Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-17 WAC, General reporting rules, audit and recordkeeping, rates and rating system for Washington workers' compensation insurance. Revisions to retrospective rating rules. Changes contemplated include changes to retrospective rating plans and tables, including the addition of hazard groups.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.16.035, 51.04.020, and 51.18.010.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rules are being considered as part of the work done under the retrospective rating proviso study which directed the department to contract with outside experts to evaluate and recommend improvements to the retrospective rating program.

     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: Labor and industries will be working with retrospective rating association and group sponsors to explain and model the changes to be made. Labor and industries will also work with the retrospective rating advisory committee and retrospective rating proviso study group as changes are developed. The public can participate in these discussions by attending meetings of any of these groups. Meeting schedules are found at www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Insurance/Reduce/Qualify/AdvComm/default.asp or the retrospective rating advisory committee. Information will also be shared through the retrospective rating program listserve. Interested parties may register at http://www.lni.wa.gov/Main/Listservs/ClaimsIns/Retro.asp.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The department will be holding public hearing(s) on this rule making and inquiries can be directed to Diane Doherty, P.O. Box 44180, Olympia, WA 98504-4180, phone (360) 902-4835, fax (360) 902-4258, e-mail Diane.Doherty@LNI.wa.gov.

March 23, 2010

Judy Schurke

Director

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