FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1170

                                  C 114 L 88

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representative Patrick)

Changing requirements for physicians retained by the medical bureau of the department of labor and industries.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Some injured workers suffer industrial injuries that are permanently disabling.  All permanent disability benefits are determined by the Department of Labor and Industries.  The department or self-insured employer may require an injured worker to present him or herself for a medical examination.  However, the worker retains the right to choose his or her attending physician.  Self-insured employers are required to submit all medical reports and other claim information to the department whenever a determination on the claim must be made.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor and Industries is directed to develop standards for the conduct of special medical examinations for determining permanent disabilities.  The standards will include the qualifications of persons conducting examinations and the criteria for the examinations and reports. Compensation paid to examiners must be investigated and compensation guidelines established.  Self-insured employers' compliance with reporting requirements will be assessed.  The department will report no less than annually to the Legislature on the special medical examination program.

The department will also study the attending physician's role in assuring an injured worker's early return to work, consistent with good medical care, and report to the Legislature by December 1, 1988.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 91   0

      Senate    47     0(Senate amended)

      House 97   1(House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:March 18, 1988