternatives, often resulting in arbitrary assignments that do not prioritize patient preferences.
Support for Senate Bill 376 was voiced by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association and the Professional Firefighters Nevada. They echoed the sentiment that the current system is inadequate, with first responders often facing long waits for treatment that could hinder their ability to return to work. The bill aims to address these issues by allowing injured workers to seek care from any available doctor if the mandated list does not meet the required number of specialists.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of reforming the workers' compensation system to ensure that injured workers receive timely and appropriate medical care. The committee members expressed their commitment to advancing Senate Bill 376, recognizing it as a vital step toward improving the healthcare experience for those injured on the job. Further discussions and potential votes on the bill are anticipated in upcoming sessions.
The session began with a personal testimony from an injured worker who detailed an arduous eight-month struggle with the workers' compensation system. After seeking treatment for an occupational disease, the individual faced multiple denials and delays in accessing necessary specialists, including a pulmonologist, cardiologist, and ENT. The testimony underscored a systemic failure, revealing that the lists of available doctors were severely limited, often leaving patients with no viable options. The worker emphasized that the current laws do not adequately support patient choice or timely access to care, which is crucial for recovery.
Following this testimony, committee members engaged in a discussion about the implications of these experiences. Questions arose regarding the process when no doctors are available, leading to a description of how case managers attempt to find alternatives, often resulting in arbitrary assignments that do not prioritize patient preferences.
Support for Senate Bill 376 was voiced by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association and the Professional Firefighters Nevada. They echoed the sentiment that the current system is inadequate, with first responders often facing long waits for treatment that could hinder their ability to return to work. The bill aims to address these issues by allowing injured workers to seek care from any available doctor if the mandated list does not meet the required number of specialists.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of reforming the workers' compensation system to ensure that injured workers receive timely and appropriate medical care. The committee members expressed their commitment to advancing Senate Bill 376, recognizing it as a vital step toward improving the healthcare experience for those injured on the job. Further discussions and potential votes on the bill are anticipated in upcoming sessions.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting