Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-15 WAC, Workers' compensation self-insurance rules and regulations and chapter 296-20 WAC, Medical aid rules.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.04.030.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of labor and industries (L&I) is considering adopting rules related to the use of medications to ensure safe, appropriate and effective drug therapy designed to improve health outcomes for injured workers.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington workers' compensation benefits are governed by Title 51 RCW, Washington's Industrial Insurance Act. No other state or federal agencies are responsible for interpreting and enforcing the provisions of this act.

     Process for Developing New Rule: This rule will be developed in consultation with L&I's major stakeholders and other interested parties. Major stakeholder groups include, but are not limited to the Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee (IIMAC) and the Workers' Compensation Advisory Committee (WCAC).

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jami Lifka, L&I, Office of the Medical Director, P.O. Box 44321, Olympia, WA 98504-4321, e-mail Jami.Lifka@Lni.wa.gov, phone (360) 902-4941, or fax (360) 902-6315.

December 28, 2012

Judy Schurke

Director