Section 284-23-730. Resolution of disputes regarding occurrence of qualifying events.

In the event the insured's health care provider and a health care provider appointed by the insurer disagree on whether a qualifying event has occurred, the opinion of the health care provider appointed by the insurer is not binding on the claimant. The parties shall attempt to resolve the matter promptly and amicably. The policy or rider providing the accelerated benefit shall provide that in case the disagreement is not so resolved, the claimant has the right to mediation or binding arbitration conducted by a disinterested third party who has no ongoing relationship with either party. As part of the final decision, the arbitrator or mediator shall award the costs of arbitration to one party or the other or may divide the costs equally or otherwise.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.83.070, 48.83.110, 48.83.120, 48.83.130(1), and 48.83.140 (4)(a). WSR 08-24-023 (Matter No. R 2008-19), § 284-23-730, filed 11/24/08, effective 12/25/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.30.010 and 48.11.020. WSR 98-05-026 (Matter No. R 96-13), § 284-23-730, filed 2/6/98, effective 3/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 (3)(a) and 48.30.010. WSR 94-18-029 (Order R 94-18), § 284-23-730, filed 8/29/94, effective 9/29/94.]

RCW 48.02.060, 48.83.070, 48.83.110, 48.83.120, 48.83.130(1), and 48.83.140 (4)(a). WSR 08-24-023 (Matter No. R 2008-19), § 284-23-730, filed 11/24/08, effective 12/25/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.30.010 and 48.11.020. WSR 98-05-026 (Matter No. R 96-13), § 284-23-730, filed 2/6/98, effective 3/9/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 (3)(a) and 48.30.010. WSR 94-18-029 (Order R 94-18), § 284-23-730, filed 8/29/94, effective 9/29/94.