Iowa Senate Bill 456 was introduced, which would allow injured workers the option to designate their primary care provider as their treating physician for a workplace injury.

Employers would be required to inform workers of this right. Out-of-state physicians would be restricted unless they are within 60 miles of the workplace or approved.

Additionally, if an evaluation of permanent disability has been made by a physician retained by the employer and the employee believes this evaluation to be too low, the employee can request a subsequent examination by a physician of their choice, at the employer’s expense. Medical dispute resolutions would be left to the workers’ compensation commissioner.

If passed, this bill would apply to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026.