Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-15 WAC, Workers' compensation self insurance rules and regulations.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.04.020, 51.14.020, 51.32.190, 51.14.090, and 51.14.095.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Currently, chapter 296-15 WAC contains several errors, including referencing other sections which were repealed in other rule making and incorrect form numbers. Also, legislative changes now conflict with some current rules. Modifications will be made to ensure compliance with statute. We will also modify rules per current agency standards, replacing all references to "physician" with "provider."

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state, local or federal agency regulates this subject.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in these rules may contact the individual listed below. The public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments and/or testimony during the public hearing and comment process. Labor and industries will share with representatives of the labor and self-insured employer communities on the proposed changes to the regulations. Public hearings will be held after the proposal is filed.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Margaret Conley, Department of Labor and Industries, Self Insurance Section, P.O. Box 44890, Olympia, WA 98504-4890, phone (360) 902-6723, fax (360) 902-6977, Mcgm235@Lni.wa.gov.

August 20, 2008

Judy Schurke

Director

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office