Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
HB 2865
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Expanding the list of authorized provider types to treat injured workers suffering from mental health conditions caused by their industrial injury or occupational disease.
Sponsors: Representatives Sells, McCabe, Goodman, Manweller, Griffey, Irwin, Hayes, Pettigrew, Cody, Riccelli, Appleton, Valdez, Wylie, Ormsby, Doglio and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384)
Background:
Under the Industrial Insurance Act (Act), a worker who, in the course of employment, is injured or suffers disability from an occupational disease is entitled to certain benefits. Benefits include medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits.
As part of the industrial insurance system, the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) oversees a statewide medical provider network of health care providers who meet minimum standards and are eligible to treat injured workers. Injured workers must use providers in the medical network for all care beyond an initial office or emergency visit.
Treatment is allowed for mental health conditions caused or aggravated by an industrial injury or occupational disease and may also be allowed if the mental health condition creates a barrier to recovery. Initial mental health evaluation and ongoing treatment of a mental health condition require prior approval from the Department or the self-insured employer.
Treatment of mental conditions to workers is to be goal directed, time limited, intensive, and targeted on specific symptoms and functional status.
Only psychiatrists, doctoral level psychologists, and psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioners may provide mental health services to workers under the Act.
[Testing 3]
Summary of Bill:
Subject to other provisions under the Industrial Insurance Act, mental health services available to an injured worker include mental health therapy and evaluation.
The types of providers who may provide mental health services is expanded to include mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers, licensed by the state. Mental health professionals may provide treatment and opinions, within the scope of their practices, on all benefits provided under the Act, including on a worker's disability.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.