Revise workers' compensation laws relating to evidentiary standards

Updated the scheduling rules for medical exams to explicitly consider the employee's ability to attend at the designated time as a factor for convenience.

Added a new requirement that claimants must submit to functional capacities evaluations conducted by licensed physical or occupational therapists upon an insurer's written request.

Changed the evidentiary standard so that opinions from treating physicians are no longer automatically given deference in court or administrative hearings.

Added a specific requirement that medical testimony must be weighed based on the provider's extent of interactions with or treatment of the specific employee.

Clarified that expenses reimbursed for employee attendance at medical exams (such as travel and lost wages) are excluded from the statutory cap on reimbursable costs.

Removed the legal requirement that treating physicians' opinions receive special deference in workers' compensation cases.

Added a new requirement allowing insurers to request functional capacity evaluations from licensed physical or occupational therapists.

Updated the bill title to emphasize medical providers and independent medical examinations.

Changed the bill number from LC 4247 to SB 345.1 and updated the effective date clause.