Ohio lawmakers hear testimony on bill to classify platform-based health workers as independent contractors

Representatives introduced House Bill 277 in the Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee on first hearing, proposing that health care workers who sign contracts with electronic staffing platforms be treated as independent contractors for employment-law purposes.

The proposal, presented by Representative Craig and co-sponsor Representative Dieter, would set criteria under which a person using a health care worker platform qualifies as an independent contractor rather than an employee. "This is my first time before this committee…House Bill 277 responds directly to the mounting pressures faced by the nursing profession and the broader health care workforce," Representative Craig said in sponsor testimony. Representative Dieter added that the bill lists criteria including that a worker need not accept a minimum number of shifts, may freely accept or reject shifts, may work for other platforms or facilities and cannot be required to sign…