WSR 97-15-139

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[Filed July 23, 1997, 10:45 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-17 WAC, workers' compensation retrospective rating and group insurance plans.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.16.035 and 51.04.020(1).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Department of Labor and Industries is authorized by law to offer optional rating plans to employers as a further incentive to encourage workplace safety and accident prevention. The plan is also periodically updated to reflect changes in premium size ranges and other factors.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: The Department of Labor and Industries will work with the Retrospective Rating Advisory Committee and affected business community on all changes proposed to the retro plan.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The Department of Labor and Industries has scheduled two formal public hearings. The first hearing is to be held at the Department of Labor and Industries central office building in Tumwater, Washington. This hearing will take place at 10 a.m. on November 3, 1997. A second hearing will take place at the Spokane Department of Labor and Industries Office on November 6, 1997, at 10 a.m. Inquiries can be directed to Kathy Willis, Program Manager, Retrospective Rating, at (360) 902-4835.

July 23, 1997

Gary Moore