SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1839

BYRepresentatives Leonard, Jones, R. King, Prentice, Sayan, Cole, Vekich, Rust and Basich

Requiring employers to maintain employee benefits for an injured worker returning to a light duty job.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1989

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

AS OF MARCH 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The industrial insurance act allows an employer to provide a light or modified job to an injured worker while the worker is recovering from his or her injury.  The light duty job must be approved by the worker's physician.  The statute does not specify the compensation that the worker must receive for light duty.

SUMMARY:

If an injured worker is returned to work at light or modified duty during the period in which the worker is unable to return to his or her regular job, the employer must continue or resume the health and welfare benefits and child care benefits to which the worker was entitled at the time of injury.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 1989.