(a) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the wage earning capacity of a covered employee is less while temporarily partially disabled, the employer or its insurer shall pay the covered employee compensation that equals 50% of the difference between:
(i) the average weekly wage of the covered employee; and
(ii) the wage earning capacity of the covered employee in the same or other employment while temporarily partially disabled.
(2) The compensation payable under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not exceed 50% of the State average weekly wage.
(b) The employer or its insurer shall pay the weekly compensation for the period that the covered employee is temporarily partially disabled.