Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-14 WAC, Industrial insurance and chapter 296-15 WAC, Workers' compensation self-insurance rules and regulations.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.04.020 and chapter 77, Laws of 2007 (SSB 5443).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The proposed rules will assist in the implementation of chapter 77, Laws of 2007 (SSB 5443). The proposed rule making will:

•	Define bona fide workplace safety and accident prevention program and first aid, and

•	Establish the penalty structure for employers when there is a finding of claim suppression.

     Consideration will be given to when and how employers may be required to notify workers of a finding of claim suppression.

In addition, the rule making may address additional issues identified in the rule development process.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other federal or state agencies regulate this subject.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will begin the rule development process and will share the draft proposal with stakeholders and other interested parties, including the workers' compensation advisory committee. Public hearings will be held throughout the state after the proposal is filed.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Department of Labor and Industries, Valerie Grimm, P.O. Box 44208, Olympia, WA 98504-4208, phone (360) 902-5005, fax (360) 902-4960, e-mail COLB235@LNI.WA.GOV.

June 5, 2007

Judy Schurke

Director

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office