OH HB542

Amends section 742.38 of the Revised Code to revise Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund disability determination procedures for prospective and current members.

Requires the board of trustees to adopt rules establishing minimum medical testing and diagnostic standards for physical examinations of prospective members, including evaluation of heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease.

Establishes procedures for disability benefit applications requiring employers to submit physician reports within 60 days of member enrollment and job descriptions within 28 days of application filing, with penalties for non-compliance.

Directs the board to adopt objective criteria for disability determinations including standards for evaluating illnesses/injuries, defining occupational duties, and assigning competent and disinterested physicians and other health care professionals to conduct examinations.

Creates presumptions that firefighters with six or more years of hazardous duty who develop cancer are presumed to have incurred it during employment if exposed to Group 1 or 2A carcinogens, unless rebutted by specific evidence.