reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-12. - Forms — Rules of procedure.

§ 28-30-12. Forms — Rules of procedure.
The workers’ compensation court, with the approval of the supreme court, shall prescribe forms, make suitable orders, and adopt rules of procedure to secure a speedy, efficient, informal, and inexpensive disposition of its proceedings under chapters 29 — 38 of this title; and in making those orders, the court is not bound by the provisions of the general laws relating to practice. In the absence of those orders, special orders shall be made in each case. The court is authorized to order “last best offer” procedures to apply in its discretion in appropriate cases to encourage resolution of cases. In the event the court orders and implements those procedures in a case, either party’s last best offer, if selected by the judge or master, shall be final and binding on the parties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 3, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 3, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-12; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 31, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 29, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 44, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-13. - Controversies submitted to court.

§ 28-30-13. Controversies submitted to court.
(a)
Any controversy over which the workers’ compensation court has jurisdiction in accordance with chapters 29 — 38 and chapter 53 of this title, including compensation; reasonableness of medical and hospital bills; degree of functional impairment and/or disability; a dispute between an insurance carrier and an employer under a workers’ compensation insurance contract, except disputes under the jurisdiction of the workers’ compensation appeals board established pursuant to § 27-9-29; failure of an employer to secure the payment of compensation under chapters 29 — 38 and chapter 53 of this title and any controversy in which the state or any of its political subdivisions is a party; and appeals from an order of the retirement board pursuant to § 45-21.2-9 shall be submitted to the court in the manner provided in chapters 33 and 35 of this title.
(b)
Disputes between an insurance carrier and an employer under a workers’ compensation insurance contract shall not be subject to a pretrial conference in accordance with § 28-35-20, but shall be assigned consistent with the rules of practice of the workers’ compensation court.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 3, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-30-13; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 3; P.L. 1990, ch. 332, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 31, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 491, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 388, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 395, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 509, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 12, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-14. - [Repealed.]

§ 28-30-14. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 207, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 3, effective June 9, 2014; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 3, effective June 9, 2014.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-15. - Retirement of judges engaged on or before July 2, 1997, on reduced pay.

§ 28-30-15. Retirement of judges engaged on or before July 2, 1997, on reduced pay.
(a)
Whenever any person engaged as a judge on or before July 2, 1997, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years, or has so served for ten (10) years and has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, he or she may retire from active service and subsequently he or she shall receive annually during life a sum equal to three-fourths (¾) of the annual salary that he or she was receiving at the time of retirement. In determining eligibility under this section, any judge who has served as a general officer may include that service as if that service had been on the workers’ compensation court. Whenever a judge or magistrate shall be granted a leave of absence without pay, the absence shall not be credited towards active service time for the purposes of retirement.
(b)
Any judge who retires in accordance with the provisions of this section may at his or her own request and at the direction of the chief justice of the supreme court, subject to the retiree’s physical and mental competence, be assigned to perform such services as a judge on the workers’ compensation court as the chief judge prescribes. When so assigned and performing those services, he or she shall have all the powers and authority of a judge. A retired judge shall not be counted in the number of judges provided by law for the workers’ compensation court. Whenever a judge shall be granted a leave of absence without pay, the absence shall not be credited towards active service time for the purposes of retirement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 415, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 93, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 126, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 179, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 40, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-15.1. - Retirement of judges engaged after July 2, 1997.

§ 28-30-15.1. Retirement of judges engaged after July 2, 1997.
(a)
Whenever any person first engaged as a judge:
(1)
Subsequent to July 2, 1997, and prior to January 1, 2009, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years, or has so served for ten (10) years and has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, he or she may retire from active service and subsequently he or she shall receive annually during life a sum equal to three-fourths (¾) of his or her average highest three (3) consecutive years of compensation;
(2)
On or after January 1, 2009, and prior to July 1, 2009, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years or has so served for ten (10) years and reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, he or she may retire from active service and subsequently he or she shall receive annually during life a sum equal to seventy percent (70%) of his or her average highest three (3) consecutive years or compensation; and
(3)
On or after July 1, 2009, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years, or has served for ten (10) years, and reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, he or she may retire from regular active service and thereafter said justice shall receive annually during his or her life a sum equal to sixty-five (65%) percent of his or her average highest five (5) consecutive years of compensation.
(b)
In determining eligibility under this section, any judge who has served as a general officer may include that service as if that service had been on the workers’ compensation court. Whenever a judge shall be granted a leave of absence without pay, such absence shall not be credited towards active service time for the purposes of retirement.
(c)
Any judge who retires in accordance with the provisions of this section may at his or her own request and at the direction of the chief justice of the supreme court subject to the retiree’s physical and mental competence, be assigned to perform such services as a judge on the workers’ compensation court as the chief judge prescribes. When so assigned and performing those services, he or she shall have all the powers and authority of a judge. A retired judge shall not be counted in the number of judges provided by law for the workers’ compensation court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 93, § 4; P.L. 2007, ch. 126, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 179, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 35, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 7, § 7; P.L. 2013, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 40, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-15.2. - No incremental retirement benefit for temporary service as chief justice, presiding justice, or chief judge retired pursuant to § 28-30-15 or § 28-30-15.1.

§ 28-30-15.2. No incremental retirement benefit for temporary service as chief justice, presiding justice, or chief judge retired pursuant to § 28-30-15 or § 28-30-15.1.
No increment in salary resulting from the temporary service as chief justice, presiding justice, or chief judge shall be construed to add to the annual salary of a judicial officer for purposes of retirement under § 28-30-15 or § 28-30-15.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 93, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-16. - Retirement of judges engaged on or before July 2, 1997, on full pay.

§ 28-30-16. Retirement of judges engaged on or before July 2, 1997, on full pay.
(a)
Whenever any person engaged as a judge on or before July 2, 1997, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years and has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, or has served for fifteen (15) years and reached the age of seventy (70) years, he or she may retire from regular active service and subsequently he or she shall receive annually during his or her life a sum equal to the annual salary he or she was receiving at the time of his or her retirement. Whenever a judge or magistrate shall be granted a leave of absence without pay, the absence shall not be credited towards active service time for the purposes of retirement.
(b)
Any judge who retires in accordance with the provisions of this section shall at the direction of the chief justice of the supreme court, subject to the retiree’s physical and mental competence, be assigned to perform such services as a judge as the chief judge prescribes. When so assigned and performing that service, the retiree shall have all the powers and authority of a judge. The retired judge shall not be counted in the number of judges provided by law for the workers’ compensation court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 415, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 93, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 126, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 179, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 40, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-16.1. - Salary for service after retirement.

§ 28-30-16.1. Salary for service after retirement.
Any workers’ compensation judge who retires in accordance with the provisions of §§ 28-30-15 and 28-30-16, and who is subsequently assigned to perform services in accordance with §§ 28-30-15 and 28-30-16, and when so assigned and performing that service, shall receive in addition to his or her retirement pension the difference in pay and fringe benefits between what he or she was entitled to receive under §§ 28-30-15 and 28-30-16 prior to exercising his or her options under § 28-30-17, and what a judge with comparable state service time is receiving as a judge of the workers’ compensation court to which he or she is assigned.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 415, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-16.2. - Retirement of judges engaged after July 2, 1997, on full pay.

§ 28-30-16.2. Retirement of judges engaged after July 2, 1997, on full pay.
(a)
Whenever any person first engaged as a judge:
(1)
Subsequent to July 2, 1997, and prior to January 1, 2009, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years and has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, or has served for fifteen (15) years and reached the age of seventy (70) years, he or she may retire from regular active service and subsequently he or she shall receive annually during his or her life a sum equal to his or her average highest three (3) consecutive years of compensation;
(2)
On or after January 1, 2009, and prior to July 1, 2009, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years and has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, or has served for fifteen (15) years and reached the age of seventy (70) years, he or she may retire from regular active service and subsequently he or she shall receive annually during his or her life a sum equal to ninety percent (90%) of his or her average highest three (3) consecutive years of compensation; and
(3)
On or after July 1, 2009, has served as a workers’ compensation judge for twenty (20) years and has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, or has served for fifteen (15) years and reached the age of seventy (70) years, he or she may retire from regular active service and subsequently he or she shall receive annually during his or her life a sum equal to eighty percent (80%) of his or her average highest five (5) consecutive years of compensation.
(b)
Whenever a judge or magistrate shall be granted a leave of absence without pay, the absence shall not be credited towards active service time for the purposes of retirement.
(c)
Any judge who retires in accordance with the provisions of this section shall at the direction of the chief justice of the supreme court, subject to the retiree’s physical and mental competence be assigned to perform those services as a judge that the chief judge prescribes. When so assigned and performing that service, the retiree shall have all the powers and authority of a judge. The retired judge shall not be counted in the number of judges provided by law for the workers’ compensation court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 93, § 4; P.L. 2007, ch. 126, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 179, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 35, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 7, § 7; P.L. 2013, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 40, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-16.3. - No incremental retirement benefit for temporary service as chief justice, presiding justice, or chief judge retired pursuant to § 28-30-16 or § 28-30-16.2.

§ 28-30-16.3. No incremental retirement benefit for temporary service as chief justice, presiding justice, or chief judge retired pursuant to § 28-30-16 or § 28-30-16.2.
No increment in salary resulting from the temporary service as chief justice, presiding justice, or chief judge shall be construed to add to the annual salary of a judicial officer for purposes of retirement under § 28-30-16 or § 28-30-16.2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 93, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-18.2. - State contributions.

§ 28-30-18.2. State contributions.
The state of Rhode Island shall make its contribution for the maintaining of the system established by § 28-30-18.1 and providing the annuities, benefits, and retirement allowances in accordance with the provisions of this chapter by annually appropriating an amount that will pay a rate percent of the compensation paid after December 31, 1989, to judges engaged after December 31, 1989. The rate percent shall be computed and certified in accordance with the procedures set forth in §§ 36-8-13 and 36-10-2 under rules and regulations promulgated by the retirement board pursuant to § 36-8-3 and shall be transmitted on the date contributions are withheld but no later than three (3) business days following the pay period ending in which contributions were withheld.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 494, § 8; P.L. 1990, ch. 507, § 6; P.L. 2019, ch. 205, § 5; P.L. 2019, ch. 271, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-20. - Calculation of retirement benefits.

§ 28-30-20. Calculation of retirement benefits.
For purposes of the calculation of retirement benefits, in the event that any judge of the workers’ compensation court participates or acquiesces in a state shutdown or in a reduced salary or a salary deferral plan consistent with any plan imposed upon or agreed to by other state employees, his or her annual salary shall be calculated as if he or she had not participated or acquiesced in any shutdown or plan.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 129, § 5; P.L. 1991, ch. 174, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-21. - Name change.

§ 28-30-21. Name change.
Wherever in the general or public laws there appear the words, “workers’ compensation commission” it shall read “workers’ compensation court.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 132, § 6; P.L. 1991, ch. 205, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-23. - Immunity from liability.

§ 28-30-23. Immunity from liability.
Any person serving as a member of the medical advisory board or fee dispute panel, and any medical service provider appointed as an impartial medical examiner, participating on a comprehensive independent healthcare review team, or serving as a member of the medical fee arbitration panel, shall be immune from any civil liability in that capacity so long as that person acts in good faith, without malice, and not for improper personal enrichment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 31, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-24. - Domestic partner — Definition.

§ 28-30-24. Domestic partner — Definition.
For purposes of this chapter, “domestic partner” shall be defined as a person who, prior to the decedent’s death, was in an exclusive, intimate, and committed relationship with the decedent, and who certifies by affidavit that their relationship met the following qualifications:
(1)
Both partners were at least eighteen (18) years of age and were mentally competent to contract;
(2)
Neither partner was married to anyone else;
(3)
Partners were not related by blood to a degree which would prohibit marriage in the state of Rhode Island;
(4)
Partners resided together and had resided together for at least one year at the time of death; and
(5)
Partners were financially interdependent as evidenced by at least two (2) of the following:
(i)
Domestic partnership agreement or relationship contract;
(ii)
Joint mortgage or joint ownership of primary residence;
(iii)
Two (2) of: (A) Joint ownership of motor vehicle; (B) Joint checking account; (C) Joint credit account; (D) Joint lease; and/or
(iv)
The domestic partner had been designated as a beneficiary for the decedent’s will, retirement contract, or life insurance.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-30 - Workers’ Compensation Court › Section 28-30-25. - Severability.

§ 28-30-25. Severability.
The holding of any section or sections or parts of this chapter to be void, ineffective, or unconstitutional for any cause shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part hereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 20; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-1.1. - Employees of the city of Providence covered.

§ 28-31-1.1. Employees of the city of Providence covered.
(a)
The city of Providence shall be subject to and accept the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title and shall be governed by the provisions in these chapters; provided, that this section is not subject to §§ 45-13-7 — 45-13-10.
(b)
The city of Providence may elect to provide its employees benefits in addition to those required under this section.
(c)
Any provision of a charter, or of any provision of the general or public laws inconsistent with this section, is repealed.
(d)
This section applies to all claims of injuries occurring on or after this section becomes effective for the individual city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 277, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-2. - Notices given to state or municipality as employer.

§ 28-31-2. Notices given to state or municipality as employer.
All notices required to be given by an employee to an employer under the provisions of §§ 28-29-17 — 28-29-19 and of §§ 28-33-30 — 28-33-32, and all other notices required to be given to an employer by an employee under chapters 29 — 38 of this title, if the employer is the state, shall be given to the department of administration, and if the employer is a city or town shall be filed with and given to the treasurer of that city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art 7, § 2; P.L. 1917, ch. 1534, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 2; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-2; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-3. - Medical treatment provided by state or municipality as employer.

§ 28-31-3. Medical treatment provided by state or municipality as employer.
The medical treatment required to be rendered by an employer to an injured employee under the provisions of § 28-33-5, if the employer is the state, shall be rendered under the direction of a physician appointed for that purpose by the director of the department of administration. If the employer is a town or city, the medical treatment shall be rendered by a physician appointed for that purpose by the town council of the town or the city council of the city; provided, that in an emergency it shall be the duty of the division, department, officer, or other person having direct charge of an injured employee to see that treatment is promptly provided for the aid of that employee until the physician appointed as provided in this section has notice and can take charge of the case. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit an employee from selecting the physician by whom, or the hospital in which, the employee desires to be treated as provided in § 28-33-8. All expenses incurred under this section, not exceeding the sum required by law to be expended therefor, shall in the case of the state be certified to the state controller by the department of administration, and in the case of a city or town to the treasurer thereof by the physician appointed as provided in this section, and those expenses shall be paid as is provided for other payments required to be made by the state, a city, or town under chapters 29 — 38 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 7, § 2; P.L. 1917, ch. 1534, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-3; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-4. - Settlement of claims.

§ 28-31-4. Settlement of claims.
(a)
The department of administration shall have full authority and power to settle any claims an employee may have against the state under chapters 29 — 38 of this title.
(b)
When any town or city accepts the provisions of those chapters, the town council of that town and the city council of that city shall appoint some person or persons not exceeding three (3) in number who shall have authority and power to settle any claim that an employee may have against that town or city under those chapters. Names of the persons so appointed shall be recorded in the office of the town clerk or city clerk, as the case may be, and that appointment shall continue in force until revoked by vote of the body by whom the appointments are made.
(c)
All payments made by the department of administration shall be certified to the state controller, and all payments made by the persons appointed under this section to act for any town or city shall be certified to the treasurer of that town or city.
(d)
Every payment made in behalf of the state or of a town or city is subject to the provisions of §§ 28-35-1 — 28-35-12 and §§ 28-35-14 — 28-35-63.
(e)
The statute of limitations shall be tolled while payments are made pursuant to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 1917, ch. 1534, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-4; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 15; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-5. - Payment of benefits for state employees.

§ 28-31-5. Payment of benefits for state employees.
(a)
The expenses incurred for and in behalf of the state under the provisions of §§ 28-31-3, 28-33-5, 28-33-12, 28-33-16, 28-33-17, 28-33-18, 28-33-19, 28-33-34, 28-33-35, 28-33-36, 28-33-37, and 28-33-39 and for benefits similar to the benefits provided for employees of employers other than the state under the provisions of § 28-37-8 as determined by a prior agreement or settled as provided by § 28-31-4 or by the department’s preliminary determination or decree of the workers’ compensation court, shall be paid out of any money in the state treasury not otherwise appropriated and the state controller shall draw his or her order or orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the claim in accordance with the provisions of the agreement, preliminary determination, or decree upon receipt by the controller of a copy of the agreement or preliminary determination certified by the director or of a copy of the decree certified by the administrator of the workers’ compensation court.
(b)
Payments for continuing total incapacity until the employee’s total incapacity has ended or until his or her death similar to the payments that are provided for employees of employers other than the state by § 28-37-8 shall in the case of an employee of the state be paid out of any money in the state treasury not otherwise appropriated.
(c)
Benefits similar to the provisions of § 28-37-8 shall be paid to employees of the state whose final payment attaining the maximum limit for compensation for total incapacity as provided by § 28-33-17 is paid subsequent to January 1, 1969, and who continue to be totally incapacitated for work due to an injury sustained while employed by the state.
(d)
The provisions of this section are subject to the provisions of § 28-33-18.2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 7, § 5; P.L. 1917, ch. 1534, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 5; P.L. 1929, ch. 1397, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 5; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-5; P.L. 1969, ch. 109, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 15; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-6. - Payment of benefits for municipal employees — Action for collection.

§ 28-31-6. Payment of benefits for municipal employees — Action for collection.
(a)(1)
The expenses incurred for and in behalf of any town or city under the provisions of §§ 28-31-3 and 28-33-5 — 28-33-11, and the amount of compensation due an employee of a town or city as determined by an agreement with or paid by that town or city, or by the department’s preliminary determination or decree of the workers’ compensation court, shall be paid by the treasurer of that town or city out of any money of the town or city in its hands.
(2)
The payment shall be made by the treasurer upon receipt by him or her of a certificate of those expenses satisfactory to him or her, or of a certified copy of the agreement, preliminary determination, or decree under which the compensation is to be paid; provided, that he or she shall not make any payment until the payment has been approved by the auditor of the city or town if there is any such officer, and if there is not any such officer, then payment shall first be approved by the mayor of the city or the president of the town council of the town.
(3)
If more than one payment of money is made or required by any agreement, preliminary determination, or decree, the payments shall be made in the manner provided in this section as they become due.
(4)
If any expenses or compensation required to be paid by a town or city under the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title or any installment of them is not paid within twenty (20) days after the certificate or certified copy is filed with the treasurer of the town or city, the expenses or compensation may be collected in the manner in which a judgment against a town or city may be collected under the provisions of §§ 45-15-5 — 45-15-7.
(b)
The provisions of this section are subject to the provisions of § 28-33-18.2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 7, § 6; P.L. 1917, ch. 1534, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 6; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-6; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-7. - Proceedings involving state or municipality.

§ 28-31-7. Proceedings involving state or municipality.
Legal proceedings under chapters 29 — 38 of this title between the state, a city, or town as an employer and any employee of them shall be brought in the same manner and with the same force and effect as is prescribed herein for any other employer and employee; provided, that if the state is a party to any proceedings, the proceedings shall be brought for and in behalf of the state in the name of and by or against the department of administration, and service shall be made on the administrator of the division of state employees for workers’ compensation, and if a town or city is a party to any proceedings, the proceedings shall be brought for and in behalf of that town or city in the name of and by or against the treasurer of that town or city, and service shall be made on that treasurer. The department of administration may appear on behalf of the state or engage legal counsel to appear for and represent the state in any proceedings in which the state is a party. The provisions of any other law relating to the filing of claims or demands against a town or a city shall not apply to claims of compensation or legal proceedings arising under chapters 29 — 38 of this title to which a town or city is a party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 7, § 7; P.L. 1917, ch. 1534, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 7; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-7; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 15; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 22; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-8. - Insurance requirement inapplicable.

§ 28-31-8. Insurance requirement inapplicable.
The provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title requiring employers to insure against liability to pay compensation arising under the provisions of those chapters shall not apply to the state or any city or town in the state, and the state or any city or town may separately insure against or contract for the provision of any portion of its obligations or liabilities arising under chapters 29 — 38 of this title with parties licensed or qualified to do business in this state. Any party providing, underwriting, or administering the provision of any portion of the obligations or liabilities shall not thereby incur any liabilities or obligations under chapters 29 — 38 of this title beyond those specified by its contract with the state, city, or town, and the party shall not thereby become subject to the regulation and the generally applicable liabilities and obligations of workers’ compensation insurers. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 45-5-20.1 or any other general law, the state, the city of Providence, and any town, city, or regional school district that has accepted the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title pursuant to § 28-31-1 shall be subject to the annual assessment payment to the workers’ compensation administrative fund established by § 28-37-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 7, § 8; P.L. 1917, ch. 1534, § 6; P.L. 1921, ch. 2095, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 8; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-8; P.L. 1991, ch. 206, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 430, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-9. - Application to national and state guard members.

§ 28-31-9. Application to national and state guard members.
Members of the national guard and Rhode Island state guard injured in the performance of required, authorized, or permitted duty shall be deemed to be employees of the state, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of chapters 29 — 38 of this title in accordance with the limitations, requirements, and restrictions of those chapters, provided that the duty is state active duty pursuant to § 30-2-6. Personnel performing duty in any other status shall not be deemed to be employees of the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 10; 1934, ch. 2123, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 10; P.L. 1941, ch. 1060, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-9; P.L. 1992, ch. 54, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-10. - Computation of earnings of guard members.

§ 28-31-10. Computation of earnings of guard members.
In ascertaining the average weekly wages, earnings, or salary of an injured member of the national guard or the Rhode Island state guard, § 28-33-20 will be followed and for the purpose of that ascertainment, it will be assumed that the injury occurred in the civilian employment of the injured member of the national guard and Rhode Island state guard.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 10; P.L. 1934, ch. 2123, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 10; P.L. 1941, ch. 1060, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-11. - Effect of federal benefits to guard members.

§ 28-31-11. Effect of federal benefits to guard members.
Where an injured member of the national guard or the Rhode Island state guard receives pay, subsistence, hospitalization, or other benefits from the United States as the result of an injury, those payments shall not affect his or her right to receive compensation under chapters 29 — 38 of this title. When the payments received from the United States are less than he or she would have been entitled to receive under those chapters, then he or she is entitled to receive all the benefits to which he or she would have been entitled under those chapters less the benefits actually received from the United States.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 7, § 10; P.L. 1934, ch. 2123, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 10; P.L. 1941, ch. 1060, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-12. - Application to disaster response workers.

§ 28-31-12. Application to disaster response workers.
All members of disaster response forces who are killed or sustain disability or injury while in training for or on disaster response duty shall be construed to be employees of the state and compensated in like manner as state employees are compensated under the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title. All claims shall be filed, prosecuted, and determined in accordance with the procedure set forth in chapters 29 — 38 of this title.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 11; P.L. 1952, ch. 2972, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-12; P.L. 1995, ch. 323, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-13. - Computation of wages of disaster response worker.

§ 28-31-13. Computation of wages of disaster response worker.
If the hourly wages cannot be ascertained, or if no pay has been designated for the required work, the wage for the purpose of calculating compensation under § 28-31-12 shall be taken to be a sum sufficient to guarantee the minimum payments under chapters 29 — 38 of this title.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 11; P.L. 1952, ch. 2972, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-14. - Effect of federal benefits to disaster response workers.

§ 28-31-14. Effect of federal benefits to disaster response workers.
Any sums payable under any act of Congress or other federal program as compensation for death, disability, or injury of disaster response workers shall be considered in connection with the determination and settlement of any claim brought under the provisions of §§ 28-31-12 and 28-31-13. When the payments received from the United States are less than an injured member would have been entitled to receive under §§ 28-31-12 — 28-31-14, then the worker shall be entitled to receive all the benefits to which he or she would have been entitled under those sections less the benefits actually received from the United States.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 7, § 11; P.L. 1952, ch. 2972, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-31-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31 - Workers’ Compensation — State and Municipal Employees › Section 28-31-15. - Transfer of functions from the department of labor and training.

§ 28-31-15. Transfer of functions from the department of labor and training.
There are transferred to the department of administration those functions, powers, duties, and necessary resources relating to claims of state employees that relate to workers’ compensation formerly vested in the department of labor and training.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 16; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31.1 - State Employees’ Compensation Fund › Section 28-31.1-1. - Fund established.

§ 28-31.1-1. Fund established.
(a)
There is established in the department of administration of the state of Rhode Island a special account to be known as the state employees’ compensation fund, an account within the general fund. The account, referred to as the “state employees’ compensation fund,” shall consist of payments made to it as subsequently provided, or penalties paid pursuant to this chapter, and of all other money paid into and received by the fund, or property and securities acquired by and through the use of money belonging to the fund, and of interest earned upon the money belonging to the fund. All money in the fund shall be mingled and undivided. The fund shall be administered by the director of administration or the director’s designee.
(b)
The fund shall be used for the settlement of claims pursuant to § 28-31-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 101, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 401, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31.1 - State Employees’ Compensation Fund › Section 28-31.1-2. - Parties to appeals involving fund.

§ 28-31.1-2. Parties to appeals involving fund.
(a)
In any appeal taken under chapters 29 — 38 of this title which involves the state employees’ compensation fund, the director shall be a necessary party.
(b)
In every case where payments are ordered made from the state employees’ compensation fund, the director shall receive a notice of the order and he or she shall have the right to claim an appeal from the order, if, in his or her opinion, the director believes that the decision is not proper or that the fund is in danger of unwarranted depletion.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 101, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 401, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-31.1 - State Employees’ Compensation Fund › Section 28-31.1-3. - Payments into fund by agencies.

§ 28-31.1-3. Payments into fund by agencies.
For the purposes of administering §§ 28-31-4 and 28-31.1-1(b), each state agency shall annually make payments to the state employees’ compensation fund as determined by the department of administration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 101, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 401, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-32 - Workers’ Compensation — Report of Injuries › Section 28-32-1. - Reports required from employers.

§ 28-32-1. Reports required from employers.
(a)
Every employer who or that is or becomes subject to the provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title shall report to the director, in writing or in any other manner specified by the director, every personal injury sustained by an employee arising out of and in the course of his or her employment connected and referable to the employment, if that injury proves fatal or incapacitates the employee from earning full wages for a period of at least three (3) days, or requires medical treatment regardless of the period of incapacity.
(b)
If the injury is immediately fatal, the report shall be made within forty-eight (48) hours after it occurs; if it proves fatal later, the report shall be made within forty-eight (48) hours after death occurs and comes to the knowledge of the employer; if the injury is not fatal, the report shall be made within ten (10) days after the injury, or if the incapacity is due to an occupational disease then within ten (10) days after the incapacity shall come to the knowledge of the employer.
(c)(1)
The director may by rule, regulation, or order provide for additional interim reports, and at the termination of the period of incapacity, regardless of its duration, a supplementary report, in writing, or as otherwise specified by the director.
(2)
Blanks to be supplied by the director shall be expanded to include an explanation, at least to the extent possible, of the cause of the injury, and the duplicate copy shall be made available to the department for data collection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 1915, ch. 1268, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2095, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 1936, ch. 2290, § 17; P.L. 1936, ch. 2358, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 1949, ch. 2282, § 5; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-32-1; P.L. 1982, ch. 32, art. 1, § 3; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 5; P.L. 1986, ch. 507, § 6; P.L. 2000, ch. 491, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-32 - Workers’ Compensation — Report of Injuries › Section 28-32-2. - Penalty for failure to report.

§ 28-32-2. Penalty for failure to report.
(a)
Any employer who or that refuses or neglects to make the reports required by the provisions of § 28-32-1 may be assessed a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) by the director for each refusal or neglect to make a report.
(b)
The workers’ compensation court shall have jurisdiction to enforce compliance with any order of the director made pursuant to this section. The director, in his or her discretion, may bring a civil action to collect all penalties assessed.
(c)
All penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the general fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 6, § 2; P.L. 1915, ch. 1268, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 6, § 2; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-32-2; P.L. 1988, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 256, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 355, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 78, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 87, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-32 - Workers’ Compensation — Report of Injuries › Section 28-32-3. - Other reports not required.

§ 28-32-3. Other reports not required.
No report of injuries to employees other than those required by chapters 29 — 38 of this title shall be required by any other department or office of the state from employers to whom the provisions of those chapters apply.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 6, § 3; P.L. 1915, ch. 1268, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 6, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 6, § 3; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-32-3; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 5; P.L. 1992, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-32 - Workers’ Compensation — Report of Injuries › Section 28-32-4. - Use of reports as evidence.

§ 28-32-4. Use of reports as evidence.
No report required by chapters 29 — 38 of this title shall be admitted in evidence or referred to at the trial of any action or in any judicial or administrative proceedings, except in prosecutions for the violation of those chapters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 6, § 4; P.L. 1915, ch. 1268, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 6, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 6, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-32-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-32 - Workers’ Compensation — Report of Injuries › Section 28-32-5. - Disclosure and use of contents of reports.

§ 28-32-5. Disclosure and use of contents of reports.
(a)
No report, or part of a copy of a report, shall be open to the public, nor shall any of its contents be disclosed in any manner, nor be permitted to become known, by any officer or employee of the state or other person having access to it, but the reports shall be used for state investigation, including investigations by the workers’ compensation fraud unit pursuant to § 42-16.1-12, and statistics only, and those statistics shall in no way disclose the identity of the employer making the report.
(b)
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense, and if the offender is an officer or employee of the state, he or she shall be dismissed from the office and shall be subsequently ineligible to hold an office under the state for a period of one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 6, § 5; P.L. 1915, ch. 1268, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 6, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 6, § 5; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-32-5; P.L. 2000, ch. 491, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-32 - Workers’ Compensation — Report of Injuries › Section 28-32-6. - Information as to provisions of law.

§ 28-32-6. Information as to provisions of law.
Insofar as is not inconsistent with other provisions of chapters 29 — 38 of this title, the director shall have general supervision of the operation of those chapters, and from time to time he or she may furnish employers and employees with the information relative to those chapters as may assist them in an understanding of their rights and obligations under those chapters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 831, art. 6, § 6; P.L. 1915, ch. 1268, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 92, art. 6, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 300, art. 6, § 6; P.L. 1954, ch. 3297, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-32-6; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 5.