Regulatory Compliance
Rhode Island
Our associates are experienced with the issues impacting Rhode Island employers and work side by side with our customers to deliver innovative, tailored solutions to manage risk and keep you ahead of your costs.
CorVel’s innovative claims management solution connects injured employees to a range of medical services that ensure employees feel cared for, while employers have the confidence of knowing they are utilizing the most effective measures available to manage their workers’ compensation costs. We have created an environment of advocacy for the injured worker, while also providing clients with full transparency and access to critical information throughout the claim process.
Rhode Island Regulatory Updates 07/11/2024
HB 7173 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — Benefits (Prevents Employers from Discriminating Against an Employee Because the Employee Has Exercised a Right and Worker’s Compensation Benefits.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 01/13/2024
This measure provides that an employee who sustains a work-related injury and is incapable of performing the essential functions of their job, or would be capable with reasonable accommodations, is entitled to worker’s compensation.
This measure prohibits employers from discrimination against an employee because the employee exercised their rights under the workers’ compensation statute. This measure authorizes workers who are impacted by a violation of this measure to initiate proceedings in the appropriate venue. Further, employers who are found to have violated this measure must pay the employee lost wage give the employee suitable employment; and reimburse reasonable attorneys fees as determined by the court.
This measure takes effect when passed.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/13/2024 – Failed Upon Adjournment
SB 2470 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Minimum Wages (Creates New Definition For the Term “Employee”, For Purposes of Wages, Workers’ Compensation, Temporary Disability and Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Which Deems a Worker to Be an Employee, As Opposed to an Independent Contractor.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 02/14/2024
For purposes of wages, workers’ compensation, temporary disability and unemployment insurance benefits, this measure creates a new definition for the term “employee”, which deems a worker to be an employee, as opposed to an independent contractor, unless three specific conditions are satisfied. Those three conditions are:
(i) The person is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact;
(ii) The person performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and
(iii) The person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business, of the same nature, as that involved in the work performed.
This measure takes effect upon passage.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/13/2024 – Failed Upon Adjournment
SB 2472 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions (Amends the Current Law on Workers’ Compensation to Require any Person Who Is Considered an Independent Contractor to File Annually With the Director of Labor and Training and Removes the Requirement That the Form Be In Writing.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 04/25/2024
This measure explains the requirements for an individual to be considered an independent contractor, and what to do to keep that designation as it relates to workers’ compensation. This measure requires the designation to continue in force and effect unless the person fails to submit an annual filing after receipt of a 20-day notice issued by the director for failure to file the annual designation.
This measure is effective upon passage
Most Recent Update:
- 06/17/2024 – Signed by Governor Daniel McKee (D)
HB 7837 – An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workers’ Compensation — General Provisions (Amends the Current Law on Workers’ Compensation to Require any Person Who Is Considered an Independent Contractor to File Annually With the Director of Labor and Training and Removes the Requirement That the Form Be In Writing.)
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary For 05/29/2024
This measure affects independent contractors in Rhode Island. This measure requires independent contractors to file annual forms for each hiring entity that retains their services and removes an existing requirement that those forms be submitted in writing. The individual will be considered an independent contractor unless the individual fails to submit their annual filing within 20 days of receiving a notice from the director.
This measure goes into effect upon passage.
Most Recent Update:
- 06/17/2024 – Signed by Governor Daniel McKee (D
- Workers’ compensation claims administration
- Medical bill review in compliance with state requirements
- Local PPO development and management
- Case management services
Rhode Island Resources
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