HB 2185.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that there is a need to clarify the process and standards under which the department provides residence modification assistance to workers who have sustained catastrophic injury.

Requires the director to adopt rules that take effect no later than nine months after the effective date of this act to establish standards for residence modification pursuant to RCW 51.36.020(7).

Requires that these rules must address at least the following: (1) The process for a catastrophically injured worker to access the residence modification benefits provided by RCW 51.36.020; and

(2) How the department may address the needs and preferences of the individual worker on a case-by-case basis taking into account information provided by the injured worker.

Requires that the rules should be based upon nationally accepted guidelines and publications addressing adaptive residential housing.

Requires the director to report by January 1, 2006, to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the rules adopted under this act.