Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
HB 2336
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Implementing joint legislative audit and review committee recommendations to improve claims management and efficiencies in workers' compensation.
Sponsors: Representatives Manweller, Haler, Condotta, Chandler and Van Werven.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/21/16
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Under the state's industrial insurance laws, employers must insure through the State Fund administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) or may self-insure if qualified. The Department exercises oversight over self-insured employers.
For some claims, such as those involving only medical treatment and in which the injured worker has returned to work with the employer of injury, a self-insured employer may close the claim. For other claims, a self-insured employer submits a medical report and asks the Department to close the claim.
Summary of Bill:
The Department must adjudicate a self-insured employer's request to close a claim within 90 days of the request and receipt of the medical report.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.