Washington Dept. of Labor Proposes Standards for Medical Providers Who Treat Injured Workers
The proposed standards are the first step in creating a statewide network of providers to treat people with work-related injuries and illnesses.
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is seeking public comments on draft standards for health care providers who treat injured workers. The new standards are the first step in creating a statewide network of providers to treat people with work-related injuries and illnesses. The standards will apply to providers who treat injured workers covered by the state workers’ compensation program as well as those covered by self-insured employers.
"This network will help injured workers get the best possible care," said Beth Dupre, assistant director for Insurance Services. "We want workers to return to good health and to work."
The proposed standards are modeled on those used by most health plans. To develop the standards, L&I worked closely with a special advisory group made up of worker, employer, and provider representatives from the Industrial Insurance Medical and Chiropractic Advisory Committees.
The medical provider network is part of legislation passed in 2011, Substitute Senate Bill 5801, geared to improve workers’ outcomes following injury. In addition to creating the network, the legislation expands access to the state's Centers of Occupational Health and Education (COHEs) and directs L&I to offer incentives to network providers who use best practices for occupational health.
Three hearings will be held to gather public comment on the proposed standards:
- 10 a.m., Dec. 8, Conference Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle
- 5:30 p.m., Dec. 12, L&I Headquarters, Tumwater
- 10 a.m., Dec. 16, CenterPlace Event Center, Spokane Valley
Written comments on the draft rules will be accepted until Dec. 16.
When the final standards take effect in February 2012, L&I will begin enrolling providers in the new network. This first phase of network standards applies only to the following provider types: physicians, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, doctors of podiatry, advanced registered nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, and optometrists.
Starting Jan. 1, 2013, injured workers will only be able to see a non-network provider for the initial visit. Workers must choose a network provider for ongoing care. L&I will help workers who need to transition their care to a network provider.
Complete information and a copy of the proposed rules are available at the Provider Network and COHE Expansion website.