ND HB1051

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 65-05-09.3 to establish that injured employees who attain Social Security retirement age are considered retired and lose eligibility for disability, rehabilitation, and supplementary benefits.

Retired employees remain eligible for medical benefits, permanent partial impairment benefits, and additional benefits under section 65-05-09.4.

Workers' compensation organization retains liability for benefits if a retired employee is gainfully employed and suffers a work-related injury, but may not pay disability or rehabilitation benefits for more than three years for injuries occurring after August 1, 1997.

For employees injured within two years before their presumed retirement date, the organization must pay disability and rehabilitation benefits for no more than two years, converting remaining benefits to an additional benefit payment upon disability end or after two years, whichever occurs first.

Act applies to injured employees who attain Social Security retirement age on or after the effective date of the legislation.