Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 810 - Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission
1. Purpose and Authority of Title 810 – Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission
The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (OWCC) regulates workers’ compensation in Oklahoma. Title 810 establishes rules to:
Ensure prompt and fair compensation for employees injured on the job
Define employer responsibilities and insurance requirements
Set procedures for claims, hearings, and dispute resolution
Provide guidance on medical care, benefits, and penalties
Enforce compliance with state workers’ compensation laws
The Commission derives authority from Title 85 of the Oklahoma Statutes and issues administrative rules to implement and clarify the law.
2. Organization of Title 810
OAC Title 810 is divided into chapters, each addressing specific areas:
General Provisions and Definitions
Employer Coverage and Insurance Requirements
Claims Processing and Filing Procedures
Medical Care and Provider Requirements
Hearings, Appeals, and Dispute Resolution
Benefits and Compensation Calculations
Penalties and Enforcement
Recordkeeping and Reporting
3. General Provisions and Definitions
This section defines key terms such as:
Employee – a person working for wages subject to workers’ compensation coverage
Employer – an individual, company, or organization responsible for providing coverage
Injury or occupational disease – work-related physical or mental harm
Commission – the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission
It also outlines the Commission’s authority to regulate claims, issue rules, and enforce compliance.
4. Employer Coverage and Insurance Requirements
Employers in Oklahoma must:
Provide workers’ compensation insurance for covered employees
Register with the Commission and pay insurance premiums or self-insurance fees
Post notices of coverage and provide employees with claims information
Maintain compliance records and cooperate with inspections
Exemptions may exist for certain small businesses, but employers must verify eligibility with the Commission.
5. Claims Processing and Filing Procedures
Rules govern the submission and handling of claims:
Employees must report injuries promptly to their employer
Employers must file first reports of injury with the Commission
Forms must be completed accurately and on time
Claims are investigated to determine eligibility, causation, and benefits
Timely and accurate filing ensures employees receive benefits without unnecessary delay.
6. Medical Care and Provider Requirements
The Commission regulates medical treatment for injured employees:
Employers or insurers must authorize treatment by approved providers
Medical providers must submit reports documenting diagnosis, treatment, and recovery
Certain rules govern choice of physician, emergency care, and independent medical examinations (IMEs)
This ensures that medical care is appropriate, documented, and covered under workers’ compensation.
7. Hearings, Appeals, and Dispute Resolution
Title 810 establishes procedures for resolving disputes:
Claimants or employers can request hearings before the Commission
Administrative law judges conduct formal hearings and issue decisions
Appeals are possible through Commission review and state courts
Rules define timelines, notice requirements, and evidence procedures
These processes protect the legal rights of employees and employers.
8. Benefits and Compensation Calculations
Rules specify how benefits are calculated, including:
Temporary total disability – payments while recovering
Permanent partial disability – compensation for lasting impairment
Permanent total disability – full compensation for total loss of earning capacity
Medical benefits – reimbursement for treatment, prescriptions, and rehabilitation
Death benefits – payments to dependents in the event of a work-related death
Calculations are based on average weekly wages, statutory formulas, and severity of injury.
9. Penalties and Enforcement
The Commission may impose penalties for violations:
Late or missing filings
Failure to carry insurance or pay benefits
Noncompliance with medical treatment or safety rules
Fraudulent claims or misrepresentation
Penalties include fines, interest on late payments, license suspension, or legal action.
10. Recordkeeping and Reporting
Employers and insurers must maintain records, including:
Claims and injury reports
Payment and compensation records
Medical treatment documentation
Insurance and compliance documentation
These records must be retained for a specified period and available for review by the Commission.
11. Summary
OAC Title 810 – Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission provides a comprehensive framework for:
Employer coverage and insurance compliance
Filing and processing workers’ compensation claims
Medical treatment and provider rules
Dispute resolution and appeals
Benefit calculations and payment standards
Enforcement, penalties, and recordkeeping
Following these rules ensures that employees are protected, employers comply with the law, and claims are handled efficiently and fairly.
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