Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Labor & Workplace Standards Committee

HB 2336

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Implementing joint legislative audit and review committee recommendations to improve claims management and efficiencies in workers' compensation.

Sponsors: Representatives Manweller, Haler, Condotta, Chandler and Van Werven.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Department of Labor and Industries to adjudicate a self-insured employer's request to close a claim within 90 days of the request.

Hearing Date: 1/21/16

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

Under the state's industrial insurance laws, employers must insure through the State Fund administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) or may self-insure if qualified. The Department exercises oversight over self-insured employers.

For some claims, such as those involving only medical treatment and in which the injured worker has returned to work with the employer of injury, a self-insured employer may close the claim. For other claims, a self-insured employer submits a medical report and asks the Department to close the claim.

Summary of Bill:

The Department must adjudicate a self-insured employer's request to close a claim within 90 days of the request and receipt of the medical report.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.