S.B. 2608 Summary

• Expands the rehabilitation unit's authority to order injured employees, rehabilitation providers, or employers to comply with vocational rehabilitation requirements based on written requests demonstrating delays or untimely responses.

• Establishes specific timelines for vocational rehabilitation: 30 days for disability adjustments, 30 additional days for labor market research and testing, and 90 days to prepare a plan, with one possible 45-day extension subject to employer objection rights.

• Allows employees without permanent disability but with permanent work restrictions to receive only direct placement services rather than full vocational rehabilitation programs.

• Permits employers to terminate temporary total disability benefits when an injured employee is able to return to work but enrolled in a non-approved rehabilitation plan, with 2 weeks' written notice required.

• Requires vocational rehabilitation counselors to submit closing reports within 14 days of plan closure and allows any party to request a program review if no viable plan progress is being made.