(a) In recognition of Tennessee's endeavor to reform the workers' compensation law in a manner designed to ensure the health and safety of Tennessee workers and to promote Tennessee as an attractive destination for business, the general assembly has determined that the independence of the bureau of workers' compensation is paramount. The bureau of workers' compensation shall be an autonomous unit that shall be attached to the department of labor and workforce development for administrative matters only.

(b)

(1) The bureau of workers' compensation shall be under the charge and general supervision of the administrator.

(2) The administrator or the administrator's designee has the following powers and duties, in addition to other powers and duties specifically provided by law:

(A) Development and maintenance of an organizational structure to ensure fair, equitable, expeditious, and efficient administration of the workers' compensation law; and

(B) Responsibility for the administration of a workers' compensation system that protects the life, health, and safety of Tennessee's workforce and ensures the continued viability of Tennessee's business environment.

(c)

(1) The administrator of the bureau of workers' compensation shall be appointed by the governor for a term of six (6) years. No administrator shall serve more than two (2) full terms, and service of more than half of a six-year term shall constitute service of one (1) full term; provided, that any administrator appointed to serve less than a full term to fill a vacancy created by the removal or resignation of the previous administrator shall be eligible to serve an additional two (2) full terms. The first appointment shall be made July 1, 2013, or as soon as practical thereafter. The first six-year term shall begin on July 1, 2013, and end on June 30, 2019. Thereafter, all terms shall begin on July 1 and end, six (6) years later, on June 30 of the following years. The governor has the authority to remove the administrator for nonperformance of duties and responsibilities or for cause. If the administrator is removed or resigns, a vacancy shall exist in the office, which shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person meeting the requirements of subdivision (c)(2).

(2) The administrator shall have a minimum of seven (7) years' credible experience in the field of workers' compensation and shall have a comprehensive knowledge of and experience in the operation and programs of the workers' compensation industry. The administrator shall be recognized by the representatives of the business and labor communities as a person of good standing and reputation in matters concerning workers' compensation.