(1) When an employee, because he has nondisabling silicosis, is discharged from employment in which he is engaged, or when such an employee, after an examination as provided in subsection (2) of this section, and a finding by the medical panel that it is inadvisable for him to continue in his employment, terminates his employment, the commission may allow such compensation on account of such termination of employment as it may deem just, as support money pending his change of employment, payable as in this law elsewhere provided, but in no case to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(2)  Upon application of any employer or employee, the commission may direct any employee of such employer or any employee who, in the course of his employment has been exposed to the inhalation of silica dust, to submit to a medical examination to determine whether the employee has silicosis, and the degree thereof. The results of the examination shall be submitted to the commission, which shall submit copies of such reports to the employer and employee, who shall have opportunity to rebut the same, provided, request therefor is made to the commission within thirty (30) days from the mailing of such report to the parties. The commission shall make its findings as to whether it is inadvisable for the employee to continue in his employment.