Glenn Hansen

MultiCare Health System
President, WSIA

The Washington Self-Insurers Association has been the Self-Insurance community’s advocate on Workers’ Compensation issues with both the Legislature and the Department of Labor & Industries since 1972. 

In our present economy, we are keenly interested in efforts designed to streamline processes and reduce costs to employers.  We know that increased costs and ineffective rules lead to increased expenses to employers and a strain on worker productivity. 

As we look forward, we need to keep a watchful eye on of any issue that would add cost to the system and not provide our community with substantive benefits.  New avenues such as Compromise and Release, Managed Medical Care with excellent outcomes, and simplifying the wage process must be explored.  Mitigating efforts must also be made on adverse legislation such as “Pay During Appeal” being applied to protests.  We must review and understand the Self- Insurance assessment methodology and its impacts on our community. 

Do we have all the answers?  Not yet. But, we aim to work cooperatively with our Legislative Committee and the Employer Coalition to achieve our goals and have already met to discuss employer priorities.

In our political climate, we continue to need your help.  The legislature has a short session, but we have a big opportunity during these difficult financial times to put forth some groundbreaking legislation.   Sadly, the organization that gets heard loudest is the largest contributor to the political campaign.  Employers are regularly outspent in this effort by competing interests.  To this end, we encourage you to contribute to the WSIA Legislative Fund to support thoughtful legislative candidates who are willing to listen to and support our causes. 

Even if you don’t have much extra time, please take a moment to visit the web site periodically to review the Legislative updates and news about Workers’ Compensation issues.  Call your legislator if there is adverse legislation pending.  Enlist your lobbyist to join with the WSIA lobbyist on workers’ compensation issues.  If nothing else, be heard.   Help us make many employers one voice, the WSIA.

As President this year, I want to hear your thoughts and concerns.  What are we doing right?  What could improve?  Please don’t hesitate to contact me at glenn.hansen@multicare.org to let me know your thoughts.

Updated 31 July 2009

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