Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-15-182.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Workers' compensation self insurance rules and regulations, chapter 296-15 WAC. This chapter governs employers who are permitted to self insure their workers' compensation obligation pursuant to Title 51 RCW. This filing includes modifications in the following areas: Certification requirements, including both financial requirements and claims administration structure requirements, vocational reporting requirements, including ninety-day employability assessment reports and vocational rehabilitation outcome reporting, reporting requirements when initiating and terminating time loss, financial information reporting requirements, submissions of protests and reopening applications to the department, and time frames for payment of penalties.

     Hearing Location(s): Department of Labor and Industries, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater, WA 98501-5414, on January 6, 2006, at 9:30 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: February 28, 2006.

     Submit Written Comments to: Margaret Conley, P.O. Box 44890, Olympia, WA 98504-4890, e-mail mcgm235@lni.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-6900, by January 6, 2006, 5 p.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Margaret Conley by December 9, 2005, TTY (800) 833-6388 or (360) 902-6906.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed revisions should improve the processes by which employers are certified to self insure, enhance understanding of that process and of the requirements and responsibilities of being self-insured, streamline and improve vocational and financial reporting requirements, improve notification to injured workers regarding the status of their compensation, and clarify timeframes for both submission of protests to the department and the payment of penalties.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: To comply with Executive Order 97-02, the self insurance section has reviewed portions of chapter 296-15 WAC using the criteria laid out in the aforementioned executive order. The proposed changes should clarify for employers, workers, and other interested parties the processes and requirements regarding self insurance in Washington state.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 51.04.020, 51.14.020, 51.32.190, 51.14.090, and 51.14.095.

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

     Name of Proponent: Department of Labor and Industries, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Jean Vanek, 724 Quince Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 902-6907.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Chapter 296-15 WAC applies only to businesses that are certified to self-insure in Washington state. Per RCW 19.85.020(1), a business must have fifty or fewer employees to qualify as a small business under the Regulatory Fairness Act. The department reviewed the number of worker hours reported by each employer currently certified to self-insure, and no self-insured business has fewer than fifty employees. Therefore, no small business economic impact statement is required.

     A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Trista Zugel, P.O. Box 44321, Olympia, WA 98504-4321, phone (360) 902-5122, fax (360) 902-4249, e-mail zugy235@lni.wa.gov.

November 22, 2005

Gary Weeks

Director

OTS-7631.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-24-121, filed 12/2/98, effective 1/2/99)

WAC 296-15-001   Definitions.   (1) "Substantially similar" ((means)):

     (((1))) (a) The text of the department's document has not been altered or deleted; and

     (((2))) (b) The self-insurer's document has the text:

     (((a))) (i) In approximately the same font size;

     (((b))) (ii) With the same emphasis (bolding, italics, underlining, etc.); and

     (((c))) (iii) In approximately the same location on the page as the department's document.

     (2) "Third-party administrator": An entity which contracts to administer workers' compensation claims for a self-insured employer.

     (3) "Claims management entity": All individuals designated by the self-insured employer to administer workers' compensation claims, including self-administered organizations and third-party administrators.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.190(6), 51.32.055 (8)(a) and (9)(a). 98-24-121, § 296-15-001, filed 12/2/98, effective 1/2/99.]

     (b) If a parent fails to provide a guarantee, the department will require the subsidiary to provide surety at one hundred twenty-five percent of its actual requirement. The subsidiary must continue to provide surety at the higher level as long as it has no parental guarantee.)) (1) What requirements must an employer meet to apply for self-insurance certification? An employer must meet all the following minimum criteria:

     (a) Be in business for three years prior to applying for self-insurance.

     (b) Have a written accident prevention program in place in Washington state for at least six months prior to making application.

     (c) Have total assets worth at least twenty-five million dollars as verified by audited financial statements prepared by independent certified accountants.

     (d) Demonstrate positive earnings in the current year and two out of the last three years. The overall earnings for the last three years must also be positive.

     (e) Have a current liquidity ratio of at least 1.3 to 1, and a debt to net worth ratio of not greater than 4 to 1.

     (2) When are applications processed? The department processes applications for certification the quarter after the application is accepted. Self-insurance certification for approved applicants will be effective the quarter following processing.

     (3) What documentation must be submitted with an application? The following documentation must be submitted with each self-insurance application:

     (a) A completed application form (Form F207-001-000) with a nonrefundable application fee. The application fee is reviewed annually by the department and is based on the administrative costs incurred in processing an application, but in no instance will it be less than two hundred fifty dollars.

     (b) Three years of audited financial statements prepared by independent certified accountants. The audited financial statements must be in the name of the applicant.

     (c) A list of all of the applicant's physical locations and addresses in Washington state, including all subsidiary operations.

     (d) A copy of the written accident prevention program for each of the applicant's operations in Washington. If the applicant or any of its subsidiaries has multiple locations, more than one copy of the accident prevention program may be required.

     (e) A completed Self-Insurance Certification Questionnaire (Form 207-176-000).

     (4) What happens during the application review process? The department:

     (a) Assesses the accident prevention program at department-selected sites.

     (b) Analyzes the financial information supplied by the applicant. The department may also consider relevant information obtained from other sources to assess the applicant's financial strength.

     (c) Reviews the completed Claims Administration Questionnaire and attachments. Additional information may be requested.

     The department determines whether the application is denied or tentatively approved. The department notifies each applicant of its decision. If the department denies an application, it will state the reasons for the denial in its notification.

     (5) If the application is denied, when may the applicant submit a new application? If an application is denied for deficiencies in its accident prevention program, the applicant may submit a new application for certification after the corrections to the program are made and have been in place for six months.

     If the application is denied for financial reasons, the applicant may submit a new application for certification after the next annual audited financial statement is available.

     If the application is denied because the claims administration organization is deficient, the applicant may submit a new application for certification after corrections to the program are made.

     (6) What if the application is tentatively approved? The applicant must submit the following:

     (a) Surety in the amount determined by the department and issued on the department form.

     (b) A signed copy of the service agreement with a third-party administrator, if applicable.

     (i) The contract copy may delete clauses(s) relating to payment of services.

     (ii) However, if payment for services is based on the number of claims filed by the self-insurer's workers, this must be explained in detail. The department may require an unaltered copy of the agreement for clarification.

     (c) A copy of any excess insurance (reinsurance) policy including Washington state endorsements, if obtained.

     (d) A signed copy of the Acknowledgement of Self-Insurance Responsibilities form.

     (e) Payment of any outstanding premium of the applicant's state industrial insurance account.

     (f) Payment of the applicant's estimated portion of the deficit, if a deficit condition in the state industrial insurance fund exists at the time of application.

     If the required items are not received prior to the end of the quarter, the application may be denied. If the application is denied, the applicant must reapply in order to be considered for self-insurance.

     (7) How is the initial surety requirement established? The initial surety requirement is established at the highest of the following:

     (a) The annual premiums the applicant pays (or would pay) into the state industrial insurance fund; or

     (b) The annual average of the last five years of developed incurred costs to the state industrial insurance fund; or

     (c) The minimum surety requirement as established annually by the department. The minimum surety requirement is equal to the average total cost of one permanent total disability award.

     The applicant has the option of submitting an independent actuarial analysis of its projected liability. The department reserves the right to accept or reject this analysis. In no event will the surety requirement be established at less than the minimum surety in force at that time.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.14.077, 51.14.120(7), 51.14.150(4), 51.14.160, 51.44.040(3), 51.44.070 and 51.44.150. 99-23-107, § 296-15-021, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/27/99.]

     In addition to the standard certification requirements found in WAC 296-15-021, an application from a joint venture must include:

     (a) The name of a sponsoring party. The sponsoring party must be a certified self-insurer in good standing with the department and have a majority financial interest in the assets and profits of the joint venture.

     (b) A list of named participants. Each named participant must also:

     (i) Demonstrate that it has at least twenty percent interest in the joint venture.

     (ii) Submit three years' worth of audited financial statements prepared by certified independent accountants.

     (c) A written acknowledgement from each named participant of its joint and several liability for continuing compensation if any participant of the joint venture defaults. This responsibility continues until the department grants a written release to the joint venture or the remaining participant(s) of the joint venture. A written release from the department is granted only after the contract has been completed and a final settlement of the joint venture account has been made.

     (d) A written description of the obligations of each participant for the industrial insurance program of the joint venture.

     (e) A written acknowledgement of the sponsoring party's responsibilities for the management of all claims and payment of all compensation incurred during the period of the joint venture's self-insurance certification and after the joint venture is dissolved. This acknowledgement must include the sponsor's continuation of benefits if the joint venture or any of the other parties of the joint venture defaults.

     (2) What if the employer is an employee stock ownership program (ESOP)? An employee stock ownership program is defined as a firm in which the employees have purchased a majority of the financial interest.

     If the employees purchase an existing self-insured company, that company would be required to return to the state industrial insurance fund for a minimum of one year before the department would consider its application for self-insurance.

     (3) What additional requirements exist if the employer is a group? A group is defined as a group of employers authorized under chapter 51.14 RCW to form self-insurance groups.

     (a) In addition to the standard certification requirements found in WAC 296-15-021, an application from a group must include:

     (i) A copy of the group's bylaws.

     (ii) Individual applications for each of its members along with the current audited financial information of each member.

     (iii) A current audited consolidated financial statement of the group (if the group exists at the time of the application).

     (iv) A listing of the estimated standard premium to be developed for each member individually and the estimated standard premium of the group as a whole.

     (v) An indemnity agreement jointly and severally binding the group and each member to comply with the provisions of Title 51 RCW.

     (vi) A detailed budget of all projected administrative revenues and expenses for the first year of operation.

     (b) When the application for a group is tentatively approved, the applicant must submit the following:

     (i) Surety, established at one hundred twenty-five percent of the standard industrial insurance premiums.

     (ii) A copy of the aggregate excess insurance coverage policy.

     (iii) Documentation of a contingency reserve that is the greater of:

     (A) Fifteen percent of the estimated claims liability; or

     (B) Twenty-five percent of the standard industrial insurance premium.

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     (a) If an individual self-insured firm has a parent (owner of fifty percent and/or having controlling financial interest), the parent must provide the department with its written guarantee, L&I form F207-040-000, to assume responsibility for all workers' compensation liabilities of the subsidiary if the subsidiary defaults on its liabilities.

     (b) If a parent fails to provide a guarantee, the department will require the subsidiary to provide surety at one hundred twenty-five percent of its actual requirement. The subsidiary must continue to provide surety at the higher level as long as it has no parental guarantee.

     (c) Certification of an individual self-insurer will include all of its subsidiaries (fifty percent owned and/or financial interest controlled by) or divisions doing business in Washington, as well as new acquisitions after certification becomes final. One certificate will be issued to an approved self-insurer. The subsidiaries or divisions will be considered one self-insurer for all industrial insurance purposes.

     (2) What if a certified self-insurer is acquired by another entity?

     (a) If it is an asset only acquisition, the certified self-insurer must surrender its certification and would retain the self-insurance liabilities and must continue to provide benefits. The new owner would be required to obtain industrial insurance coverage through the state fund. If the new owner wishes to become self-insured, it must meet the department's minimum requirements and submit an application according to the normal certification process.

     (b) If the acquisition is a stock acquisition, the new owner must either provide a parental guarantee in accordance with WAC 296-15-024(4), or if it wishes to have the self-insurance certification transferred to the new parent organization, it must:

     (i) Provide proof of financial capabilities by furnishing three years of audited financial statements; and

     (ii) Furnish evidence of an acceptable claim administration program to oversee a self-insurance program; and

     (iii) Demonstrate the existence of an acceptable accident prevention program covering all of its operations in Washington.

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     Such expenses shall be calculated at the usual and normal per diem and travel expense rates established by law and in effect at the time the expenses are incurred.)) (1) When is a self-insurer charged for audit expenses? The self-insurer must reimburse the department for all travel, per diem and documented expenses as related to the audit when the department representative travels outside the state of Washington.

     (2) How much will the self-insurer be charged? The self-insured employer is billed the actual costs that the department incurred.

[Order 74-38, § 296-15-140, filed 11/18/74, effective 1/1/75.]

     (2) If a defaulting self-insurer has multiple types of surety, who determines the order in which surety will be used? The department has the sole authority to determine the order in which surety types will be used.

     (3) What happens if the defaulting self-insurer's surety is exhausted? When surety is exhausted, the insolvency trust (all self-insurers except school districts, cities and counties) will be assessed quarterly to cover the claim costs paid on behalf of the defaulted self-insurer.

     (4) Who is on the insolvency trust board? The insolvency trust board consists of the director or designee, three representatives of self-insured employers and one representative of workers. Representatives are nominated by the self-insured and labor communities and are appointed by the director for overlapping two year terms.

     (5) What does the insolvency trust board do? The board advises the department on insolvency trust matters. The department makes all final decisions.

     (6) What annual report is provided on the insolvency trust fund? The department provides an annual written status report on the insolvency trust fund as of the end of the previous calendar year to the workers' compensation advisory committee. The report is presented at the committee's first quarterly meeting no later than March 31.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.14.077, 51.14.120(7), 51.14.150(4), 51.14.160, 51.44.040(3), 51.44.070 and 51.44.150. 99-23-107, § 296-15-181, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/27/99.]

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     (1) Establish procedures to assist injured workers in reporting and filing claims.

     (2) Immediately provide a Self-Insurer Accident Report (SIF-2) form F207-002-000 to every worker who makes a request, or upon the self-insurer's first knowledge of the existence of an industrial injury or occupational disease, whichever occurs first. Only department provided SIF-2 forms may be used. Copies or reproductions are not acceptable.

     (3) Establish procedures for ensuring the timely delivery of completed SIF-2s to the claims management entity.

     (4) Designate individuals as resources to address employee questions. These resources must:

     (a) Have sufficient knowledge to answer routine questions; and

     (b) Have responsibility for seeking answers to more complex problems; and

     (c) Have detailed knowledge of the self-insurer's claim filing process; and

     (d) Be reasonably accessible to employees at every work location.

     (5) Maintain a claims log of all workers' compensation claims filed.

     (a) For each claim, the log must consist of only the following information:

     (i) The complete first and last name of the injured worker (no initials or abbreviations).

     (ii) The date of injury, or for an occupational disease, the date of manifestation.

     (iii) The claim number found on the department's Self-Insurer Accident Report (SIF-2, form F207-002-000).

     (iv) The date the claim is closed.

     (v) Whether the claim is a time loss claim or medical only.

     (b) The self-insurer must designate the location of the official claims log.

     (i) The self-insurer may maintain the log on its premises; or

     (ii) The self-insurer may elect to have its third-party administrator maintain the claims log on its behalf. If this option is selected, there must be a written agreement between the self-insurer and the third-party administrator acknowledging that the official claims log is maintained by the third-party administrator.

     The self-insurer must notify the department in writing of the location of their official claims log. If the option in (b)(ii) of this subsection is selected, a copy of the written agreement between the self-insurer and the third-party administrator must be provided to the department.

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     (1) Authorize treatment and pay bills in accordance with Title 51 RCW and the medical aid rules and fee schedules of the state of Washington.

     (2) Provide a written explanation of benefits (EOB) to the provider, with a copy to the worker if requested, for each bill adjustment. A written explanation is not required if the adjustment was made solely to conform to the maximum allowable fees as set by the department.

     (3) Establish procedures to ensure prompt responses to inquiries regarding authorization decisions and bill adjustments.

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     (1) Pay time loss compensation in accordance with Title 51 RCW and the rules and regulations of the department.

     (2) Select one method for payment of ongoing time loss compensation, either semimonthly or biweekly, and report the selected method to the department.

     (3) Provide the department with a detailed written description of any practice of paying workers' regular wages in lieu of time loss compensation, or of paying workers any benefits including sick leave, health and welfare insurance benefits, or any other compensation in conjunction with time loss compensation.

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     (1) Establish procedures for securing the confidentiality of claim information.

     (2) Have sufficient numbers of department-approved claims administrators to ensure uninterrupted administration of claims.

     (a) There must be at least one department-approved claims administrator involved in the daily management of the employer's claims.

     (b) If claims are administered in more than one location, there must at all times be at least one department-approved claims administrator in each location where claims are managed.

     (3) Designate one department-approved claims administrator as the department's primary contact person for claim issues.

     (4) Designate one address for the mailing of all claims-related correspondence. The self-insurer is responsible for forwarding documents to the appropriate location if an employer's claims are managed by more than one organization.

     (5) Establish procedures to answer questions and address concerns raised by workers, providers, or the department.

     (6) Ensure claims management personnel are informed of new developments in workers' compensation due to changes in statute, case law, rule, or department policy.

     (7) Include the department's claim number in all claim-related communications with workers, providers, and the department.

     (8) Legibly date stamp incoming correspondence, identifying both the date received and the location or entity that received it.

     (9) Ensure a means of communicating with all injured workers.

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     (1) An individual must pass the department's "self-insurance claims administrator" test to be accepted as a department-approved claims administrator. In order to be admitted to take this test, an individual must meet the following requirements:

     (a) Submit a completed application form to the department (Form F207-177-000). The application must be received by the department no less than forty-five days prior to the scheduled examination date.

     (b) Have a minimum of three years of experience in the administration of time loss claims under Title 51 RCW. The experience must have occurred within the five years immediately prior to the filing of the application.

     The department will review the application and determine if the applicant meets the minimum requirements to take the examination. Notification will be mailed to the applicant no less than fourteen days prior to the scheduled examination date.

     If an applicant fails the examination, he or she must submit another completed application requesting to take the examination again. An applicant must wait six months after a failed result before retaking the examination.

     (2) The designation of department-approved claims administrator is valid for five years or until an individual retakes the examination, whichever occurs first. The most recent examination results will always reflect an individual's status as a claims administrator. To maintain approved status, an individual must:

     (a) Make application as outlined in subsection (1) of this section; and

     (b) Pass the "self-insurance claims administrator" examination again.

     The department-approved claims administrator is responsible for notifying the department of any changes in his or her mailing address, work location, or employment status.

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     ((When beginning time loss payments, a self-insurer must:))

When	Send to the worker	Send to the department	The department will
((At the same time as)) On the date of the first TL payment.	A complete and accurate SIF-51 and SIF-5A2.
Within 5 working days of first TL payment.		Copies of the SIF-2, SIF-5, and SIF-5A.	Allow the claim UNLESS a request for interlocutory order (see subsection (2)) or denial (see subsection (3)) has been received.
If kept on salary3, within 5 working days of the date the first TL payment would have been due.	A complete and accurate SIF-5 and SIF-5A.	Copies of the SIF-2, SIF-5, and SIF-5A.	Allow the claim UNLESS a request for interlocutory order (see subsection (2) of this section) or denial (see subsection (3) of this section) has been received.

1	The SIF-5 is the Self-Insurer's Report on Occupational Injury or Disease. Use a form substantially similar to L&I form F207-005-000.
2	The SIF-5A is the Time Loss Calculation Rate Notice. Use a form substantially similar to L&I form F207-156-000.
3	If the worker is kept on salary, report the amount of time loss the worker would have been entitled to on the SIF-5.

     (2) How must a self-insurer request an interlocutory¹ order?

     When requesting an interlocutory order from the department, a self-insurer must:

When	Send to the worker	Send to the department	The department will	And the self-insurer pays
Within 602 days of claim filing.	A complete and accurate SIF-5 and SIF-5A if TL was paid or if worker was kept on salary.	Copies of the SIF-2, SIF-5 (with the interlocutory order box checked), SIF-5A, AND all ((medical and other pertinent information)) records excluding bills AND a reasonable explanation why an ((investigation)) interlocutory order is needed.	If it agrees, issue an interlocutory order.	Provisional TL if the worker is eligible AND other benefits as entitled. Ongoing medical treatment and vocational services are NOT PAYABLE unless the claim is allowed.
			If it disagrees, issue an allowance order if the facts show the claim should be allowed.	TL if the worker is eligible, and other entitled benefits.

1	An interlocutory order places a claim in provisional status while the self-insurer investigates the validity of the claim.
2	When not specified, time is in calendar days.

     (3) How must a self-insurer request claim denial from the department?

     When requesting claim denial from the department, a self-insurer must:

When	Send to the worker	Send to the department	The department will	And the self-insurer pays
Within 60 days of claim filing.	SIF-4.((*))1 Copy to the attending or treating doctor.	SIF-4 AND all ((medical and other pertinent information supporting denial)) records excluding bills.	If it agrees, issue a denial order. The denial order will restate the self-insurer's right to request reimbursement of provisional TL from the worker.	For all medical evaluations and diagnostic studies used to make the determination.
			If it finds insufficient information to make a decision, issue an interlocutory order AND direct the employer to obtain the necessary information.	Provisional TL if the worker is eligible and other benefits as entitled. Ongoing medical treatment and vocational services are NOT PAYABLE unless the claim is allowed.
			If it disagrees, issue an allowance order if the facts show the claim should be allowed.	TL if the worker is eligible AND other entitled benefits.

((*)) 1

The SIF-4 is the Self-Insured Employer's Notice of Denial of Claim. Use a form substantially similar to L&I form F207-163-000.

     (4) What if a self-insurer does not request allowance, denial, or an interlocutory order for a claim within sixty days?

     If a self-insurer does not request allowance, denial, or an interlocutory order within sixty days, the department will intervene and adjudicate the claim. The department may obtain additional medical information to make the determination. The claim remains in provisional status until the department makes the determination.

     The exception to this requirement is the allowance of medical only claims. Self-insurers are not required to request allowance for medical only claims.

     (5) Must a self-insurer submit an SIF-5 each time the department requests one?

     Yes. A self-insurer must submit a complete and accurate SIF-5 within ten working days of receipt of a written request from the department.

     (6) What must a self-insurer do when the department requests information on a claim by certified mail?

     A self-insurer must submit all requested information ((in its possession)) concerning the claim within ten working days of receipt of the department's request by certified mail.

     (7) How long does a self-insurer have to provide a copy of the claim file to the worker or worker's representative?

     A self-insurer must provide a copy of the claim file within fifteen days of receiving a written request from the worker or worker's representative. Unless the worker or representative requests a particular portion of the file, the self-insurer must provide a copy of the entire file.

     (8) When may a self-insurer charge a worker or his/her representative for a copy of the claim file?

     A self-insurer must provide the first copy of a claim file free of charge. Upon receipt of a subsequent written request, the self-insurer must provide any material not previously supplied free of charge. The self-insurer may charge the worker or any representative a reasonable fee for any material previously supplied.

     (9) What must a self-insurer do when it terminates time loss ((because it has found the worker ineligible for vocational services))?

     ((Within five working days)) No later than the date of time loss termination, a self-insurer must notify ((the department it has found)) the worker ((ineligible for vocational services. Use an Employability Assessment Report (EAR) substantially similar to L&I form F207-121-000)) in writing of the reasons for time loss termination. If termination is based on a release to work not received directly from the worker, attach a copy of the release to the notice.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.190(6), 51.32.055 (8)(a) and (9)(a). 98-24-121, § 296-15-420, filed 12/2/98, effective 1/2/99.]

     (a) Within five working days of the date time loss benefits are terminated because the worker is not eligible for vocational services.

Note:

An EAR is not required if the worker is not eligible for vocational services because they returned or were released to work at the job at time of injury.

     (b) Within five working days of when the self-insurer finds the worker eligible for vocational services.

     The self-insurer must use an Employability Assessment Report (EAR) substantially similar to L&I form F207-121-000.

     (2) When must a self-insurer submit a vocational rehabilitation plan to the department? A self-insurer must submit a vocational plan to the department with a copy to the worker within ten calendar days after being signed by the worker, vocational rehabilitation provider, and the employer.

     (3) What must the vocational rehabilitation plan include?

     (a) An assessment of the worker's skills and abilities considering the worker's physical capacities and mental status, aptitudes and transferable skills gained through prior work experience, education, training and avocation;

     (b) The services necessary to enable the worker to become employable in the labor market;

     (c) Labor market survey supportive of the worker's employability upon plan completion;

     (d) Documentation of the time and costs required for completion of the plan;

     (e) A direct comparison of the worker's skills, both existing and those to be acquired through the plan, with potential types of employment to demonstrate a likelihood of plan success;

     (f) A medically approved job analysis for the proposed retraining job goal;

     (g) Any other information that may significantly affect the plan; and

     (h) An agreement signed by the provider and worker that:

     (i) Acknowledges that the provider and the worker have reviewed, understand and agree to the vocational rehabilitation plan; and

     (ii) Sets forth the provider's and worker's responsibilities for the successful implementation and completion of the vocational rehabilitation plan.

     The provider must use forms approved by, or substantially similar to forms used by, the department in order to document the agreement.

     (4) What is required for a formal review of the vocational rehabilitation plan? The employer or the worker may request the department review the vocational rehabilitation plan. The reasons for the review must be stated in writing, and the request must be made prior to completion or termination of the plan.

     (5) What must the self-insurer do when the vocational rehabilitation plan is successfully completed? The self-insurer must submit a closing report to the department within five working days of terminating time loss benefits. The closing report shall contain at least the following:

     (a) Documentation of the worker's successful completion of the vocational plan; and

     (b) Documentation of whether or not the worker has returned to work at the time of the report.

     (6) What must the self-insurer do if the vocational rehabilitation plan is not successfully completed? The self-insurer must either:

     (a) Continue time loss benefits and submit a new or modified vocational rehabilitation plan to the department within ten calendar days after being signed by the worker, vocational rehabilitation provider, and the employer; or

     (b) Within five working days of the date time loss benefits are terminated because the worker is not eligible for vocational services, submit an Eligibility Assessment Report (EAR) to the department with supporting documentation assessing the worker's employability status.

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     The department has the authority to close all self-insured claims. Self-insurers have the authority to close certain claims.

     Within two years of claim closure, the department may require a self-insurer to pay additional benefits on a claim the self-insurer closed if the self-insurer:

     (a) Made an error in benefits paid; or

     (b) Violated the conditions of claim closure.

     (2) What claims may a self-insurer close?

A self-insurer may close	If the	With time loss?	Other requirements?	With PPD?	((If a previous determinative order was issued?
Medical only (MO) claims	Claim was filed on or after ((07/26/81)) 07/01/90 and before 08/01/97	Without	None.	Without1	May not be closed by the employer.
Time loss (TL) claims	((Injury/illness occurred)) Claim was filed on or after 07/01/86 and before 08/01/97	With	1. Not if the department issued an order resolving a dispute; AND 2. Only if the worker returned to work with the employer of record at the same job or at a job with comparable wages and benefits.2	Without1	May be closed by the employer if the order did not resolve a dispute
All claims: Medical only (MO) claims Time loss (TL) claims Permanent partial disability (PPD) claims	((Injury/illness occurred)) Claim was filed on or after 08/01/97	With or without	1. Not if the department issued an order resolving a dispute; AND 2. Only if the worker returned to work with the employer of record at the same job or at a job with comparable wages and benefits;2 AND 3. Only if the closing medical report was sent to the attending or treating doctor and 143 days allowed for response.	With or without	May be closed by the employer if the order did not resolve a dispute.))

1	A self-insurer may not close a claim with PPD if the injury or illness occurred before 08/01/97.
2	Comparable means the wages and benefits are at least ninety-five percent of the wages and benefits received by the worker at the time of injury.
3	When not specified, time is in calendar days.

     (3) When a self-insurer is closing a PPD claim, what must it do with the closing medical report?

     When a self-insurer is closing a PPD claim, it must send the closing medical report to the attending or treating doctor, and the doctor must be allowed fourteen days to respond. When the attending or treating doctor responds:

Within 14 days	And the doctor AGREES with	And the doctor DISAGREES with	Then the self-insurer
Within	Fixed and stable and PPD rating		MAY	Close the claim.
Does not respond			MAY	Close the claim
Within or before the order is issued		Fixed and stable	MUST	1. Obtain a supplemental medical opinion from (an) examiner(s) listed on the department's approved examiner's list; OR 2. Forward the claim to department for closure. The department may require additional medical examinations.
Within or before the order is issued	Fixed and stable	PPD rating	MUST	1. Obtain a supplemental medical opinion from (an) examiner(s) listed on the department's approved examiner's list; OR 2. Forward the claim to department for closure. The department may require additional medical examinations.
Not within, after the order is issued, but before the order is final		Fixed and stable and/or PPD rating	MUST	Forward the claim including the doctor's response to the department as a protest within five working days of receipt.

     (4) What must a self-insurer do with a closing medical report, regardless of who is closing the claim?

     A self-insurer must send the closing medical report to the attending or treating doctor. If the doctor responds that he/she does not concur with the results, the self-insurer must:

     (a) Obtain a supplemental medical opinion from (an) examiner(s) listed on the department's approved examiner's list in order to do the closing action itself; OR

     (b) Forward the claim to department for closure. The department may require additional medical examinations.

     (5) When a self-insurer is closing a claim, what written notice must it provide to the worker and attending or treating doctor?

     At claim closure, a self-insurer must send the closing order to the worker and attending or treating doctor.

     (a) For a MO claim, use a Self-Insurer's Claim Closure Order and Notice substantially similar to F207-020-111.

     (b) For a TL claim, use a Self-Insured Employers' Time Loss Claim Closure Order and Notice substantially similar to F207-070-000. Include a complete and accurate SIF-5 substantially similar to L&I form F207-005-000 with the worker's copy.

     (c) For a PPD claim:

     (i) When no TL or loss of earning power (LOEP) was paid, use a form substantially similar to L&I form F207-165-000 (MO with PPD). Include a complete and accurate SIF-5 with the worker's copy.

     (ii) When TL or LOEP was paid, use a form substantially similar to L&I form F207-164-000 (TL with PPD). Include a complete and accurate SIF-5 with the worker's copy.

     (6) When a self-insurer is closing a claim, what information must it submit to the department?

     A self-insurer must submit to the department:

     (a) MO claim closures by the end of the month following closure. These may be transferred electronically or reported by paper.

     (i) Closures transferred electronically must be in the department's format.

     (ii) Closures submitted in paper must include the SIF-2 L&I form F207-002-000 showing the date of closure and any vocational services provided.

     (b) TL and PPD claim closures at the time of closure. Include copies of each of the following:

     (i) SIF-2 if not previously submitted.

     (ii) Closure order.

Note:

If no one protests the self-insurer's closure order, it will become final and binding in sixty days, just like a department order.

     (iii) A PPD Payment Schedule, if necessary, substantially similar to L&I form F207-162-000.

     (A) A payment schedule is required when the amount of the award is more than three times the state's average monthly wage at the date of injury. At initial/down payment, send copies to the worker and the department.

     (B) The first payment of the PPD award must be paid within five working days of claim closure. Continuing payments must be paid according to the established payment schedule.

     (iv) A complete and accurate SIF-5 (((with the Rehabilitation Outcome Report (ROR) portion completed if vocational services were provided))) showing all requirements for closure have been met, any TL or LOEP paid, period of payment, and total amount paid.

     (7) When the department is closing a claim, what must the self-insurer submit when requesting claim closure?

     When a self-insurer is asking the department to close the claim, it must submit:

     (a) A complete and accurate SIF-5 (((with the ROR portion completed if vocational services were provided))); and

     (b) All ((medical and other pertinent information ()) records not previously submitted to the department(())) excluding bills.

     (8) When the department has closed a PPD claim, when must the self-insurer create a payment schedule?

     When the department has closed a PPD claim, the self-insurer must create a PPD Payment Schedule substantially similar to L&I form F207-162-000 when the amount of the award is more than three times the state's average monthly wage at the date of injury. At initial/down payment, send copies to the worker and the department.

     (9) When the department has closed a PPD claim, when must the self-insurer make the first payment of the award?

     When the department has closed a PPD claim, the self-insurer must make the first payment of the award without delay. Continuing payments must be paid according to the established payment schedule.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.190(6), 51.32.055 (8)(a) and (9)(a). 98-24-121, § 296-15-450, filed 12/2/98, effective 1/2/99.]

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     A self-insurer must submit a written protest ((or appeal)) by a worker to the department within five working days of receipt. The date the protest ((or appeal)) is received by the self-insurer is considered the date the protest ((or appeal)) is received by the department.

     (((2) When must a self-insurer forward an application to reopen a claim to the department?

     A self-insurer must forward an application to reopen a claim to the department within five working days of receipt.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.190(6), 51.32.055 (8)(a) and (9)(a). 98-24-121, § 296-15-480, filed 12/2/98, effective 1/2/99.]

     (2) How may department orders be defended in self-insured appeals?

     The department may ask the office of the attorney general to represent the department at the board of industrial insurance appeals.

     (((2))) (3) What must a self-insurer send to the department when any party appeals a claim to superior or appellate court?

     When any party appeals a claim to superior or appellate court, the self-insurer must promptly send to the department copies of the notice of appeal, judgment, and all other relevant information.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.190(6), 51.32.055 (8)(a) and (9)(a). 98-24-121, § 296-15-490, filed 12/2/98, effective 1/2/99.]

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:

WAC 296-15-031	Employee stock ownership plan self insurance application.
WAC 296-15-041	Joint venture self insurance application.
WAC 296-15-051	Public entity self insurance application.
WAC 296-15-061	Employer group self insurance application.
WAC 296-15-120	Log of occupational injuries and illnesses.
WAC 296-15-500	What vocational rehabilitation reports are required for self-insured employers?
WAC 296-15-510	What is the process used for vocational rehabilitation with regard to self-insured employers?