Winter 2007 SBH Quarterly Newsletter
PDF FormatGuide to New Legislation: Washington Workers' Compensation
Increased vocational services
Effective January 1, 2008, Washington employers will pay more for vocational services. At present, vocational costs may cost up to $4,000 and last up to one year. In 2008, workers will be able to participate in training programs that cost up to $12,000 and last for up to 2 years. Covered costs such as tuition, books, fees, supplies, equipment, tools, mileage reimbursement, and childcare remain unchanged. You will need to change your reserves on files to reflect the changes and significant increase in potential timeloss exposure. The $12,000 figure will be adjusted every July based on the percentage change in tuition for the next fall quarter for all Washington state community colleges.
The amendment gives an employer a new option of settling the vocational services and closing the claim. Workers who do not want retraining can now receive an amount equal to six months of time loss compensation. However, tuition funds of $12,000 remain available to workers, with some limits, for five years after claim closure. Consequently, this scenario is not a guarantee your claim will stay closed.
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