Washington Revised Code Title 51. Industrial Insurance § 51.04.069. Claim resolution settlement agreements--Reports and studies

On December 1, 2011, and annually thereafter through December 1, 2014, the department shall report annually to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the implementation of claim resolution settlement agreements. In calendar years 2015, 2019, and 2023, the department shall contract for an independent study of claim resolution settlement agreements approved by the board under this section. The study must be performed by a researcher with experience in workers' compensation issues. When selecting the independent researcher, the department shall consult with the workers' compensation advisory committee. The study must evaluate the quality and effectiveness of claim resolution settlement agreements of state fund and self-insured claims, provide information on the impact of these agreements to the state fund and to self-insured employers, and evaluate the outcomes of workers who have resolved their claims through the claim resolution settlement agreement process. The study must be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature.