Subject of Possible Rule Making: Retrospective rating, labor and industries (L&I) is considering making changes to several existing rules applicable to the retrospective rating program codified in chapter 296-17 WAC. Possible rule changes would clarify: (1) The process L&I will use in approving employers to participate in retrospective rating groups sponsored by business and trade associations; and (2) the financial responsibilities of organizations that sponsor retrospective rating groups.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.18.010.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Employers and organizations that participate in the retrospective rating program have asked L&I to clarify certain existing retrospective rating program rules described above. The subject rules are needed to administer the retrospective rating program authorized by RCW 51.18.010.

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

     Process for Developing New Rule: L&I will work with business partners and other interested parties to develop changes to the retrospective rating program rules. This will include input from the retrospective rating advisory committee and the workers' compensation advisory committee. As the rule ideas are developed they will [be] posted to the L&I website and can be accessed at the retro website http://www.lni.wa.gov/retro/ or they can contact Mark Matthies at (360) 902-4838 to receive a printed copy. Meetings will also be posted on the website. L&I also use targeted mailings to solicit input and may hold informal public meetings.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties can participate in the rule development process by attending the advisory committee meetings noted above, or by sending written comments to: Retrospective Rating Program, P.O. Box 44180, Olympia, WA 98504-4180, or by faxing them to (360) 902-4258, or by sending e-mail to retro@LNI.wa.gov.

November 3, 2004

Paul Trause

Director

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office