OK SB773

Amends Section 72 of Oklahoma's workers' compensation law to require all Commission hearings be electronically recorded or, at the Commission's discretion, stenographically reported by a court reporter at parties' expense.

Authorizes the Commission to set fees for court reporter services without complying with the Administrative Procedures Act's rulemaking procedures.

Requires electronic recording or stenographic reporting (at parties' expense) of oral evidence in initial hearings on controverted claims, with additional hearings for new evidence granted only at the hearing officer's or Commission's discretion.

Requires parties proposing to introduce medical reports or physician testimony to provide copies to opposing parties and the Commission at least seven days before the hearing, or notify them of physician names and testimony substance if reports are unavailable.

Establishes that expert testimony must satisfy Federal Rule of Evidence 702 standards and becomes effective November 1, 2015.