SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5234

As of January 29, 2001

Title:  An act relating to supplemental medical opinions.

Brief Description:  Allowing additional medical evidence in industrial insurance claims.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  2/1/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Staff:  Elizabeth Mitchell (786‑7430)

Background:  A person seeking worker=s compensation benefits may appeal a final decision by the Department of Labor and Industries.  The appeal must be filed with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals within 60 days after a final decision has been communicated to the worker.

Summary of Bill:  If a worker chooses to file an appeal, s/he may seek a supplementary medical opinion.  Department orders must inform workers that they have the right to a supplementary medical opinion.

If a worker notifies the department and the board that s/he is seeking a supplementary medical opinion within 60 days after receiving a final decision from the department, the worker has a total of 120 days to submit a notice of appeal and the results of the supplementary exam.

To receive a supplementary medical opinion, a worker must provide the department with a list of two licensed physicians. The department is to choose one of these physicians to perform the supplementary medical examination.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 23, 2001.

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