19-2-406. Disability retirement -- application -- determination -- benefit conversion -- rules. (1) (a) An active or inactive member may apply for disability retirement in a manner prescribed by the board. However, an application may also be filed on the member's behalf by the head of the office or department in which the member is or was last employed, by any other individual, or by the board.

(b) The application must be filed within 4 months after the member's termination from employment unless the member is disabled continuously from the date of termination from employment to the date of the application.

(2) The board shall determine whether a member has become disabled. In the discharge of its duty regarding determinations, the board, any member of the board, or any authorized representative of the board may order medical examinations, conduct hearings, administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, certify to official acts and records, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and other records considered necessary as evidence in connection with a claim for disability retirement. Subpoenas must be issued and enforced pursuant to 2-4-104 of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.

(3) The board shall adopt rules requiring employers to identify and explain the essential elements of a member's position, any accommodations that were or can be made in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101, et seq.), and the effectiveness of the accommodations.

(4) The board shall retain medical personnel to advise it in assessing the nature and extent of disabling conditions while reviewing claims for disability retirement.

(5) The disability retirement benefit paid to a member of the defined benefit plan must be converted to a service retirement benefit, without recalculation of the monthly benefit amount, when the member has attained normal retirement age. The board shall notify the member in writing as to the change in status.