24.29.1815    PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR DEPARTMENT-PROVIDED SAW/RTW ASSISTANCE

(1) The department shall pay vocational rehabilitation counselors for SAW/RTW services in accordance with the following fee schedule:

(a) a maximum of $90 per hour for services provided, billed in 1/10 hour increments;

(b) travel time of four (4) hours or less at one-half the hourly rate;

(c) travel time over four (4) hours at two-thirds the hourly rate; and

(d) mileage, lodging and meals at the State of Montana per diem rate established pursuant to Title 2, chapter 18, part 5, MCA.

(2) The department shall pay a maximum of $2,000.00 per claim to a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor for SAW/RTW services, not including mileage, lodging and meals.

(3) When the department provides the assistance, the department may pay up to $2,000.00 to assist an employer in modifying the workplace or purchasing equipment required for the employer to provide transitional employment. Any such equipment or workplace modifications become the property of the employer. To apply for financial assistance, the employer must submit a written application to the department that includes, at a minimum, the following:

(a) a written recommendation from the department-designated vocational rehabilitation counselor, which specifically describes the required workplace modification or equipment;

(b) the estimated cost of the recommended workplace modification; and

(c) the estimated cost of the recommended equipment.

(4) The department may deny an employer's application for financial assistance when the department determines the application is incomplete or the request for assistance is unreasonable. The department will notify the employer as to whether the application is accepted or rejected, and the reasons for the action.

History: 39-71-203, 39-71-1049, 39-71-1051, MCA; IMP, 39-71-105, 39-71-1042, 39-71-1049, MCA; NEW, 2012 MAR p. 1357, Eff. 7/13/12.