A bill that would put insurance ratings agencies on notice and allow insurers to independently research and file their own workers compensation insurance rates in Florida, among other key changes, is making its way through the state Senate.

Larry Graham says a mishap in the kitchen at his local Waffle House restaurant in Roswell, Georgia, caused his hearing damage, especially because a shard of glass became lodged in his ear, according to media reports on a lawsuit filed against the Norcross, Georgia-based chain.

While some states are looking to balance their budgets by making cuts within agencies that oversee workers compensation programs, others have taken a different direction in recent years by modifying their process for workers comp administration and adjudication.

Workers compensation payers are now relying on tests that screen for potential mental health issues that could affect the outcome of a claim, including one that mines a person’s childhood for signs that a physical injury could eventually lead to a mental one.

Artemis Emslie, Tampa, Florida-based CEO of pharmacy benefit manager Matrix Healthcare Services Inc., has served in her role since 2012 and has nearly 25 years of experience in both the workers compensation and group health industries.

State budget proposals that target employee safety programs and agencies, including workers compensation systems, are raising questions about the balance between federal and state oversight of workers comp and safety enforcement under the new presidential administration.

It’s not always physical injuries that can lead to the most costly workers compensation claims; psychosocial issues such as depression or anxiety also can delay return to work and increase claim costs, experts say.