N.J. bill would reduce statute of limitations for medical fee disputes

New Jersey lawmakers have introduced legislation that would compress the statute of limitations in workers compensation medical fee disputes.

Legislators on Thursday filed Senate Bill 3905, which would reduce the statute of limitations in medical fee disputes from six years to two years.

The measure would apply to cases where the Division of Workers’ Compensation determines employers, insurers and third-party administrators are responsible for paying injured worker fees relating to medical, surgical or other treatment costs in comp claims.

Currently, any dispute over medical and other treatment fees must be filed within six years of a denial of payment, but the bill would significantly decrease the timeframe to no later than two years after any payment or denial notice is received by a claimant.

The measure was sent to the Senate Labor Committee for consideration.