Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee
HB 1902
Brief Description: Providing an exception to the process for reopening a workers' compensation claim when the claimant submits a reopening application in a timely manner.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides for reopening a workers' compensation claim where the provider fails to submit the application.
Hearing Date: 1/25/22
Staff: Lily Smith (786-7175).
Background:

Workers who, in the course of employment, are injured or disabled are entitled to workers' compensation benefits.  Depending on the injury or disability, workers are entitled to medical, temporary time-loss, and vocational rehabilitation benefits, as well as benefits for permanent disabilities. 


Once closed, a workers' compensation claim may be reopened due to a change in circumstances warranting an adjustment of compensation.  When granted, a reopened claim allows for compensation and other benefits up to 60 days before receipt of the reopening application. 


The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) provides a form for workers to use as a reopening application, with the first page to be filled out by the worker and the second page to be filled out by the medical provider.  In addition to other parameters, the medical provider information page includes notices that benefits will not be paid for services more than 60 days before the application is received, and that benefits may be delayed for incomplete forms.  The worker information page does not include similar notices.
Summary of Bill:

A claimant may receive compensation and other benefits more than 60 days before submission of the reopening application when the following applies:

  • The application was not received by L&I within 60 days due to a failure of the provider.
  • The worker demonstrates that the worker information page was completed and submitted to L&I, the self-insurer, or the provider within 30 days of provision of the relevant medical services.

 

The L&I must provide notice of the submission deadlines on any forms it provides for use as claim reopening applications. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 19, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.