Provides that, in all hearings, actions, or proceedings before the board of industrial insurance appeals, or before any court on appeal from the board of industrial insurance appeals, the claimant shall be deemed to waive the physician-patient privilege under RCW 5.60.060, subject to the limitations imposed pursuant to court rules and this act.

Provides that, once an appeal has been filed with the board, the department and the employer, as well as the representatives of each, may not have ex parte contact, to discuss the facts or issues in question in the appeal, with any medical provider who has provided treatment to the claimant unless written authorization for such contact is given by the claimant or the claimant's representative. This also applies to medical providers who examined the claimant for consultative purposes at the request of either the claimant or a treating medical provider unless the examination request was initiated by the department.

Repeals RCW 51.32.114.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.