Certified Claims Administrator Test

Application for December 2007 Now Available

The Department is now accepting applications for the December 13, 2007, Certified Claims Administrator Test. Applications for the December test must be submitted by October 29, 2007. If you would like to apply for the test, applications can be found on our website at http://www.lni.wa.gov/forms/pdf/207177af.pdf.  Please submit completed applications to the SI Training Section's attention via fax (360-902-6977) or mail (PO Box 44890, Olympia, WA 98504-4890).

Provider Bulletin on Linear

Analog Hearing Aid Replacement

The Department issued Provider Bulletin 07-07 concerning the replacement of linear analog hearing aids, and when to do so.  A linear analog hearing aid issued by the insurer may be replaced with a non-linear digital or analog hearing aid when the worker's linear analog hearing aid is inoperable or the worker is experiencing an inability to hear, and when the insurer has given prior authorization to replace the hearing aid.  PB 07-07, as with all current Provider Bulletins, can be found at http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Providers/Billing/ProvBulletins/.  According to the Department, older Provider Bulletins have either been incorporated into the WAC's or eliminated entirely.

National Workers' Comp & Disability

Conference on November 6 - 8, 2007 in Chicago

Risk & Insurance Magazine and LRP Publications is putting on their 16th National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference and Expo at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.  The conference is scheduled for November 6-8, 2007.  WSIA members who have attended this in past have noted this as a conference not to miss.  You can find an agenda and registration information at http://www.wcconference.com/.  Enter source code CD0704-14.

Department Issues New Management Update

Concerning Interpreter and Translation Services to Workers

The Department has issued a new Management Update concerning Interpreter and Translation Services to workers.  The Management Update comes on the heels of a recent court decision that said that the Department and self-insurers are not obligated to pay for those services when it comes to the worker's communication with their attorney, or with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals or the courts.  To read the full Management Update, click here.

Updated Self-Insurance Section

Phone Contact Listing ... Including Team Assignments

Need an updated list of Self-Insurance section phone numbers?  Here’s the link to the latest and greatest list, http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Files/SelfIns/SelfInsPhoneList.pdf, updated September 4, 2007.  Note that the list now includes which adjudicator and which consultant work on which claims Team.  Check back at this link periodically for updated information.

Medical Aid Rules & Fee Schedule

for July 1, 2007 is Now Posted Online

The Department's Medical Aid Rules and Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2007, is now online.  You can reach it at http://feeschedules.lni.wa.gov/.

Time Loss Schedule

for July 1, 2007 is Now Posted Online

The Department's Time Loss Schedule, effective July 1, 2007, is now online.  You can reach it at http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Claims/Benefits/TimeLoss/default.asp

Permanent Partial Disability Awards

Schedule for July 1, 2007 is Now Posted Online

The Department's PPD Schedule, effective July 1, 2007, is now online.  You can reach it at http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Claims/Benefits/Disability/default.asp.

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.

You Pay for It, Use It!

DOSH Safety Materials Available for Your Use

The Department of Labor & Industries’ Division of Occupational Safety & Health has at least 27 downloadable safety videos, 75 industry fact sheets, 18 employee safety rule training kits, 85 online safety presentations, 52 construction industry toolbox talks, and over 2000 different safety, health, and risk management video titles for checkout in their safety library.  YOU pay for these services, so please take advantage of them.  You can find these materials at the DOSH webpage at the Department’s website at http://www.lni.wa.gov/safety/.

Electronic Filing of Claims Appeals

At the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals

Did you know you can file your claims appeals electronically, online?  You can!  Go to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals website at www.biia.wa.gov and click on the E-filing logo.  Your appeal is submitted instantly, saving time and postage.  You are able to print a copy for your records, and a receipt showing that your submittal was received.  Give it a try!

as of 10/19/2007