1568.E AMS CT S2772.1

EHB 1568 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Commerce & Trade

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 51.28 RCW to read as follows:

Physician assistants practicing with physician supervision as required by chapters 18.57A and 18.71A RCW may assist the worker in filing an application for benefits under this title pursuant to RCW 51.28.020 when a worker presents with a simple industrial injury. Such claims are identified by criteria specified in rule including, but not limited to, diagnosis code and whether the worker is expected to miss time from work. However, a physician assistant shall not be permitted to rate a worker's permanent partial disability under RCW 51.32.080, or determine entitlement to death benefits under RCW 51.32.050, permanent total disability benefits under RCW 51.32.060, or temporary total disability, partial restoration of earning power, and return to work benefits under RCW 51.32.090. The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. By December 1, 2005, the department of labor and industries shall report to the senate committee on commerce and trade and the house committee on commerce and labor, or successor committees, on the implementation of this act, including but not limited to the effects of this act on injured worker outcomes, claim costs, and disputed claims.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. Sections 1 and 2 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2003.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Sections 1 and 2 of this act expire June 30, 2006."

EHB 1568 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Commerce & Trade

On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "industries;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 51.28 RCW; creating a new section; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency."

EFFECT: Physician assistants may assist a worker in completing an application for medical benefits for a simple industrial injury. Criteria for a simple industrial injury will be established in rule.

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