Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

Title of Rule: WAC 251-19-154 Return to work initiative.

Purpose: This pertains to the return to work initiative project resolution.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 41.06 RCW.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 41.06.150.

Summary: This proposal is in conjunction with the resolution of the pilot program to the return to work initiative project. This rule will allow the director of the Department of Personnel or designee to waive appropriate rules to permit higher education classified employees with an on-the-job injury to access the RIF transition pool.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Sharon Peck, 521 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA, (360) 753-0468; Implementation and Enforcement: Department of Personnel.

Name of Proponent: Department of Personnel, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: This rule will allow the director of the Department of Personnel or designee to waive appropriate rules to permit higher education classified employees with an on the job injury to access the RIF transition pool (RTP).

The board adopted a resolution that will allow for a pilot program to the return to work initiative project. The goal of the program is to increase placement opportunities for state employees injured on-the-job, thereby reducing worker's compensation costs. The RTP is currently for general government employees. The rule will allow the director or designee to waive appropriate rules to permit institutions of higher education classified employees to access the RTP.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Not required.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. Pursuant to RCW 34.05.328(6), section 201 does not apply.

Hearing Location: Department of Personnel, 521 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA, on June 11, 1998, at 10:00.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Department of Personnel by June 4, 1998, TDD (360) 753-4107, or (360) 586-0509.

Submit Written Comments to: Sharon Peck, Department of Personnel, P.O. Box 47500, FAX (360) 586-4694, by June 9, 1998.

Date of Intended Adoption: June 11, 1998.

April 16, 1998

Dennis Karras

Secretary

WAC 251-19-154  Return to work initiative. The director of personnel or designee may waive the appropriate rules to implement the return to work initiative project resolution adopted by the board on April 9, 1998.

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