Blog

No they don’t. Washington State’s current policy is to refuse to pay or reimburse for medical marijuana. L&I considers payment for drugs only if the FDA allows it for the condition prescribed (they don’t), or if prescribed for off label use for a drug supported by published scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. Could Washington […]

Every July the Department of Labor and Industries announces the cost of living increase for injured workers receiving wage replacement benefits.  Injured workers with injuries resulting in Permanent Total Disability will also receive the cost of living increase in their lifetime pension benefit paid by the Department of Labor and Industries. For workers with dates […]

The inspector general is the oversight office with the responsibility to prevent inefficient or illegal operation within the Department of Energy. The IG’s opinion matters. The Inspector General has written a report about how Hanford L&I claims have been handled. The report was released August 2018. The report findings are: The department of Energy does […]

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on June 20 2017 found the AMA guides unconstitutional for PPD rating in workers compensation cases.  Pennsylvania law provided that the degree of impairment shall be based on an evaluation by a physician…pursuant to the most recent edition of the AMA guides.  This delegation to the AMA to determine impairment, allowed […]

L&I providers, including medical doctors,  osteopaths; chiropractors; naturopaths; podiatrists; dentists; optometrists;  advanced registered nurse practitioners; physical therapists; occupational therapists; speech therapists; mental health providers such psychiatrists and psychologists can now obtain automated claim information. The self service automated phone line provides the following information.  Claim Manager’s Name and Phone Number Claim Status Authorization Status Bill Payment Status Utilization Review […]

L&I is moving to encourage more ARNP’s to join and be treated fairly in their provider network. Under the proposal, ARNP’s should receive full L&I reimbursement for their services to injured workers. L&I plans to amend WAC 296-23-245 to make this happen.  Comments on public testimony will be allowed between now and mid September. If allowed, the amendment to […]

This week a metro bus driver is in the hospital after a vicious knife attack. Another tragic incident resulting in a nut case for the criminal justice system and an injured driver who has to deal with L&I. How will L&I handle this claim? This claim should be straight forward with undisputed facts, lots of witness’, […]

The Seattle Times editorial board got it right in their recent Culture Change Needed at Western State piece of April 10, 2016 Their critical look at Western State shines a much needed light on the dark practice of failing to protect  the nurses, psychiatric technicians, counselors, doctors, and other workers from workplace violence. Intimidation and […]