Media Advisory: Feb. 12, 2009

BWC Board of Directors Adds “Open Mic” Session to Public Forum

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors has expanded its public forum on improving communications and correspondence with the agency. The forum will now also include an opportunity for Ohio business owners, medical providers, stakeholders, injured workers and other interested parties to address the board on any issue concerning the BWC’s operations and programs.

The forum will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 in the auditorium of the William Green Building, located at 30 W. Spring St., Columbus.

During the forum, any interested party is now invited to address the Board of Directors on any BWC- related topic. The board is also specifically soliciting comments on how BWC can make communication and correspondence with the agency more customer friendly. These topics include:

• Cost avoidance/cost reduction opportunities;
• Opportunities for process changes that result in measurable improvements in efficiency and effectiveness;
• Suggestions for providing more responsive customer service through clearer, more efficient communication;
• Eliminating duplicate, confusing or unnecessary forms within BWC and among stakeholders;
• Opportunities to use electronic communication rather than paper.

Those interested in participating in the public forum are encouraged to pre-register by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17. Speakers will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration forms are available online at ohiobwc.com. On-site registration may also be accepted depending on the number of pre-registrations.

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