The COMMITTEE on JUDICIARY proposed the following amendment (JUD0366.007):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words, and inserting therein the following:

/ SECTION 1. Section 42-1 7-40(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A) The commission or any of its members shall hear the parties at issue and their representatives and witnesses and shall determine the dispute in a summary manner in view of the entire record. Pursuant to Section 1-23-330, the following documents shall be admissible in any format, provided the adverse party is afforded a reasonable opportunity for cross-examination of the health care provider: (1) health care records, (2) all forms prescribed by the Workers' Compensation Commission, and (3) opinions of duly licensed health care providers. The award, together with a statement of the findings of fact, rulings of law, and other matters pertinent to the questions at issue, must be filed with the record of the proceedings and a copy of the award must immediately be sent to the parties in dispute. The parties may be heard by a deputy, in which event he shall swear or cause the witnesses to be sworn and shall transmit all testimony to the commission for its determination and award."

SECTION2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /