Self-Insurance training summary
March and April 2023
Self-Insurance trainers offer a no-cost training on a different topic every month throughout the year. In March, trainers conducted Wage Basics training (8 sessions), and in April, the training topic was Reopenings. We are excited about the great turnout for the trainings.
The March training covered what is included in wage calculations, including: bonuses, and other compensation, “like” wages, representative periods, averaging hours, multiple rates of pay, minor variations and case laws.
The training also included a review of rules and regulations that need to be followed to prevent possible penalties arising from:
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WAC 296-15-266(1)(a)(ii): Failure to make the first time-loss payment to the injured worker within 14 calendar days of notice of claim, or fails to continue time-loss payments on regular intervals as required by RCW 51.32.190(3).
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WAC 296-15-340: Failure to pay time-loss in accordance with Title 51 Revised Code of Washington and the rules and regulations of the department, failure to provide a statement of benefits with each time-loss/loss of earning payment and failure to pay time-loss at a regular semi-monthly or bi-weekly interval.
The April training covered reopening basics, including: timelines, formal versus informal applications, aggravation, newly contended conditions, reopening effective dates, over seven re-openings, and various case laws.
The training also included a review of rules and regulations that need to be followed to prevent possible penalties including:
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WAC 296-14-400: Failure to mail the first payment of time-loss compensation benefits within 14 days of receiving an application.
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WAC 296-15-470: Failure to forward a reopening application to the department within five working days after receipt.
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WAC 296-20-065: Failure to pay bill(s) for services rendered to use when making a decision to reopen a claim.
For more information, see the Claim Adjudication Guidelines.
Watch for the upcoming messages about future trainings to help reach our shared goal of helping workers heal and return to work.
Questions? Email: SITrainerQuestions@lni.wa.gov
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