L&I adopts changes to vocational rules
L&I adopted the proposed changes to WAC 296-19A on Oct. 22, 2019. The new rules were first proposed in August, and go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
A public comment period was held from Aug. 20 through Oct. 4. The department received 24 written comments, and 13 people provided testimony on the proposed rule language at a public hearing on Oct. 2. The overwhelming majority of feedback was in support of the changes. After considering all comments, the department adopted the proposed language as written.
The adopted rules outline vocational recovery services to align with RCW 51.32.095 which places a high priority on returning a worker to employment.
The rule changes also:
- Establish certain expectations for vocational firms.
- Clarify when VRCs and vocational firms may be subject to corrective actions or sanctions.
- Spell out what those sanctions include.
You can review the adopted rule language on L&I’s website for rule development.
L&I is developing training for vocational providers that will assist them in meeting these expectations, and applying worker centric vocational recovery best practices.
If you have questions about the rule updates, or how they affect you, please contact VocRecoveryProject@Lni.wa.gov.
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