Tennessee's 2026 workers' compensation administration bill, Public Chapter 705, made a quiet change that matters to any employer with a serious injury claim on the books. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation, the law clarifies that the 10% whole-body impairment rating requirement for extraordinary benefits may be met by combining impairment ratings from multiple authorized treating physicians, when the ratings relate to injuries from the same incident. The law was signed April 14, 2026, and took effect July 1, 2026.
| Public Chapter 705 item | What the Bureau's overview says |
|---|---|
| Bill | SB1861 by Johnson / HB1630 by Lamberth (BWC Administration Bill) |
| Extraordinary benefits | 10% whole-body impairment requirement may be met by combining ratings from multiple authorized treating physicians for injuries from the same incident |
| Physician depositions | Clarifies the motion process for an order requiring a physician deposition; a physician who does not comply may lose an exemption from appearing at trial |
| Technology | Bureau may use the Subsequent Injury and Vocational Recovery Fund to build and maintain a modernized technology system |
| Signed / effective | April 14, 2026 / July 1, 2026 |
Source: Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation, 2026 Workers' Compensation Legislative Changes.
Why combined ratings matter
One workplace incident can injure more than one part of the body, and different authorized treating physicians may each assign a separate impairment rating. Under the Bureau's description of Public Chapter 705, those ratings can be combined to meet the 10% whole-body requirement for extraordinary benefits, as long as they relate to injuries from the same incident. For an employer, that means a claim that looked like several smaller ratings may now be evaluated against the extraordinary-benefits requirement as a whole.
Meeting the 10% figure is a requirement, not a guarantee. The Bureau's overview describes this change as a clarification of that one requirement, and your carrier and defense counsel are the right people to explain how it applies to an open claim.
Physician depositions
The law also clarifies how a party files a motion with the Court of Workers' Compensation Claims to get an order requiring a physician to give a deposition. If a physician does not comply with that order, the physician may lose an exemption from appearing at trial. For employers, that is mostly a litigation detail, but it can affect how quickly medical evidence comes in on a contested claim.
Technology funding
Public Chapter 705 authorizes the Bureau to use the Subsequent Injury and Vocational Recovery Fund to build and maintain a modernized technology system. The Bureau says that lays groundwork for a more efficient claims process and better communication between the Bureau, employers, and injured workers.
What Tennessee employers can do now
- Ask your carrier whether any open claims involve ratings from more than one authorized treating physician for the same incident.
- Report injuries promptly. The same 2026 session also opened the door to attorney fees on unreasonable denials: Tennessee’s workers’ comp court can now award attorney fees when an employer unreasonably denies a claim.
- Check the new weekly benefit caps that apply to injuries on or after July 1, 2026: Tennessee raised its workers’ comp weekly benefit caps for injuries on or after July 1, 2026.
- Verify your coverage is active: TDCI’s workers’ comp page says verify coverage online — a certificate may not warn you of cancellation.
- Medical bill disputes have their own forum: Tennessee’s workers’ comp Medical Payment Committee meets Nov. 3 to hear medical bill disputes.
- If you cannot find coverage in the voluntary market, read TDCI explains how Tennessee employers buy workers’ comp and reach the residual market.
Related reading from All Seasons
- Tennessee raised its workers’ comp weekly benefit caps for injuries on or after July 1, 2026.
- Tennessee’s workers’ comp court can now award attorney fees when an employer unreasonably denies a claim.
- TDCI’s workers’ comp page says verify coverage online — a certificate may not warn you of cancellation.
- Tennessee’s workers’ comp Medical Payment Committee meets Nov. 3 to hear medical bill disputes.
- TDCI explains how Tennessee employers buy workers’ comp and reach the residual market.
Free policy review
All Seasons Insurance Group offers a free personal policy review. Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. This article is informational only and does not promise coverage or eligibility; your policy forms control. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
What is Public Chapter 705?
It is Tennessee's 2026 workers' compensation administration bill, SB1861 by Johnson / HB1630 by Lamberth, according to the Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
What changed for extraordinary benefits?
The Bureau says the 10% whole-body impairment requirement may be met by combining ratings from multiple authorized treating physicians when the ratings relate to injuries from the same incident.
Does meeting 10% guarantee extraordinary benefits?
No. The Bureau describes the 10% figure as a requirement. Ask your carrier or counsel how it applies to a specific claim.
What changed for physician depositions?
The law clarifies the motion process for an order requiring a physician deposition. A physician who fails to comply may lose an exemption from appearing at trial.
What is the technology change?
The Bureau may use the Subsequent Injury and Vocational Recovery Fund to build and maintain a modernized technology system.
When did Public Chapter 705 take effect?
It was signed April 14, 2026, and became effective July 1, 2026.
Does this change my workers' comp premium?
The Bureau's overview does not address premiums. Premium depends on your carrier, class codes, payroll, and experience.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only; no coverage promises. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
