Dave Kaplan

WSIA Executive Director

I remember the old days, when the "interim" outside of the Legislature meant something.  Nowadays, nothing stops or takes a breather or treads water.  The wheels of the Legislature, the Department of Labor & Industries, and the appellate court system keep on churning.

So too with the Association.  Here's a smattering of what we've been up to so far this summer.

Alternative Risk Financing

Marsh McLennan gave the WSIA Board of Directors an update on their alternative risk financing proposal in September 2007.  As a result of that presentation, we've requested data from 161 self-insured employers that did not have a public credit rating, in an effort to do an overall analysis to see if such a proposal would "pencil out" here in Washington.  Thus far we've had contact from 18 employers, 6 of which have already submitted their data.  If there is enough data, it will eventually be given to MMCSC with the source of the data removed.  The solicitation went to your Chief Financial Officer for consideration.  Please check with them to see if they are considering submitting data.  We'll be sending out reminders and setting a deadline for submittal soon.

Amicus Brief

On the recommendation of the Amicus Subcommittee, the WSIA Board of Directors authorized the filing of a short amicus brief in the case of Magee v. RiteAid.  The underlying issue in the case deals with the statute of limitations on the filing of injury claims.  With a favorable ruling out of the Court of Appeals, we've asked the Supreme Court to deny review of the case.  Two other cases are also being considered for the filing of amici briefs.  We'll share more information on those cases after the WSIA Board votes.

Rebuttal to the Department's Pay During Appeal FAQ

As you are all aware, the Department of Labor & Industries submitted a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in advance of the June 12, 2008 implementation date of the Pay During Appeal legislation.  Unfortunately, the FAQ raised more questions than it answered.  WSIA submitted an email to the Department outlining our concerns.  We are currently awaiting their answers.  You can find the content of the email, and the concerns expressed, HERE.

First Legislative Committee Meeting Held

The first Legislative Committee meeting was held on July 30th.  The Committee covered: a political update from WSIA Lobbying Coordinator Kathleen Collins and AWB Lobbyist Kris Tefft; Department issues regarding the nearly completed Pension Study, the Department's Strategic Planning goals, and efforts to address employer community concerns regarding the use of State Fund funds for non-workers' comp purposes, and the self-insured community's concern over documentation requirements and methodology for computing wages and obtaining wage orders; and of course those issues of greatest concern to our community - wage simplification/calculations, final settlement agreements, self-insured authority, self-insured assessments & pensions, employer choice/medical provider networks, heath care reform and the potential impact on workers' comp, and occupational disease.  The Employer Coalition held its meeting on August 6th, and echoed many of the same issues brought up at the WSIA Legislative Committee meeting.  You'll be hearing a LOT more on our legislative issues in the months ahead.

First Program Committee Meeting Held

The Program Committee's planning meeting was held July 18th, and the general topical areas for the year have been laid out.  The Fall Conference (2008) will focus on the proper utilization of outside providers.  The Winter East Conference will focus on injury prevention, looking at: hearing loss prevention; pre/post-offer screening; and ergonomics.  The Winter West Conference will focus on spinal injuries and treatment A to Z.  The Spring Conference will also focus on injury prevention, but in a different manner than Winter East.  The Annual Conference will focus on Return to Work.  And Fall Conference (2009) will focus on complex exposures and diseases.   With the exception of the Winter East conference, detailed planning for the other conferences have not yet begun.  If you are interested in helping out with planning the conference topics and speakers, please contact WSIA Administrative Assistant Kaye Thede at kaye.thede@wsiassn.org and let her know which conference(s) you'd like to help with.  All members are welcome to participate in our planning calls.

Training Program and Conference Registrations Posted to Website

There's a whole lotta learnin goin on!  Currently posted at the WSIA website are registrations for the ASSE/WSIA Professional Development Conference, the Fall Conference, archived webinars on Time Loss, PPD, and LEP calculations, the Certified Claims Administrator Review course, WWCP Statutory Requirements, and our Claims 1-4 training series.  You can find information on all of these great training and educational opportunities HERE.   If you want to help volunteer to instruct or teach with any of our training programs, please contact WSIA Training Coordinator Bonnie Prater at bonnie.prater@wsiassn.org.

Hearing Aid Provider Agreement Signed With HearPO

After a comprehensive RFP process, a committee recommended and the WSIA Board of Directors approved the signing of a new Provider Agreement for hearing aid services.  HearPO was again chosen as the provider.  The Provider Agreement was signed and took effect July 1, 2008.  Please contact Jen Steidl at jennifer.steidl@amplifon.com to take advantage of this cost saving, effective and successful program.

"Fabulous 50" Membership Goal

Part of the Membership & Marketing Committee's goals for this next year is to bring in a "Fabulous 50" new self-insured employers to the Association.  A number of new members did in fact join late this last spring.  You can help!  Contact WSIA Event Planner Bryan Powell at bryan.powell@wsiassn.org on how to get involved and help the Association meet its goal of 50 new self-insured employer members.

Feedback to DLI on Various Issues

Since the spring the Department has bombarded us with requests to review any number of issues in an effort to provide them feedback.  To mention just a few: a new form to track the utilization of Vocational Benefits under the new pilot project for those workers that choose Option 2 (opt-out); inclusion of the Rebound group as part of the ortho-neuro pilot project; and potential formatting changes to the Activities Prescription Form (APF).

Association Financial Review

And lastly (not the last thing we've done, but the last thing I'll mention) is our biennial financial review.  The WSIA Board of Directors has had a financial review done of the Association at least every other year for at least the past 20 years.  Gregory T. Stapp, CPA, AFU of Stapp Financial Planning is currently in the middle of this financial review.  WSIA's Board is committed to ensuring that the funds you send our way are being properly accounted for, that financial protections are in place to avoid abuse and mismanagement of Association funds, and that we have the proper policies and procedures in place to ensure that we are able to maximize the services we are able to provide, at the lowest cost.  The Board does not take this fiduciary responsibility lightly.  I mention it because I want the membership to catch a glimpse of something that would otherwise go unreported and unnoted.  One of many behind-the-scenes activities necessary to run the small business that is the Washington Self-Insurers Association.

Posted 7 August 2008

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