65-05.1-06.3. Rehabilitation services pilot programs

65-05.1-06.3. Rehabilitation services pilot programs The organization may implement a system of pilot programs to allow the organization to assess alternative methods of providing rehabilitation services. A pilot program may address one or more of the organization's comprehensive rehabilitation services, including vocational, medical, psychological, economic, and social rehabilitation services. The goal of a pilot program must be to improve the outcome of the rehabilitation services offered by the organization to assist the injured employee in making adjustments necessitated from the employee's injury and to improve the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services in returning an employee to substantial gainful employment. Notwithstanding laws to the contrary, a pilot program may address a broad range of approaches, including collaborative efforts between the organization and the injured employee through which there are variances from the rehabilitation services hierarchy; return-to-work trial periods during which cash benefits are suspended; intensive job search assistance; recognition of and focused services for injured employees who are at risk; and coordination of services of public and private entities. If a pilot program utilizes coordination of services of other state agencies, such as job service North Dakota, department of health and human services, North Dakota university system, or department of public instruction, the organization shall consult with the state agency in establishing the relevant portions of the pilot program, and the state agency shall cooperate with the organization in implementing the pilot program.