House Bill No. by Representative Mena amends R.S. 23:1226(B)(3)(a) to modify the process for selecting vocational rehabilitation counselors for injured employees. The bill allows either the employer or the employee to request vocational services from the office of workers' compensation administration (OWCA), with the assistant secretary responsible for appointing a counselor from a compiled list. This change shifts some responsibility from the employer to the employee in initiating the selection of a counselor.

Additionally, the bill outlines a dispute resolution process for issues related to the vocational rehabilitation counselor's work. It allows the employee or employer to file a claim with the OWCA regarding the need for or quality of services provided. The bill retains the right for employees to have an expedited summary proceeding and specifies the timeline for hearings, ensuring that disputes can be addressed promptly without requiring mediation or pretrial conferences. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of vocational rehabilitation services in workers' compensation cases.

Statutes affected:
HB1023 Original: 23:1226(B)(3)