Report Title:

Workers' Compensation

Description:

Appropriates general funds for the establishment of two new positions in the disability compensation division of the department of labor and industrial relations to process vocational rehabilitation plans. (HB2659 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2659

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that vocational rehabilitation is a necessary program that aids an injured worker in returning to the active labor force as quickly as possible in a cost-effective manner. As a part of this program, plans must be reviewed and approved within the department of labor and industrial relations.

The legislature further finds that there is currently a shortage of vocational rehabilitation plan reviewers in the department of labor and industrial relations. In fact, as of February 2004, there is only one reviewer in the department. Without appropriate professional staff to review rehabilitation plans, workers cannot proceed with their vocational rehabilitation. This delays the worker's entry into the workforce and extends the time that the worker may have to remain on some type of aid program. This situation ultimately increases costs for employers.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the establishment of two new positions in the disability compensation division of the department of labor and industrial relations to process vocational rehabilitation plans.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the establishment of two new positions in the disability compensation division to process vocational rehabilitation plans.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.