WORKERS COMPENSATION-VARIOUS

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act and the Workers' Occupational Diseases Act. Makes numerous changes as follows: provides that an injury by accident is compensable only if the accident was the prevailing factor in causing both the resulting medical condition and disability; makes changes regarding notice of accidents; makes changes in computation of compensation paid to certain employees who, before the accident for which an employee claims compensation, had sustained an injury; makes changes regarding review of awards; limits certain cumulative awards for partial disability; provides for certification of permanent partial or total disability by physicians; provides that no compensation is payable for certain injuries involving alcohol or drugs; changes qualifications for Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission commissioners and arbitrators; contains provisions regarding evidentiary matters and statutory construction; makes changes regarding the duties of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board; requires performance audits of arbitrators; and provides that an employer and the exclusive representative of its employees may agree to establish binding obligations and procedures relating to workers' compensation. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.