Self-Insured 2008 Annual Report

Due Date Extended to March 16, 2009

Due to some printing challenges, the 2008 Annual Reports are being mailed a little later than normal this year. Because of this delay, the Department has extended the due date for these reports to March 16, 2009.  They want you to note that the report (SIF-7 form) is different this year. They have expanded the number of years being reported to eventually cover an actuarily reliable 20 year period. On the front of the form, you will continue to list the claim payments by year of injury, the reported reserves, open and total claims, and pension and reinsurance information. On the back of the report, the quarterly payments, previously on the front, and details about the pension and reinsurance information and any necessary explanations will be made.  Annual report instructions can be found on the department’s website (www.lni.wa.gov) in the forms area under Self Insurance and Annual Report (http://www.lni.wa.gov/Forms/pdf/207007af.pdf ).  If you have specific questions regarding the completion of your annual report, please contact either Don Jenson 360-902-6863 or Larry Wilkinson 360-902-6867.

Medicare Reporting Updates

to be Added to WSIA Website

WSIA has been working to keep our members in the loop on all of the requirements regarding Medicare reporting.  A new page on the WSIA website will be up and running soon, with as much information as we can possibly provide.  In addition, we already have a well-versed attorney speaking at the WSIA Annual Conference -- so you're not going to want to miss out on this very important topic.  Also, we are contemplating doing a webinar on this topic.  Watch the website and your emails for notices and further information.

Department Finally Completes

Employer's Guide to Self-Insurance

After 13 years and much pushing by WSIA, the Department has finally updated the Employer's Guide to Self-Insurance.  You can find the publication at the Department's website HERE, or you can order printed copies from Larry Wilkinson by calling 360-902-6867.

Department Publishes Semi-Annual

Rules Development Agenda for First Half of 2009

As required under the state's Administrative Procedures Act, the Department of Labor & Industries has published its chart of proposed rule-making for the first half of 2009.  On the list includes rule changes governing IME's, vocational rehabiltiation, claims suppression, Second Injury Fund assessments, and a whole host of others.  You can find the Department's chart HERE.  As always, you can count on WSIA to keep track of the most significant of the rules, and to keep you informed as to our concerns and the draft rules as they progress through the process.

Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals

Business Representative Search Update

The business community, through the Association of Washington Business, made recommendations to the Governor's office back in late November 2008.  We are still waiting for the Governor to announce an appointment.  WSIA has received a number of concerned calls regarding the vacancy on the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, and we share your concerns.  We encourage you to politely contact the Governor's office at http://governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp and leave a message asking that she expedite the Business Representative appointment to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.

Department Releases Updated

Third Party Contact Phone List

At the request of self-insured employers, the Department has provided an updated list of contacts within the Third Party Recovery Unit.  Click HERE to see the updated Phone List for the Third Party Claims Unit.

Requesting Self-Insured and

Requesting State Fund Claims Files

In response to changes in public disclosure law, the Department of Labor & Industries has changed the way they process and respond to requests for prior industrial insurance claims files.  You will need to submit TWO requests: one to Norm Voiles for information on self insured claims (faxed to 360-902-6900), and then requests for State Fund claims histories to Paula Clayton (faxed to 360-902-6970.)  If you have questions on the status of State Fund claims information requests, you can call 360-902-5656.  Most State Fund requests will be handled within 10 business days.

Department Publishes

Helpful Leave Guide

With the adoption of yet more leave laws by the Legislature, the Department of Labor & Industries has developed a table listing all of the leave laws, and what the requirements are.  You can find the leave listing table at http://www.lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/files/FamilyLeaveLawsTable.pdf.  For more detailed information on each type of leave, go HERE.  Coordination of leave benefits with workers' compensation benefits will become an even bigger issue in the future, so watch the WSIA website for more information.

Updated Self-Insurance

Phone Contact Listing

Need an updated list of Self-Insurance section phone numbers?  Periodically they up the list, and here it is!  http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Files/SelfIns/SelfInsPhoneList.pdf, updated February 2, 2009.  Note that the list still includes which adjudicator and which consultant work on which claims Team.  Check back at this link periodically for updated information.  Just in case the link isn't updated at the Department's website, you can access the same document HERE.

as of 2/20/2009