176.104 REHABILITATION PRIOR TO DETERMINATION OF LIABILITY.
Subdivision 1.
Dispute. If there exists a dispute regarding medical causation or whether an
injury arose out of and in the course and scope of employment and an employee is otherwise
eligible for rehabilitation services under section
176.102 prior to determination of liability, the
employee shall be referred by the commissioner to the department's Vocational Rehabilitation
Unit which shall provide rehabilitation consultation if appropriate. The services provided by the
department's Vocational Rehabilitation Unit and the scope and term of the rehabilitation are
governed by section
176.102 and rules adopted pursuant to that section. Rehabilitation costs and
services under this subdivision shall be monitored by the commissioner.
Subd. 2.
Liability for rehabilitation; lien. (a) If liability is determined after the employee
has commenced rehabilitation under this section the liable party is responsible for the cost of
rehabilitation provided. Future rehabilitation after liability is established is governed by section
176.102.
(b) If the employer, insurer, or defendant is given written notice by the department of a
claim for rehabilitation services or disbursements, the claim is a lien against the amount paid or
payable as compensation.
Subd. 3.
Reimbursements. All money received under this section must be credited to the
special compensation fund.
Subd. 4.
Vocational Rehabilitation Unit funding. The cost of the Vocational Rehabilitation
Unit shall be financed by the special compensation fund beginning July 1, 1992.
History: 1983 c 290 s 85; 1984 c 432 art 2 s 17,18; 1986 c 461 s 11; 1991 c 292 art 10 s 2;
1992 c 513 art 3 s 34-36; 1995 c 231 art 2 s 54