Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.32.190(6), 51.32.055 (8)(a) and (9)(a).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rules clarify the claims process according to the workers' compensation statutes for self insured employers and their injured workers.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: An advisory committee with representatives from business, labor, the defense bar and trial lawyers held several meetings to draft a new rule to address SHB 1607, chapter 416, Laws of 1997, and to develop the existing self insurance claim processing rules under Executive Order 97-02 criteria. Drafts will be shared with all stakeholders, and comments will be taken through the normal rule development and public hearing process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Joyce Walker, Program Manager, Self Insurance, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44890, Olympia, WA 98504-4890, phone (360) 902-6907, fax (360) 902-6900.

July 17, 1998

Gary Moore

Director