44-1-512. Determination of eligibility for salary benefit. (1) The highway patrol chief shall determine whether an injury incurred by an officer was incurred in the performance of the officer's duties and whether an injury incurred resulted in a disability.

(2) In determining the nature and extent of an officer's injuries and the extent of any recovery, the chief shall seek and consider the medical opinion of a qualified physician who has examined the injured officer. The chief may seek a second medical opinion.