By Associated Press

11:48 AM CDT, March 9, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma House has passed legislation that critics say limits workers compensation benefits for workers who suffer soft tissue injuries.

House members voted 62-33 for the measure Monday and sent it to the Senate for a vote.
The bill by Rep. Dan Sullivan of Tulsa says a claimant who has had surgery for a soft tissue injury on the recommendation of a doctor can get an extension of total compensation of no more than 16 weeks.
If surgery is not recommended or recommended but not performed within 90 days, benefits are to be terminated.
Sullivan says the bill clears up legal guidelines for courts to follow.

But Rep. Richard Morrissette of Oklahoma City says they are too restrictive and place the interest of companies over injured workers.