Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Content Overhauled to Reflect New Administrative Workers' Compensation Act
Author: Michael C. Jacobson, XpertHR Legal Editor
The Workers' Compensation: Oklahoma section has been completely revamped to reflect the new Oklahoma Administrative Workers' Compensation Act (AWCA), which went into effect on February 1, 2014, and governs all claims filed by Oklahoma employees on or after February 1, 2014.
The AWCA is a major overhaul of Oklahoma's previous court-driven workers' compensation scheme, in favor of an administrative scheme designed to streamline the claims and benefits administration procedures.
Passage of the AWCA resulted in many significant changes, including the creation of:
- Several new state administrative agencies;
- New definitions for covered employers and employees;
- New thresholds for compensable injuries and illnesses;
- New regulations for the provision of medical benefits, wage replacement benefits and other services like vocational rehabilitation; and
- New protocols for claims procedures, including notice requirements, filing requirements and appeals to the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission (WCC).
All Oklahoma employers are advised to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and to adopt new internal policies and procedures to reflect the changes in the law.