Briefing: S.173 would remove screening step for vocational rehabilitation in workers' compensation

Cabot Sales reported that the Senate considered S.173, an act related to workers' compensation and the Vermont Labor Relations Board, during the week's hearings.

Sales said the bill would remove a mandatory screening process for injured workers who are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services; committee discussion focused on delays and inappropriate denials caused by the screening that prevented timely access to rehabilitation. Sales said proponents also want to increase awareness of existing rehabilitation programs so more injured workers can be referred and receive services.

The transcript records the committee's concern that screening sometimes causes lengthy delays or ineligible determinations for reasons that may not reflect the injured worker's needs. The briefing did not record a committee vote or the bill's final language; staff follow-up was requested to provide details on the proposed change and potential implementation steps.