Overhaul of Workersâ€™ Comp system advances

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A bill establishing a hybrid system for workers' compensation claims has cleared the first obstacle in what could be a long trip through the legislative process. <br><br>The

Wednesday, February 23rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A bill establishing a hybrid system for workers' compensation claims has cleared the first obstacle in what could be a long trip through the legislative process.

The goal of Gov. Frank Keating's plan, approved Tuesday in a state Senate committee, is to save costs by having most cases settled at the administrative level, avoiding the need to hire an attorney. The measure now goes to the Senate floor and is expected to windup in a joint conference committee.

The bill, by Sen. Scott Pruitt, R-Broken Arrow, abolishes the Workers' Compensation Court. In the future, a disputed claim would be handled first by a "facilitator." Failure to reach an agreement would send the claim to amagistrate, who would judge the case at the local level, instead of at the Workers' Compensation Court in Oklahoma City.

"This proposal, I think will dramatically affect costs and cause them to go down," Pruitt said. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 7-2 vote, despite reservations by some senators, principally over costs. Voting against the plan were Sens. Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, and Bernest Cain, D-Oklahoma City.

Sen. Brad Henry, D-Shawnee, committee chairman, said he hoped such issues as medical costs and workplace safety would be addressed as the bill goes through the process.

Keating lauded the committee action, saying it is "imperative that this very important piece of legislation be given a full hearing before both bodies of the Legislature." "In order for Oklahoma to prosper and competitive in the. 21st century global marketplace, the Legislature must create a more equitable, business-friendly workers' compensation system," the Republication governor said. He said Oklahoma is one of only three states in the country that utilizes a judicial system, adding "that must change."'

Pruitt said Oklahoma tops other states in workers' compensation costs. Under his plan, mediation would be mandatory in disputed cases. He said states that have operated a similar system have reduced costs by as much as 70 percent.