To create a pilot program for vocational rehabilitation services. The bill amends and clarifies existing law. For example, if an approved vocational plan for a worker was created prior to January 1, 2008, then the plan would be administered through this trial program to assist disabled citizens back into the workforce. See companion SB 5920.   Official Text and Analysis.

To eliminate the separate temporary vocational fund and instead, the Department has discretion to pay for costs from the medical aid fund in certain circumstances. The substitute bill adds that, in addition to requirements under the bill, the subsequent claim must be a result of employment and work-related activities beyond the worker's documented restrictions in order for the Department to have discretion to pay for costs. The substitute bill authorizes the Department to approve non-accredited or unlicensed training programs for injured workers. The substitute bill limits the Department's authority to extend the 90-day time frame for vocational plan development to extensions for good cause. The substitute bill clarifies that vocational services and time loss will be terminated on the start date of a job after the employer makes a valid return-to-work offer within 15 days of the commencement of vocational plan development services. The substitute bill states that, after successful completion of a vocational plan, any subsequent assessment of whether vocational rehabilitation is necessary and likely to enable the worker to become employable at gainful employment must include consideration of transferable skills obtained in the vocational plan. The substitute bill clarifies that, when a worker makes an option two selection, full vocational costs (instead of vocational costs identified in the declined plan) are available for five years. The substitute bill clarifies that, when a worker makes an option two selection declining to participate in an approved vocational plan, the Department will issue an order confirming the option two selection. The substitute bill creates minimum requirements for the independent study of the effects of the pilot, including three specific due dates. The substitute bill states that the vocational rehabilitation subcommittee must provide recommendations for additional changes or incentives for injured workers to return to work with their employer of injury. The substitute bill requires the Department to provide an annual report to the Legislature, including information about expenditures from the medical aid fund. The annual report must contain information about workers who have participated in more than one vocational training plan approved under the pilot project and information about the industries in which the workers were employed.

To prohibit an injured worker from receiving vocational rehabilitation if doing so would result in the worker receiving benefits by willful misrepresentation.

To require the Department of Labor and Industries to assist stakeholders in developing vocational training programs in various industries, including but not limited to agriculture and construction. Prohibits a worker who has obtained workers' compensation benefits through willful misrepresentation from receiving vocational rehabilitation benefits. Removes the provisions that allowed selfinsured employers to request reimbursement from the medical aid fund for the cost of vocational services in certain circumstances. Removes provisions that authorized the vocational rehabilitation subcommittee to make recommendations about assessments to self-insured employers.