NRS616A.455. Powers and duties. [Effective through December 31, 2014, and after that date unless the provisions of Senate Joint Resolution No. 14 (2011) are approved and ratified by the voters at the 2014 General Election.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the Nevada Attorney for Injured Workers shall, when appointed by an appeals officer or the Administrator, represent without charge a claimant before the appeals officer, Administrator, district court or Supreme Court. In addition, the Nevada Attorney for Injured Workers may give advice regarding a claimant’s rights before a hearing officer and the procedure for enforcing those rights.

      2.  When representing a claimant, the Nevada Attorney for Injured Workers shall:

      (a) Advise the claimant and present the claimant’s case to the appeals officer or Administrator; and

      (b) Present in the district court or Supreme Court an appeal from the decision of the appeals officer or Administrator if, in the opinion of the Nevada Attorney for Injured Workers, the appeal is merited.

      3.  If the Nevada Attorney for Injured Workers determines, in accordance with the guidelines adopted pursuant to subsection 4, that a claim is frivolous or lacks merit, he or she may refuse to represent a claimant.

      4.  The Nevada Attorney for Injured Workers shall establish the policies to be followed in determining whether a claim is frivolous or lacks merit.

      (Added to NRS by 1977, 886; A 1985, 668; 1989, 818; 1991, 834, 2403)