BILL REQ. #:  S-0404.2 

Read first time 01/20/11.   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to notice to injured workers by self-insured employers; adding new sections to chapter 51.14 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 51.14 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) When paying temporary disability benefits as provided in RCW 51.32.090, the self-insurer shall provide notice to the injured worker of the specific purpose of the payment and the time period for which the payment covers.
     (2) When issuing the initial payment of temporary disability benefits, the self-insurer must notify the injured worker or beneficiary of the specific purpose of the payment and the time period each payment will cover.
     (3) The insurer must provide an explanation to the injured worker or beneficiary when the benefit amount or time period covered changes.
     (4) Failure of a self-insurer to comply with this section subjects the self-insurer to a penalty under RCW 51.48.080. The director shall issue an order determining whether a violation has occurred within thirty days of a request by an injured worker.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 51.14 RCW to read as follows:
     Failure of a self-insurer to comply with RCW 51.36.085 subjects the self-insurer to a penalty under RCW 51.48.080. The director shall issue an order determining whether a violation has occurred within thirty days of a request by an injured worker.