MI HB5190

Expands vocational rehabilitation eligibility to employees with any limitation in obtaining or performing work suitable to their qualifications, rather than only those completely unable to perform work for which they have training or experience

Extends the maximum duration for vocational rehabilitation training, treatment, or services from 52 weeks to 208 weeks (4 years), with the director able to order additional periods beyond that for accredited vocational training programs

Requires vocational evaluations to include face-to-face meetings with employees and analysis of educational, medical, and vocational history, interests, aptitudes, and assessment results

Mandates individualized vocational rehabilitation plans be developed in writing jointly by the provider and employee, with specific goals and a return-to-work hierarchy prioritizing same job/same employer through self-employment options

Establishes formal requirements for agency-approved vocational rehabilitation providers, including application submission, meeting minimum vocational counselor standards, and agency approval