Replacement Prosthetics Under Workers’ Compensation

Earlier in the session, the House passed HF 2411, which requires an employer to provide multiple permanent prosthetic devices to an employee covered under workers’ compensation if it is deemed reasonable medical care. This week, the Iowa Senate passed it on a 43-0 vote. An amendment to the bill provides that an employer must repair or replace an artificial member or orthopedic appliance that was damaged or made unusable by circumstances arising out of and in the course of employment other than through ordinary wear and tear. Initially, ABI registered against the bill, but changed the registration to undecided later in the session after receiving feedback from members about the minimal impact of the legislation. The Iowa House concurred in the amended version sent from the Senate late Tuesday evening.