(a) The State Board of Education and the State Workers’ Compensation Commission shall administer jointly the program established in this section.

(b) The State Workers’ Compensation Commission:

(1) Shall establish a rehabilitation program;

(2) May employ the necessary rehabilitation counselors and clerical staff to review all reports and claims;

(3) Shall select from the reports and claims filed with it those for which rehabilitation services appear to be appropriate;

(4) After proper investigation, shall refer appropriate cases to the Division of Rehabilitation Services;

(5) On request of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, shall make available to the Division a complete medical evaluation, including a prognosis of work potential of any worker whose case it refers to the Division; and

(6) Shall pay the salaries of the employees of the workers’ compensation rehabilitation program and all necessary expenses incurred:

(i) In investigating and reviewing all reports and claims; and

(ii) For supplies, furniture, and office space.