COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An investigation by the state inspector general has found no wrongdoing by the Bureau of Workers Compensation when the agency changed premium rates for selected companies.

While the bureau may have been cleared, at least one state lawmaker may face additional scrutiny.

The probe began amid the long-running investigation of controversial investment practices at the bureau.

State Inspector General Tom Charles said it was alleged that the B.W.C. changed the premium rates of employers without proper justification.

In a written report released Tuesday, Charles said the overrides were the sole responsibility of the bureau’s chief of employer services, John Romig.

According to the investigation report, Romig was permitted to make override decisions with “little oversight and and minimal documentation.”

Charles examined premium changes at 75 companies and found 27 were based on a decision from Romig.

The investigation report states: “We found the exceptions Romig granted were purely discretionary and followed no known policy. There was no consideration of fairness or equity. Romig’s decision-making practices lacked relevant supporting documentation.”

Employers who contacted state lawmakers for a reduction in rates were more successful than those who contacted the bureau directly, according to the investigation.

The inspector general recommended the B.W.C. create guidelines for granting premium overrides.

The issue of legislative influence on the process remains open.

The investigative report was forwarded to the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee.

According to Charles, the ethics committee referred one case to the Franklin County prosecutor. The report, though, did not identify the legislator involved.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com