Glenn Hansen

MultiCare Health System
President, WSIA

This is the time of year when we hear all about taxes and program cuts and legislative maneuvering and as often happens, about Self Insurance related bills heading for the burn barrel.  Rather than focus on that however, I wanted to throw out a general thank you for all of those who made efforts to propose and carry the various legislative pieces during this session.  We decided to move forward with only a few bills this year due to the short session and the economic issues facing our state.  With great thought and debate, sound reform legislation was proposed, as well as a logical change to the way the insolvency trust manages remaining surety.  To those who were involved in those processes, we owe our gratitude as a community.

While we will likely not see any Self Insurance legislation move forward this session, it is imperative that we keep momentum alive and discussion about business issues at the forefront.  Unfortunately, politics and the art of re-election, play a bigger role in policy than helping businesses do what is best for their workers.  For example, our multi-state employers have excellent data supporting how managed provider networks positively impact their employees in other states.  Why not ours?  Legislators are convinced that COHE and vocational rehabilitation law changes are working.  If that were the case, then why would so many of our members recognize a need for change? 

Next year is the long session and we will need everyone to participate.  How can you help?  Get involved early.  The Legislative Committee meets several times during the year before session begins to discuss priorities and craft legislation.  Why not participate at least by phone?  The WSIA Board also meets quarterly and communicates more often than that on policy and strategic issues.  If you aren't on the Board, give it some consideration.  If you think you don't have the time, then let your voice be heard in other ways.  Maybe you can present your topic of interest to the Board for consideration. 

The keys to our success are communication, continuity and momentum.  We need each of you to play a role in that.  Let's work together to keep the "ACTION" in our AssoCiaTION.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at glenn.hansen@multicare.org to let me know your thoughts.

Updated 11 March 2010

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