Initially introduced in February,  California Assembly Bill 1048 has been revised with new language regarding billing disputes over contractual discounts.

Disputes over these bills would qualify for Independent Bill Review (IBR), a non-judicial process overseen by a neutral third party contracted by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Additionally, the bill mandates that parties provide a copy of the applicable contract when justifying payments below the fee schedule rate. If no valid contract is presented, full payment at the fee schedule rate would be required.

The bill has been referred to the Assembly Insurance Committee, though a hearing date has yet to be scheduled.