Dave Kaplan

WSIA Executive Director

October 2008

I write this column sitting at the back of WSIA’s Legal Workshop, listening to instructors Gibby Stratton and Bernie Pratt of Craig, Jessup & Stratton, PLLC talk about obtaining orders from the Department.  It seems like a timely reminder to tell you about what WSIA is doing to help streamline and facilitate the claims process in resolution of your claims.

Our battle with the Department, to make the ability to obtain wage orders and closing orders easier, continues.  Part of that battle is getting the Department to make administrative changes relative to the documentation required, and part of that battle deals with getting the Department to be more timely and specific in the issuance of orders – particularly with the threat of having to pay benefits pending an appeal (or protest).

In our self-insured quarterly meetings with the Department and in the Employer Coalition meetings with the Department, WSIA has made clear the need to make the documentation self-insured employers are required to provide (to obtain wage orders) less burdensome, make the burden of documentation for both self-insured employers and the State Fund the same, and address the inconsistencies within the Self-Insurance Section among and between adjudicators, consultants, trainers, and auditors on what is required to obtain wage and closing orders.

Beyond the quarterly meetings, we have been working through the Liaison Committee to help facilitate the adjudication of claims.  Here at the WSIA website, we have a laundry list of helpful Claims Facilitation Checklists … developed and written by the Department … to help assist the resolution of the more difficult claims.  You can find that HERE at http://www.wsiassn.org/public/ClaimsFacilitationChecklistsJan07.html.  These checklists have recently been updated, including the checklist related to vocational services.  Please take advantage of this tool in helping to prepare your claims for closure, pension, wage order, reopening, willful misrepresentation, and vocational services.

Lastly, don’t forget that we have a Liaison Committee that meets with the Department on specific claims issues every 6 weeks.  Please don’t hesitate to email myself, Tammie Vibbert or Kim Tallarida with your specific claim concerns.  Be sure to include the claim number, pertinent dates, and outline the specific problem you’re having.  That will help us to better get the claim resolved.  Our next meeting is on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, so please get us your claims issues right away!

In my nearly 15 years with WSIA, I am proud of the fact that your Association never gives up on those issues we feel strongly about.  Whether continuing education as an alternative to having to retest for state Certification, data collection, or the issuance of wage orders on our claims, WSIA has fought and will continue to fight to make sure that you are best able to manage your claims as self-insurance is understood across the country.  One day, our hopes of more clarity and more authority will become law in Washington.  Be assured that WSIA is committed to that cause for the long haul.

Posted 28 October 2008

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