Specialty Compliance Services Division:

Electrical Program Inspection Policy #00-18, "Temporary Telecommunications Administrator," is a new policy that is to be followed when a telecommunications contractor applicant is not a registered contractor prior to June 8, 2000. The department will allow a telecommunications contractor to assign a temporary administrator. To be designated as a temporary telecommunications administrator, the applicant must submit a completed telecommunications administrator application. Temporary telecommunications administrator certificates will be issued and will be valid until July 1, 2001. The person designated as the temporary telecommunications administrator must successfully complete the telecommunications administrator examination prior to the expiration date of the temporary certificate. Failure to successfully complete the examination within the required time frame will result in the automatic revocation of the temporary telecommunications administrator certificate and the suspension of the telecommunications contractor's license. The suspended telecommunications contractor must designate a qualified telecommunications administrator before the telecommunications license will be reinstated (effective August 1, 2000).

     Contact: Theresa Deering, Mailstop 44460, (360) 902-5249, Patrick Woods, Assistant Director.

Insurance Services Division:

Provider Bulletin #00-09, "Recent Coverage Decisions on Intradiscal Heating (IDET) and Vertebral Axial Decompression Therapy," is a new policy that notifies providers about recent medical coverage decisions pertaining to intradiscal heating (IDET) and vertebral axial decompression therapy (Vax-D). These coverage decisions apply to both state fund and self-insured worker's compensation claims and to crime victim's compensation claims. IDET is not a covered service because there is not enough substantial scientific evidence documenting the long term safety and efficacy of intradiscal heating. When traction is a proper and necessary treatment for a worker, the department or self-insured employer may pay for traction therapy administered by a licensed physical therapist or physiatrist using Vax-D only to the same extent it would pay for traction therapy using other approved traction devices. The department will not pay an additional cost when this device is used. (Issued October 2000)

     Contact: Linda Alguire, Mailstop 44322, (360) 902-6799, Douglas Connell, Assistant Director.

     If you have any questions or need additional information, please call 902-4216.

Doric Olson

          Legislative and

Governmental Affairs Office

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