SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5663

                    As of February 20, 1995

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

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

Sponsors:  Senators Deccio, Fraser, Newhouse, Owen, A. Anderson and Palmer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/21/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background:  The state's industrial insurance statutes provide that the Department of Labor and Industries is required to issue orders allowing or denying claims for workers' compensation and determine benefits for permanent disabilities.  Self-insurers must submit a medical report to the department when requesting closure of a claim.

Summary of Bill:  Self-insurers are directed to make determinations of permanent disabilities.  They are also directed to issue orders allowing or denying claims within 60 days of the date the claim is filed.  The statutory requirement that self-insurers submit a medical report with the request for closure of a claim is eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 20, 1995.

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