HB 1918-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Directs the department of labor and industries to develop and implement an initiative to encourage the reporting of industrial insurance injuries by the worker to his or her employer and by the employer to the department. Under this initiative, the department must take steps to educate workers and employers about the benefits and importance of prompt reporting of injuries.

Provides that, by December 1, 2006, the department of labor and industries shall develop and make statutory recommendations for an alternative system of reporting injuries under which the worker would report to the employer and the employer would report to the department. Upon passage of such legislation, the department shall immediately begin an educational effort to promote this method of reporting.

Requires the department to conduct a study of: (1) Claims that are not reported promptly, including but not limited to a review of the circumstances of such claims, the type of injuries involved in such claims, and the reasons for the failure to report such claims promptly; and

(2) The effect of the educational initiative required under this act on whether the number of claims reported to employers increased, whether there was a reduction in delays in benefit payments, and whether there was an improvement in employer involvement in assisting with claims management and an increase in appropriate return-to-work and better outcomes for injured workers and employers; and

(3) The results of the efforts of the centers of occupational health education in early reporting and early notification of employers, and the general lessons that can be drawn from these results for the larger workers' compensation program.

Provides that, by December 1, 2006, the department must report on the results of the study to the appropriate committees of the legislature.