Definitions

As used in North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-03.1 and this article: 1. "Actuarial equivalent" means a benefit calculated to be of equal value to the benefit otherwise payable when computed on the basis of assumptions and methods adopted for this purpose by the board in a way that precludes employer discretion pursuant to Internal Revenue Code section 401(a)(25). The assumptions and methods adopted by the board, and any table of adjustment factors established in accordance with the assumptions and methods, shall be incorporated by reference. 2. "Covered employment" means employment with the North Dakota highway patrol. 3. "Medical examination" means an examination conducted by a doctor licensed to practice in North Dakota that includes a diagnosis of the disability, the treatment being provided for the disability, the prognosis and classification of the disability, and a statement indicating how the disability prevents the individual from performing the duties of a highway patrolman. 4. "Normal retirement age" means age fifty-five except as otherwise provided. 5. "Office" means the administrative office of the public employees retirement system. 6. "Overtime" as used in North Dakota Century Code section 39-03.1-01 means any hours worked over an employee's regularly scheduled work period. Whether paid at the regular hourly rate or one and one-half times the regular rate, overtime must be excluded as reportable retirement contributions. 7. "Permanent and total disability" means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months. 8. "Plan administrator" means the executive director of the North Dakota public employees retirement system or other person or committee as may be appointed by the board of the North Dakota public employees retirement system from time to time. 9. "Substantial gainful activity" must be based upon the totality of the circumstances, including consideration of an individual's training, education, and experience; an individual's potential for earning at least seventy percent of the individual's predisability earnings; and other items deemed significant on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility is based on an individual's employability and not actual employment status.