Rule Would Allow Extension of TD during Vocational Training

The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division is proposing a rules change to implement legislation passed earlier this year that allows an extension of temporary disability benefits when injured workers are going through vocational training.House Bill 2069 gives the director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to extend TD benefits for up to 21 months "upon good cause shown by the injured worker," the division said in an explanation of its rulemaking action. Under current rules, only 16 months of retraining is allowed. Gov. John Kitzhaber signed the bill into law on May 13. The...