OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Joe Dorman is criticizing Republican Gov. Mary Fallin for changes to Oklahoma's workers compensation system that he says has blocked injured workers' access to medical care.
Dorman said Monday that he will work fix the worker compensation system to make it fair for injured workers.
The Legislature last year approved a bill to transition Oklahoma's workplace injury benefits processes from a court-based workers' compensation system to an administrative system. Supporters of the Republican-backed plan say the new system will reduce costs while allowing employers and employees to amicably resolve disputes and get back to work more quickly.
Earlier this month, hearings for thousands of injured workers were delayed as the transition is made. Last week, the Workers Compensation Commission laid off 16 court employees.