A California lawmaker is advancing efforts to improve transparency and accountability in workers’ compensation contracts through Assembly Bill 1048. Introduced in February, the bill initially lacked details but has since been amended to clarify key provisions aimed at resolving billing disputes more fairly.

Under the latest revisions, billing disputes over contractual discounts 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.