CHAPTER 53

S.P. 456 - L.D. 1329

Resolve, Directing the Workers' Compensation Board To

Consider Adoption of the "Guides to the Evaluation of

Permanent Impairment," 5th Edition, in Assessing Workers'

Compensation Injuries

Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, adoption of the 5th edition of the "Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment" could have considerable significance to injured workers, employers and insurers in determining workers' compensation benefits and should be considered as soon as possible; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Workers' Compensation Board directed to consider adoption of 5th edition of "Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment." Resolved: That the Workers' Compensation Board shall consider adoption of the 5th edition of "Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment" as impairment guidelines pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 39-A, section 153, subsection 8; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reporting date established. Resolved: That the Workers' Compensation Board shall report its findings to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor by January 15, 2006, including