A. The Commission for Rehabilitation Services is hereby authorized to:

1. Establish an employee performance recognition program that recognizes outstanding job performance and productivity within the State Department of Rehabilitation Services;

2. Expend monies available from the Department's operating funds to purchase recognition awards for presentation to employees with exceptional job performance records, or who make other significant contributions to the operation of the Department. Such awards may be presented at a formal or informal ceremony, banquet or reception, the cost of which may be expended from monies available in the Department's operating funds. Awards to recognize employee achievement pursuant to this subsection may consist of wearing apparel, service pins, plaques, writing pens, or other items valued at not more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per award. Discussion regarding the selection of the annual Commissioner's Award shall be confidential.

B. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Commission for Rehabilitation Services is authorized to use receipt of funds from the Social Security reimbursement program for a direct service delivery staff incentive program. Incentives may be awarded if case service costs are reimbursed for job placement of Social Security or Supplemental Security Income recipients at the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level for nine (9) months pursuant to 42 U.S.C., Section 422, and under those conditions and criteria as are established by the federal reimbursement program.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 103, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001. Amended by Laws 2007, c. 145, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2007; Laws 2016, c. 83, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2016.