Okla. Stat. tit. 85A, § 85A-109: Workers' compensation counselor or ombudsmen program

A. The Workers' Compensation Commission shall establish a

workers' compensation counselor or ombudsman program to assist

injured workers, employers and persons claiming death benefits in

obtaining benefits under this act. A special effort shall be made

to equip counselors or ombudsmen with sufficient resources to assist

injured workers through the system without the necessity of

retaining legal representation.

B. Workers' compensation counselors or ombudsmen shall provide

information to injured workers; investigate complaints; communicate

with employers, insurance carriers, self-insurers, and health care

providers; provide informational seminars and workshops on workers'

compensation for medical providers, insurance adjustors, and

employee and employer groups; and develop informational materials

for employees, employers and medical providers.

C. The Commission shall mail a notice to the injured worker

within ten (10) days of the filing of an Employer’s First Notice of

Injury. The notice shall advise the injured worker of the

availability of the services of the Commission's counselor or

ombudsman program and of the availability of mediation and other

forms of alternative dispute resolution to assist the injured

worker. The Commission shall provide additional information as the

Commission may determine necessary.

D. The Commission shall develop a program that provides for

annual training for own-risk employers and claims representatives

handling workers’ compensation claims in Oklahoma. The training

shall include information about the alternative dispute resolution

program, including counselor and ombudsman programs, mediation, and

other services provided by the Commission.