SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2693

                    As of February 19, 1996

Title:  An act relating to determination of benefits for permanent partial disability by industrial insurance self‑insurers.

Brief Description:  Providing for industrial insurance self‑insurers to determine benefits for permanent disability.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives McMorris, Romero, Mastin, Sheahan, Chappell and Thompson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/20/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background:  The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for making all determinations of permanent disabilities in industrial insurance claims, whether the injured worker is covered by the state fund or a self-insured employer.

Self-insurers are authorized to close only those claims that do not involve permanent disabilities and meet other criteria established by statute.  The self-insurer must request that the department close other claims.

Summary of Bill:  Self-insured employers are authorized to make determinations of permanent partial disability for undisputed claims they accept after June 30, 1996, that involve only medical treatment and/or time loss payments, and involve a worker who has returned to work with the self-insured employer of record at his or her previous job or a job with comparable wages and benefits.  The worker may request a determination, or the self-insurer may initiate a determination.  The self-insurer may either enter a written order communicated to the worker and the Department of Labor and Industries or request that the department issue an order.

Upon closing one of these claims, the self-insurer must notify the department and the worker in writing that the claim is being closed with medical benefits, and/or time loss compensation, and an award for permanent partial disability as applicable.  The notice to the worker must include information about the worker's right to protest the closure.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.