Subject of Possible Rule Making: Independent medical examinations (IME).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.36.070, 51.32.055, 51.32.112, 51.32.114.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Labor and industries contracted for a review of its IME program. The consultants recommended changes to improve the quality of IMEs department purchases. The department is implementing a number of these recommended changes. These rules are needed to ensure providers know the department's requirements to be an independent medical examiner, and the standards providers are expected to meet as approved examiners. The rules together with an enhanced quality assurance program will improve workers' experiences during IMEs and the quality of the services purchased by the department. It will also allow the department to effectively manage its IME-related costs.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: The consultants recommended changes to improve the quality of IMEs the department purchases. The department has responded and will implement a number of these recommended changes through rule making.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. An update on the department's proposed IME changes will be mailed to interested persons in early August 2003. The department will also hold a series of focus groups in late August 2003 to gather input on the proposals. Interested persons may also call, write, e-mail or fax their comments or express their interest in being included in mailings or meetings to David Overby, Senior Health Policy Analyst, Health Services Analysis, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44322, Olympia, WA 98504-4322, phone (360) 902-6791, fax (360) 902-4249, e-mail over235@lni.wa.gov.

July 22, 2003

Paul Trause

Director

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