OK HB2217

Employees actively participating in vocational rehabilitation retraining or job placement programs receive temporary total disability benefits for up to 52 weeks, with possible extension for an additional 52 weeks upon administrative law judge approval

These vocational rehabilitation benefits are provided in addition to the standard 156-week maximum for temporary total disability under existing workers' compensation law

Continuation of benefits requires clear and convincing evidence of active program participation, with vocational experts submitting progress updates at least every 13 weeks

Benefits cannot be terminated without a Commission hearing; permanent termination occurs if employee is noncompliant, abandons the program, or has benefits suspended twice

Attorney fees for vocational rehabilitation services change from 10% of estimated value to 10% of actual total cost, paid by employer/insurer upon completion of services

Effective date: November 1, 2025