The department or self-insurer may authorize payment for addiction management through a licensed chemical dependency treatment center for up to six months as an aid to recovery if the following conditions are met:

• The worker has failed steps 1 and 2 taper (see WAC 296-20-03030 for the definition of step 1 and 2 taper); and

• The worker is diagnosed with opioid use disorder and this condition is identified as a barrier to recovery; and

• The provider has documented how time-limited treatment of this condition will allow significantly improved work capacity and/or the ability to progress in vocational retraining; and

• The provider has submitted a time-limited treatment plan.

Payment for addiction treatment is limited to six months per worker.