Section 296-15-4316. What must the self-insurer do when the worker declines further vocational rehabilitation services and elects option 2 benefits?

When the department approves a rehabilitation plan, the department will notify the worker in writing of their right to decline further vocational rehabilitation services and elect option 2 benefits. The worker must make an election within the time frame required in WAC 296-19A-600. When the worker elects option 2 benefits, the self-insurer must take the following action within five working days of receiving the worker's request:

(1) Terminate time-loss benefits with proper notification to the worker as required in WAC 296-15-420(9);

(2) Establish the total amount of the option 2 award and a payment schedule for the option 2 benefits that begins the date time-loss is terminated;

(3) Submit a Self-Insurance Vocational Reporting Form to the department. The Self-Insurance Vocational Reporting Form must include:

(a) The total vocational services costs paid since the date the worker was found eligible for services;

(b) The option 2 election form signed by the worker; and

(c) Documentation that includes the total amount of the option 2 award and payment schedule.

(4) Commence payment of option 2 benefits to the worker according to the established payment schedule. The first payment must be made no later than fifteen days after the date time-loss is terminated. Option 2 benefits may be paid before the department issues an order.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020. WSR 16-21-074, § 296-15-4316, filed 10/18/16, effective 11/18/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, 51.32.095, 51.32.099 and 51.32.0991 (2007 c 72). WSR 08-06-058, § 296-15-4316, filed 2/29/08, effective 3/31/08.]

RCW 51.04.020. WSR 16-21-074, § 296-15-4316, filed 10/18/16, effective 11/18/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, 51.32.095, 51.32.099 and 51.32.0991 (2007 c 72). WSR 08-06-058, § 296-15-4316, filed 2/29/08, effective 3/31/08.

Rules

296-19A-600,296-15-420,