KRS 342.262: Legislative findings -- Commissioner to give recommendation on new

edition of "Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment" -- Approval

of General Assembly required to effectuate.

(1) The General Assembly hereby declares it to be the policy of th e Commonwealth of

Kentucky that the most recent and valid scientific and technological advancements

in medicine be considered in evaluating the nature and extent of an injured worker's

impairment.

(2) (a) Therefore, within one hundred eighty (180) days of publication by the

American Medical Association of a new edition of the "Guides to the

Evaluation of Permanent Impairment," the commissioner shall recommend to

the General Assembly whether all or a portion of the new edition should be

enacted by the Genera l Assembly in order to produce more equitable and

accurate ratings of permanent impairment resulting from work-related injuries.

(b) Prior to making the recommendation required in paragraph (a) of this

subsection, the commissioner shall:

1. Consult with me dical providers, representatives of injured workers,

employers and representatives of employers, insurance carriers, and

legal representatives of employers and injured workers; and

2. Consider studies and analyses conducted by workers' compensation

rating organizations, including the National Council on Compensation

Insurance (NCCI).

(3) The recommendation of the commissioner shall not become effective unless the

General Assembly approves and adopts the recommendation.