WSR 23-01-112
POLICY STATEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed December 19, 2022, 3:28 p.m.]
Under RCW
34.05.230, following are statements regarding one amended policy, one new policy, and one repealed policy issued by the department of labor and industries (L&I) insurance services division.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Tracy West, rules coordinator, at Tracy.West@Lni.wa.gov, or 360-902-6954.
Title: Interim Policy 6.02 - Assigning State Fund Referrals.
Date Issued: December 15, 2022.
Description: This amended policy reflects referral model changes, including the policy's outdated exception. The policy was outdated due to 2020 rule making that changed how L&I assigns referrals for vocational services.
Contact: Laurinda Grytness, Return to Work Partnerships, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Mailstop 4326, Tumwater, WA 98501-4326, 360-902-6362, Laurinda.Grytness@Lni.wa.gov.
Title: Interim Policy 6.07 - Vocational Interns and Supervisors (State Fund Claims).
Date Issued: December 15, 2022.
Description: This new policy provides clarity for vocational firms and their staff regarding the qualifications outlined in WAC 296-19A-210. Private sector rehabilitation services (PSRS) is responsible for ensuring that vocational providers meet these qualifications. When an applicant proves unable or unwilling to submit all required documentation supporting their qualifications, PSRS denies the request. Applicants include vocational firms, vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs), vocational intern supervisors and interns, as well as forensic vocational providers.
Contact: Laurinda Grytness, Return to Work Partnerships, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Mailstop 4326, Tumwater, WA 98501-4326, 360-902-6362, Laurinda.Grytness@Lni.wa.gov.
Title: Policy 6.11 - Marketing by Vocational Rehabilitation Providers.
Date repealed: December 15, 2022.
Description: This repealed policy is obsolete. On January 1, 2020, amendments to WAC 296-19A-210 (9)(c) took effect and changed the referral model for firms wanting to receive state fund referrals. L&I now sends referrals to vocational firms according to capacity, and firms assign the referrals to the individual VRCs. This new referral methodology greatly minimizes the risk that vocational providers will attempt to influence the assignment of referrals through marketing.
Contact: Laurinda Grytness, Return to Work Partnerships, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Mailstop 4326, Tumwater, WA 98501-4326, 360-902-6362, Laurinda.Grytness@Lni.wa.gov.
Tracy West
Rules Coordinator