HB 1845.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that, beginning with vocational rehabilitation plans approved on or after July 1, 1999, costs for vocational rehabilitation benefits allowed by the supervisor or supervisor's designee under this act may include the cost of books, tuition, fees, supplies, equipment, child or dependent care, and other necessary expenses for any such worker in an amount not to exceed four thousand dollars in any fifty-two week period except as authorized by RCW 51.60.060, and the cost of transportation and continuing the temporary total disability compensation under RCW 51.32.090 while the worker is actively and successfully undergoing a formal program of vocational rehabilitation.

     Directs the department of labor and industries to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the benefit increase authorized in RCW 51.32.095(3)(b).

     Directs the department to report the results of the analysis to the workers' compensation advisory committee and the appropriate committees of the legislature by November 1, 2001.