PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Subject of Possible Rule Making: General reporting rules, classifications, audit and record keeping, rates and rating system for workers' compensation insurance, chapter 296-17 WAC, and specifically the temporary staffing services classifications WAC 296-17-757 through 296-17-76212.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.16.035 and 51.16.100.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Labor and industries is required by law to classify all occupations and industries by degree of hazard (RCW 51.16.035). Labor and industries has encountered issues with the current temporary staffing services classification plan as result of changes within the industry. Business partners have expressed a need to update the existing rules.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will use direct mailings and the Internet to share possible rule ideas with participating employers and business associations that have an interest in temporary staffing services. Labor and industries will conduct informal public meetings statewide with customers during March and April 2003 to share draft ideas and solicit input for possible changes to the temporary staffing classification plan. Labor and industries will use this input to formulate proposed changes to the existing rules and advise customers of future rule making by direct mailing and the Internet.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. A letter with ideas on possible rule changes will be sent to all employers. Employers will be encouraged to attend the informal public meetings where the rule ideas will be discussed and draft rules formulated. Employers can obtain information on our process at the employer services website (www.lni.wa.gov/insurance services/employer services) and can submit comments electronically to blom235@lni.wa.gov or by mail to Labor and Industries, Attention Classification Services, P.O. Box 44148, Olympia, WA 98504-4148 or by calling (360) 902-4748 or by fax (360) 902-4729.
January 8, 2003
Gary Moore
Director