SB 6428 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Provides that, when a provider files with the board an appeal from an order terminating the provider's authority to provide services related to the treatment of industrially injured workers, the department may petition the board for an order immediately suspending the provider's eligibility to participate as a provider of services to industrially injured workers under Title 51 RCW pending the final disposition of the appeal by the board.

Provides that the board shall grant the petition if it determines that there is good cause to believe that workers covered under this title may suffer serious physical or mental harm if the petition is not granted. The board shall expedite the hearing of the department's petition under this act.

Provides that, if the department finds that a health services provider has improperly billed, overutilized, or failed to comply with rules adopted under Title 51 RCW, including but not limited to practice parameters and protocols established under this title, it must notify the provider of its findings and may determine that the health services provider may not receive payment from the department or self-insured employer, as the case may be, or may impose penalties as provided in RCW 51.48.080.

Requires the department to monitor the quality and objectivity of written responses submitted to the department or self-insurers by attending or treating providers in response to reports of medical examinations that were ordered by the department or self-insurer under this act. At least annually, the department will report to the workers' compensation advisory committee on the quality and objectivity of these written responses.