(a) The Board of Developmental Disabilities Services is authorized to extend to selected staff members of the human development centers off-premises assignments for educational or training purposes. In determining whether to make the off-premises assignments, the board shall be guided by the recommendations of the center superintendent based on such considerations as the requirements of the center for qualified personnel, the availability of qualified persons in specialized fields, the availability of funds, and other factors contributing to staff development.
(b)
(1) Before granting any off-premises assignment for educational or training purposes, the board shall enter into an agreement with the staff member which shall require the staff member, upon completion of the educational or training program, to return to the human development center in the same or comparable position for such period of time as may be agreed upon by the board and the staff member.
(2) Any staff member who fails to return to the center pursuant to the agreement shall be liable for any compensation paid to the staff member by the center during the period for which he or she was granted the off-premises assignment for educational or training purposes.
(3) The agreement entered into by the board and the staff member shall provide that the venue of any action brought to recover any funds paid the staff member under the agreement shall be in Pulaski County.