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Oklahoma
State Senate
For Immediate Release: April 14, 2009 The State Senate approved two workers’ compensation bills today, one being sent to the Governor for his approval. House Bill 1600 by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee modifies requirements for disability benefits. Individuals who have had surgery or have been recommended to have surgery by a physician may petition the Workers’ Compensation Court to extend their benefits. In House Bill 1600, the term “surgery” is defined as a medical procedure involving an incision into the skin allowing insertion of an instrument or device through the skin for treatment or diagnosis. This prevents injections or the forcing of fluids beneath the skin from constituting a surgery. “Various cases have occurred that reveal our Workers’ Compensation System is in much need of reform,” said Pro Tem Coffee. “House Bill 1600 prevents abuse of the Workers’ Compensation System by clarifying soft tissue surgeries, so accurate and honest claims can be made,” added Coffee. Senate Bill 609 by Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb removes politics from the judicial nominating process by promoting a system that reflects more checks and balances, and reflects the same system as that on the federal level. This legislation reduces the number of judges on the Workers’ Compensation Court from ten to eight, and brings reform to the judicial nominating process by requiring Senate confirmation of appointments to the Workers’ Compensation Court and appellate courts. A cost savings is also a part of Senate Bill 609.
Within the first year, the provisions in the legislation will
save taxpayers over $400,000. For more information contact:
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