Section 435. (a) The department shall establish and promulgate rules and regulations consistent with this act, which are reasonably calculated to:
(1) expedite the reporting and processing of injury cases,
(2) insure full payment of compensation when due,
(3) expedite the hearing and determination of claims for compensation and petitions filed with the department under this act,
(4) provide the disabled employee or his dependents with timely notice and information of his or their rights under this act,
(5) explain and enforce the provisions of this act.
(b) If it appears that there has not been compliance with this act or rules and regulations promulgated thereunder the department may, on its own motion give notice to any persons involved in such apparent noncompliance and schedule a hearing for the purpose of determining whether there has been compliance. The notice of hearing shall contain a statement of the matter to be considered.
(c) The board shall establish rules of procedure, consistent with this act, which are reasonably calculated to expedite the hearing and determination of appeals to the board and to insure full payment of compensation when due.
(d) The department, the board, or any court which may hear any proceedings brought under this act shall have the power to impose penalties as provided herein for violations of the provisions of this act or such rules and regulations or rules of procedure:
(1) Employers and insurers may be penalized a sum not exceeding ten per centum of the amount awarded and interest accrued and payable: Provided, however, That such penalty may be increased to fifty per centum in cases of unreasonable or excessive delays. Such penalty shall be payable to the same persons to whom the compensation is payable.
(2) Any penalty or interest provided for anywhere in this act shall not be considered as compensation for the purposes of any limitation on the total amount of compensation payable which is set forth in this act.
(3) Claimants shall forfeit any interest that would normally be payable to them with respect to any period of unexcused delay which they have caused.
(e) The department shall furnish to persons adversely affected by occupational disease appropriate counseling services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other supportive services designed to promote employability to the extent that such services are available and practical.

(435 amended June 24, 1996, P.L.350, No.57)