Archive for February, 2007
TNSIA has prepared several bills for introduction in the Legislature on issues of importance to stakeholders of our organization.
The Tennessee Self-Insurers’ Association has prepared several bills for introduction in the Legislature on issues of importance to stakeholders of our organization. We are working with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry to try and get these bills passed. Please note House Bill 2129, sponsored by Rep. Fitzhugh, which is also Senate Bill 1797, [...]
Posted: February 21st, 2007 under Legislation.
Comments: none
Commissioner Leslie A. Newman Appointed to Replace Paula Flowers
Commissioner Leslie A. Newman was appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to lead the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, which performs a variety of regulatory functions and also houses the state fire marshal’s office and consumer affairs. A native of Dallas, Texas, Commissioner Newman has more than 20 years of experience in both public and [...]
Posted: February 21st, 2007 under Announcements.
Comments: none
TRIAL COURT SETS ASIDE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, APPROVED BY DOL
A local trial court has set aside a settlement that was effectuated at a Benefit Review Conference and signed by a specialist at the Department of Labor. The settlement was reached following a mediation. The parties entered into and executed a Settlement Agreement which, under the Workers’ Compensation Act, has the same authority as a [...]
Posted: February 13th, 2007 under Case Law Decisions, General, Legislation.
Comments: none
PANEL OVERTURNS COMBINING OF AWARDS FOR DISTINCT INJURIES
In Pirtle v. Humboldt Utilities, No. W2005-02075-SC-WCM-CV (Tenn. Workers’ Comp. Panel Aug. 21, 2006), the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel reversed a judgment of the trial court which erroneously combined awards for an employee’s hand and back injuries. The Panel affirmed the trial court finding that both injuries were compensable. In Pirtle, the Gibson County Chancery [...]
Posted: February 13th, 2007 under Case Law Decisions.
Comments: none
Commissioner of Commerce & Insurance Steps Down
The Tennessee Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance, Paula Flowers, has indicated to Governor Bredesen that she plans to step down in January, 2007. She has listed financial considerations as her reason for leaving at that time. No replacement has been named as yet.
Posted: February 6th, 2007 under Announcements.
Comments: none
Dr. Wheelhouse & Medical Impairment Registry
On June 12, 2006, pursuant to the Rules of the Medical Impairment Rating Registry program, Dr. Walter Wheelhouse was notified that his privilege to serve on the MIR Registry was being suspended pending an investigation into his application for appointment to the Medical Impairment Rating Registry. Subsequent to that date, the Commissioner has concluded his [...]
Posted: February 6th, 2007 under Announcements.
Comments: none
WC Reform Act of 2004 Upheld as Constitutional
In a ruling that provides a stamp of validity to the 2004 Workers’ Compensation Reform Act, the Tennessee Supreme Court has held the Act to be fully constitutional. The Court’s rulings in JerryWayne Lynch v. City of Jellico, No. E2006-00208-SCR3-CV (Tenn. Aug. 30, 2006) and David A. Lozano v. Lincoln Memorial University, No. E2-6-00207-SC-R3-CV (Tenn. [...]
Posted: February 6th, 2007 under Case Law Decisions, Legislation.
Comments: none