Read first time 02/22/2005.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

     AN ACT Relating to residence modifications for injured workers; adding a new section to chapter 51.36 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 51.36 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that there is a need to improve the standards under which the department provides residence modification assistance to workers who have sustained catastrophic injury.
     (2) The director shall adopt rules that take effect no later than nine months after the effective date of this section to establish standards for residence modification pursuant to RCW 51.36.020(7). These rules must address at least the following:
     (a) The rules must use, as guidelines, the standards on adaptive residential housing adopted by the federal department of veterans affairs;
     (b) For purposes of determining the needs and requirements of the worker under RCW 51.36.020(7) or determining whether a modification is medically necessary, the department must give substantial weight to the opinion of the worker's attending health services provider.
     (3) In developing rules under this section, the director shall consult with other persons with an interest in improving standards for adaptive housing.
     (4) The director shall report by January 31, 2006, to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the rules adopted under this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.