February 10, 2009 |
2009-R-0107 | |
QUESTIONS FOR RE-NOMINEES TO THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADVISORY BOARD | ||
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By: John Moran, Principal Analyst | ||
ADVISORY BOARD COMPOSITION AND DUTIES (CGS § 31-280A)
The eight member board advises the workers' compensation commission chairman on compensation policy and the operation of the commission. Four members must represent employees and four must represent employers. One of the employee representatives must be someone who has suffered an extensive disability arising out of and in the course of his employment (i.e., one covered by workers' compensation). One employer member must be a representative of a major general hospital. The appointed members select a ninth member, who must be impartial, to serve as the chairman.
The board must meet at least twice a year and other times as deemed necessary by the board chairman.
The board makes recommendations to the governor and the general assembly regarding the reappointment of each compensation commissioner. The commissioners must go before the legislature for reappointment. The commissioners hold informal and formal hearings on disputed workers compensation claims and make final rulings on such claims. The advisory board must submit its recommendations on pending reappointments at least three months before the commissioner's term expires.
CURRENT ISSUES
1. Legislators periodically receive complaints that workers' compensation claims take too long to be resolved. Given this, what policies does the Advisory Board recommend ensuring that disputed claims are resolved as quickly as possible?
2. The governor has proposed budget cuts for the Workers' Compensation Commission for the upcoming two fiscal years. Do you think these cuts will hinder the commission's work?
3. What importance do you place on the workers' compensation rehabilitation program and how well is the program functioning since it was scaled back in 2003 and 2004 due to layoffs and early retirements?
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1. How frequently does the board meet and how many meetings have you attended while a member? Are you satisfied with all members' commitment to the board's duties?
2. When board members interview compensation commissioners as part of the reappointment process, how do you evaluate whether a commissioner has done a good job? For what reasons, and under what circumstances, would you recommend a commissioner not be re-nominated?
3. What are your goals for the Advisory Board during your term?
4. Many of the commission chairman's duties require him to consult with the Advisory Board. Has the board been consulted on matters that require consultation?
5. Is there any aspect of the commission's administration that you would recommend be changed?
6. Do you see any areas in which the board's role should be expanded?
JM:ts