WSR 18-05-038
POLICY STATEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed February 13, 2018, 9:32 a.m.]
Under RCW 34.05.230, following are one amended policy statement, one repealed policy statement, and one new policy statement issued by the department of labor and industries insurance services division.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Maggie Leland, rules coordinator at 360-902-4504.
Title: Policy 74.01 – Resolution and Settlement Authority.
Date Amended: December 19, 2017.
Description: The policy update reflects an increase in discretionary authority for litigation specialists. Additional updates to the policy include a title change, improved clarity of writing, rearrangement for ease of reading, and removal of irrelevant sections.
Contact: Suzy Campbell, 7273 Linderson Way, Tumwater, WA 98501, Mailstop 4250, 360-902-5003, Suzanne.campbell@lni.wa.gov.
Title: Policy 40.17 – Payment for Smoking Cessation Products for Spinal Fusion Candidates.
Date Repealed: January 27, 2018.
Description: Policy 40.17 is repealed and replaced with Policy 7.15 Payment for Tobacco Cessation Products for Surgical Candidates.
Contact: Suzy Campbell, 7273 Linderson Way, Tumwater, WA 98501, Mailstop 4250, 360-902-5003, Suzanne.campbell@lni.wa.gov.
Title: Policy 7.15 – Payment for Tobacco Cessation Products for Surgical Candidates.
Date Issued: January 27, 2018.
Description: This new policy applies when a request is received for payment of tobacco cessation. Changes include:
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The title is changed from Payment for Smoking Cessation Products for Spinal Fusion Candidates to Payment for Tobacco Cessation Products for Surgical Candidate;
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Temporary tobacco cessation treatment as an aid to recover can now be authorized for all surgeries;
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Workers now have the option for eight in-person behavioral counseling sessions;
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The worker has a choice of any combination of covered nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), or Varenicline (brand name Chantix), or Bupropion (brand name Zyban);
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Medications should start at least four weeks before the planned surgery and may continue for up to twelve weeks;
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The department does not cover electronic cigarettes as an aid to quit tobacco;
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Workers may choose a telephone hotline or an application on an electronic device for counseling but these will not be covered by the department; and
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Under rare circumstance repeat tobacco cessation treatment may be authorized on a case-by-case basis.
Contact: Suzy Campbell, 7273 Linderson Way, Tumwater, WA 98501, Mailstop 4250, 360-902-5003, Suzanne.campbell@lni.wa.gov.
Maggie A. Leland
Rules Coordinator