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Media Advisory: July 31, 2009
BWC Board of Directors Votes to Strengthen Group Marketing Oversight
Also Announces Upcoming Open Public Forum
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors continues to enhance the
agency’s rate reform efforts. Today, the Board voted to further strengthen the requirements for group
sponsors, those associations that provide services to employers who qualify for group discounts.
The new requirements will give BWC greater opportunities to ensure sponsor associations and their
affiliates are marketing their services accurately and responsibly.
Certification requirements will apply to the marketing methodologies of all sponsoring associations
and their affiliates. Actions that could lead to revocation of certification include:
- Instructing prospective employers to provide false information on forms;
- Claiming the sponsoring association, affiliation or representative is endorsed by BWC; or
- Offering discounts or refunds that are unattainable.
BWC may apply the following sanctions if these rules are violated:
- Revoke certification of a sponsoring association; and/or
- Prohibit the addition of new participants to the sponsor’s group.
Additionally, the Board has announced its next public forum will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009.
The forum will provide injured workers, business owners, medical providers, stakeholders and other
interested parties with the opportunity to address members of the board of directors on any issue.
Participants are encouraged to address issues related to: claim management; cost avoidance/cost
reduction opportunities; suggestions for more responsive customer service; or resources we should
provide for better service.
The forum will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 in the auditorium of the
William Green Building, located at 30 W. Spring St., Columbus.
Those interested in addressing the board at the public forum are encouraged to pre-register
by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. Registration forms are available online at ohiobwc.com. On-site registration
will also be accepted. Speakers will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The next BWC Board of Directors meeting will be held Friday, Aug. 28 2009 at 8 a.m. in Room 3, Level 2
of the William Green Building, located at 30 W. Spring St., Columbus
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Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors
Chairman William Lhota, SI Employers | Charles Bryan, Actuary | David Caldwell,
Employee Organizations | Alison Falls, Investment & Securities | Thomas Pitts,
Employees | Kenneth Haffey, CPA | James Harris, Employee Organizations |
James Hummel, Large Employers | Jim Matesich, Small Employers | Larry Price,
Public | Robert Smith, Investment & Securities
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