Amended House Bill No. 81 proposes significant changes to the Revised Code concerning the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, focusing on governance, operational efficiency, and employee support. The bill modifies the composition and appointment process of the Bureau's board of directors, ensuring representation from various stakeholders, and establishes clear qualifications and terms for board members. It also repeals certain sections related to public health care worker protections and introduces stricter attendance requirements for board members. The responsibilities of the administrator of workers' compensation are clarified, emphasizing their role in managing the bureau, overseeing staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Notably, the bill allows for biennial budget submissions to the director of budget and management, rather than annual submissions to the board.

Additionally, the bill addresses various aspects of workers' compensation, including provisions for prosthetic devices, partial disability compensation, and the administration of chemical tests following workplace injuries. It establishes a one-year limit for submitting claims for medical or vocational rehabilitation services and outlines the rights of employees and employers regarding claims, particularly in cases involving out-of-state compensation. The legislation also introduces new requirements for alternate employer organizations and enhances the authority of the administrator to conduct workplace inspections for public employees. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes, improve workplace safety, and ensure that necessary support is provided to injured workers, including those in correctional facilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Reported By House Committee: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4121.41, 4121.45, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Re-referred to House Committee: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4121.41, 4121.45, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Passed By House: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4121.41, 4121.45, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Reported By Senate Committee: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Passed By Senate: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Enrolled: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28