(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)    “DORS” means the Division of Rehabilitation Services in the State Department of Education.

(3)    “DORS consumer” means an individual determined eligible for rehabilitation services under § 21–306 of this subtitle who is placed by DORS in an unpaid work–based learning experience.

(4)    “Unpaid work–based learning experience” means a program that provides a DORS consumer with structured employer–supervised learning that:

(i)    Occurs in the workplace;

(ii)    Links with an individualized plan for employment;

(iii)    Is coordinated by a DORS rehabilitation specialist; and

(iv)    Is conducted in accordance with the terms of an individual written work–based learning experience agreement between DORS and the employer of that participating DORS consumer.

(b)    A DORS consumer who is placed with an employer in an unpaid work–based learning experience is a covered employee of that employer, as defined in Title 9 of the Labor and Employment Article for the purpose of coverage for medical services and treatment under the State workers’ compensation laws.

(c)    (1)    The participating employer where a DORS consumer is placed in an unpaid work–based learning experience shall secure workers’ compensation coverage for that DORS consumer.

(2)    The State Department of Education shall reimburse the employer in an amount equal to the lesser of:

(i)    The cost of the premium for the workers’ compensation coverage; or

(ii)    $250.