A certification program that meets the specific needs of
Washington State’s industrial insurance community

Washington Self-Insurers Association’s (WSIA) Industrial Insurance University (IIU) has developed an educational program that fosters professionalism for those employed within the industrial insurance field. This program recognizes individuals working at the highest level in regards to workers’ compensation and other insurance related issues in Washington State.

The Washington Workers’ Compensation Professional (WWCP) designation identifies individuals committed to improving their personal and technical skills in order to better understand the unique aspects of workers’ compensation in Washington.

The program addresses specific topics including: insurance concepts, risk management, safety, and human resources. The designation involves three 13-week courses: (1) Statutory Requirements, (2) Medical Information, and (3) Claims Management. The courses consist of 2 ½- to 3-hour classes presented one night per week for thirteen weeks. The format includes classroom time along with required homework assignments. Once an individual achieves the designation, he/she is required to earn “Continuing Education Credits” (45 over a three year-period) to maintain the designation.

The cost for each course is $555 ($1665 to complete the program). Completion of the individual courses requires a passing grade on a closed book examination. Individuals must attain a passing grade on the examination for each of the three courses to receive their WWCP designation.

The expectation is that individuals attending WWCP courses will have at least three years’ experience in the workers’ compensation field. If you would like more information on any of these courses, please contact WSIA Training Coordinator Bonnie Prater at 800-736-7296, or by e-mail to bonnie.prater@wsiassn.org.

WWCP Statutory Requirements Course
A G E N D A

Chapter #1 INTRODUCTION TO INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE
Understand the insurance principles of workers’ compensation.

Chapter #2 SELF-INSURANCE
Understand the benefits and obligations of being self-insured. Be familiar with the process of becoming self-insured. Recognize the difference between being Self-Administered and having a Third-Party Administrator

Chapter #3 REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON (RCW)
Recognize what the Revised Code of Washington is and how a bill becomes law. Be able to identify key elements of the code and understand how to use it as a tool. Be exposed to RCW interpretation problems and concerns.

Chapter #4 WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (WAC)
Understand the Washington Administrative Code, how it was created, its process of change, and its significance.

Chapter #5 MEDICAL AID RULES & FEE SCHEDULES
Understand the process and significance of the Medical Aid rules.

Chapter #6 LABOR & INDUSTRIES’ POLICIES
Understand how policies, provider bulletins and state forms are developed and communicated, and the impact they have on stakeholders. Be able to use resources (RCW, WAC and Department policies) with a focus on Department policy interpretation.

Chapter #7 ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
Recognize the elements and significance of an accident prevention program. Grasp the complexity of emergency plans and safety training programs.

Chapter #8 RETURN-TO-WORK
Understand the different types and benefits of return-to-work programs. Recognize the various factors that impact return-to-work choices.

Chapter #9 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Understand the history of vocational services in Washington and become familiar with WAC 296-19A.

Chapter #10 THIRD PARTY RECOVERY
Know how to identify and pursue a third-party claim, while applying RCW 51.24.

Chapter #11 LABOR & INDUSTRIES’ ORDERS
Be able to identify and understand different Department orders and time frames.

Chapter #12 COURTS
Understand the different court levels and their processes, from the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals to the Supreme Court. Have knowledge of the process and impact of significant decisions.

Week #13 FINAL EXAMINATION

WWCP Medical Information Course
A G E N D A

Chapter #1 ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY/MEDICAL SPECIALTIES
You will learn basic anatomy and physiology, and be introduced to the various medical specialties.

Chapter #2 RADIOLOGY
You will be introduced to the concepts and tests involved in the field of radiology.

Chapter #3 REHABILITATION
You will be exposed to the evaluation of medical information related to rehabilitation treatments and techniques.

Chapter #4 CERVICAL/THORACIC INJURIES
You will be immersed in basic medical terminology, become familiar with common diagnoses, and review treatment options relating to cervical and thoracic injuries.

Chapter #5 LOW BACK
You will be introduced to basic medical terminology, become familiar with common diagnoses, and review treatment options relating to low back injuries.

Chapter #6 SHOULDER/ELBOW
You will learn basic medical terminology, become familiar with common diagnoses, and review treatment options relating to shoulder and elbow injuries.

Chapter #7 FINGERS/HANDS/WRISTS
You will be informed about basic medical terminology, become familiar with common diagnoses, and review treatment options relating to finger, hand, and wrist injuries.

Chapter #8 KNEES/ANKLES
You will be exposed to basic medical terminology, become familiar with common diagnoses, and review treatment options relating to knee and ankle injuries.

Chapter #9 CONDITIONS OF THE FEET
You will learn medical terminology, become familiar with common diagnoses, and review treatment options relating to injuries and conditions of the feet.

Chapter #10 HEARING LOSS/CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
You will gain insight into the topic of hearing loss; the types, causes and symptoms of hearing loss; and how to test for it. The topic of chemical exposure and related conditions is also covered.

Chapter #11 PAIN MANAGEMENT/CRPS/BBP
You will be introduced to the concepts, tests and treatment options relating to pain management, complex regional pain syndrome, and blood-borne pathogens.

Chapter #12 PSYCHIATRIC CONDITIONS
You will endeavor to learn basic medical terminology, become familiar with common diagnoses, and review treatment options relating to psychiatric conditions.

WEEK #13 FINAL EXAMINATION

WWCP Claims Management Course
A G E N D A

Chapter #1 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Be introduced to communication techniques that will improve the effectiveness of your correspondence (both written and verbal).

Chapter #2 INVESTIGATIONS
Understand the importance of early investigation and how this can help reduce claims costs and resolve your claims in a timely manner.

Chapter #3 TTD FORMS/CALCULATIONS
Gain an understanding of the general rules and time frames of time loss compensation. Be introduced to basic formulas and completion of the required SIF-5 forms.

Chapter #4 LEP/SSO/LIENS
Gain an understanding of when an injured worker is eligible for loss-of-earning-power (LEP) compensation. Learn basic calculation and exceptions. This chapter will also review Social Security benefits and liens.

Chapter #5 MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION/HEARING LOSS
Gain an understanding of when and why to authorize various medical procedures. Identify whether there has been injurious exposure resulting in occupational hearing loss. Learn how to read an audiogram and determine the appropriate schedule of benefits.

Chapter #6 RTW/TRANSITIONAL DUTY
Gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all parties (employer, employee, vocational counselor) in return-to-work (RTW) programs and procedures.

Chapter #7 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Know and understand the roles and responsibilities of the vocational process.

Chapter #8 RESERVING/THIRD-PARTY RECOVERY
Understand how reserves affect the financial future of a company. Learn various reserving methods as well as different areas of reserving a claim. Be able to identify and investigate potential third-party action.

Chapter #9 MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Identify the steps you can take to ensure that the medical aspects of a claim are managed in an effective manner.

Chapter #10 CLOSURE/PPDs
Understand when a claim may be closed, when a self-insured employer my close, and when the Department is required to close. Determine the appropriate schedule of benefits for permanent partial disability (PPD) awards and how to complete a PPD payment schedule.

Chapter #11 PENSIONS/SECONDINJURY FUND
Understand the criteria for pension consideration, the different types of pensions, and the role of Sedond Injury Fund pensions.

Chapter #12 PROTESTS/APPEALS/REOPENINGS
Understand the process of a disputed order. Learn the authority of the Department and Board and the requirements of the appealing party. Understand the criteria for reopening a claim, as well as the requirements.

Week #13 FINAL EXAMINATION

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