Am. H. B. No. 81 proposes significant amendments to the Revised Code concerning the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, focusing on enhancing its governance and operational efficiency. The bill modifies the composition and appointment process of the Bureau's board of directors, specifying qualifications for members and establishing attendance requirements that could lead to forfeiture of position for excessive absences. It also clarifies the administrator's powers, requiring them to devote full time to their duties and submit a biennial budget directly to the director of budget and management, eliminating the need for board approval. New provisions are introduced for establishing a medical section within the bureau and improving claims processing through decentralization and a claims tracking system.

Additionally, the bill addresses compensation processes for employees with permanent partial disabilities and those changing occupations due to health concerns from hazardous exposure. It introduces a new definition for "prosthetic device," ensuring coverage for necessary purchases regardless of prior compensation awards. The legislation also modifies requirements for professional employer organizations regarding payroll and claims reporting, expands the definition of public employees, and enhances the administrator's authority for workplace inspections. Notably, it establishes guidelines for the treatment and compensation of incarcerated workers participating in specific programs, ensuring they are recognized as employees for workers' compensation purposes while outlining their rights and processes for claims. Overall, the bill aims to streamline operations and improve support for workers affected by injuries and occupational diseases.

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