Washington Administrative Code
Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of
Chapter 296-15 - Workers' compensation self-insurance rules and regulations
Section 296-15-425 - Communicating to injured workers during the course of the claim
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) How does a self-insurer communicate claims administration actions to workers?
The self-insurer must communicate in writing using a department-developed template to inform workers of actions involving delivery of benefits.
(2) What is the purpose of the department-developed template?
To provide timely and accurate delivery of benefits and prompt resolution of disputes during the course of a claim (between the allowance and closure of a claim); to promote efficient claims processing that is protective of workers and effective for employers by improving communications to workers, clarifying requirements and providing certainty of claims administration for self-insurers, and streamlining regulatory oversight by the department.
(3) When must a department-developed template be completed and sent to the worker?
Within five days of a claims administrator taking action on a claim involving:
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When starting time-loss compensation the self-insurer must send a copy of the department-developed template and SIF-2 to the department. |
(4) What is a department-developed template?
A department-developed template is used by the self-insurer to inform a worker of administrative actions on the claim involving delivery of benefits. The template:
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When communicating the worker's monthly wage, the department-developed template will serve as a cover letter to the SIF-5A, the time-loss calculation rate notice under WAC 296-15-420. |