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Court of Appeals Finds Employer’s Failure to Follow its Own Drug Policy Precludes Finding of Voluntary Abandonment
In State ex rel. Stallion Oilfield Construction, LLC v. Indus. Comm., 2019-Ohio-3174, the claimant had an allowed workers’ compensation claim for a back strain. The claimant returned to work in a light duty capacity. Pursuant to the company’s policy, the claimant submitted to a random drug test, which revealed positive test results for morphine, codeine, and opiates. Under the company’s work rules, an employee will be terminated if a drug test is positive.
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Comp Connection
Governor Appoints Jim Hughes Chairman of the Industrial Commission
Effective July 1, 2019, Jim Hughes began a six-year term as chairman and the employee member of the Industrial Commission, replacing Thomas (Tim) Bainbridge. The Chairman oversees all administrative functions at the Commission in addition to adjudicating matters with the employer and public members of the Commission. Mr. Hughes’ background includes serving in the Ohio House of Representatives, the Ohio Senate, and various legislative committees.
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Supreme Court Holds the Commission Must Address Whether a Job Offer is Made in Good Faith in Determining a Request for TTD Compensation
In State ex rel. Pacheco v. Indus. Comm., 2019-Ohio-2954, the claimant sustained a work injury for which he received TTD compensation. The employer offered the claimant light duty employment, which consisted of sitting in the company cafeteria performing no work.
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Ninth District Court of Appeals Holds Employer Cannot Sue A Provider For False/Misleading Information As To A Claimant’s Disability
In Automation Tool & Die, Inc. v. Medina Hospital, et. al., 9th Dist. No. 19CA009-M, a nurse practitioner was filling out forms requesting treatment and additional conditions using Dr. Terry’s rubber-stamped signature. The company later found claimant was working while receiving temporary total disability compensation and the additional allowances were vacated by the Commission. The company then filed a complaint against the hospital and Dr.
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Light Duty Job Offers Need Not Be In Writing When Defending Against A New Period Of TTD
In State ex rel. Mercy Health v. Indus. Comm. of Ohio, 10th Dist. No. 18AP-64, 2019-Ohio-1859 claimant was injured in 2017 and her claim was allowed for strains to the lumbar region and left wrist. The physician assistant treating the claimant completed a Medco-14 certifying she could not return to her former position of employment but could return to work with restrictions as of May 18, 2017.
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Ohio House Passes House Bill 80
On June 5, 2019, the Ohio House passed a workers’ compensation budget bill which included a requirement that claimants reveal their citizenship status on the claim application. Providing false information in response to this question would result in an ineligibility to participate in the fund and possibly criminal prosecution for fraud.
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Events
- May 6-10 is the 6th Annual National Safety Stand-Down To Prevent Falls in ConstructionRead more
