(1) The department administers the subsequent injury fund (SIF), as provided by 39-71-901, et seq., MCA.

(2) A person with a permanent impairment that is a substantial obstacle to employment may seek certification by the department. Only an individual may be certified by the department, not a specific body part or condition.

(3) The department shall use the SIF to reimburse eligible expenses incurred by an insurer for:

(a) Causally related medical payments made on behalf of a certified individual 104 weeks after the occurrence of a subsequent injury or onset of an occupational disease; and

(b) Indemnity payments made to a certified individual after the insurer has paid a total of 104 weeks of indemnity payments.

(4) The SIF may not reimburse administrative expenses incurred by an insurer to process a claim.

(5) The department must receive timely and appropriate notice from the insurer pursuant to ARM 24.29.2614 before the department may reimburse an insurer.

(6) The department may require an insurer of a certified individual to submit reports of periodic medical examinations of the certified individual.