FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5474

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.

Background: Whenever the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) makes any order, decision, or award, it must promptly serve the worker, beneficiary, employer, or other person affected, with a copy of the document by mail. L&I may send correspondence and other legal notices by secure electronic means, except for orders communicating the closure of a claim, if the worker, beneficiary, employer, or other person affected chooses the other means.

A worker, beneficiary, employer, health services provider, or other person aggrieved by an order, decision, or award of L&I must, before appealing to the courts, file with the board and the director, by mail or personally, within 60 days from the day on which a copy of the order, decision, or award was communicated to such person, a notice of appeal to the board.

Summary: In the event L&I makes an order communicating the closure of a claim of a self-insured employer, the self-insured employer may serve the order. The self-insured employer must use a separate, secure, and verifiable nonelectronic means of delivery. The self-insured employer must also include L&I's prescribed notice explaining the contents of the order and any protest or appeal rights.

The service by the self-insured employer is considered a communication for the purpose of the 60 day time period for filing an appeal.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	46	1
House	96	0