Washington § 51.44.200 - Claim management — Caseload — Reports.

(1) In order to improve the timely management of claims, the department is authorized to hire additional claims managers to the extent necessary to reach the recommended average claims caseload of 141 claims per claims manager, as identified in the June 2015 consultant's report for the joint legislative audit and review committee.

(2) Beginning July 1, 2031, and not more than every five years thereafter, the department or a third party contracted by the department shall conduct a study to determine the national average caseload per claims manager. The department is authorized to hire additional claims managers to adjust the caseload to be consistent with the national average.

(3) If the department hires additional claims managers under this section, the department must implement procedures to reduce the caseload of claims managers and implement more frequent reviews of cases by claims managers.

(4)(a) Moneys used to hire and retain additional claims managers under subsections (1) and (2) of this section are subject to the allotment of all expenditures pursuant to chapter 43.88 RCW. Expenditures include the salaries and expenses of additional claims managers.

(b) Appropriations are not required for moneys used pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of this section. Allotted funds may be used only to hire and retain additional claims managers necessary to meet the caseloads described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

(5) Beginning December 1, 2026, the director shall provide quarterly reports to the workers' compensation advisory committee established in RCW 51.04.110 summarizing indicators of progress, as determined by the department, on the following since June 11, 2026:

(a) Average claim costs;

(b) The duration of temporary total disability benefits granted to claimants under RCW 51.32.090;

(c) Claim management timeliness and operational efficiency within the workers' compensation system; and

(d) Other measures related to the impact of the additional claims managers hired under this section.

(6) By June 30, 2029, the director shall provide to the appropriate committees of the legislature a report summarizing the impact of additional claims managers hired under this section. The report shall summarize trends in average claim costs, the average duration of temporary total disability benefits granted to claimants under RCW 51.32.090, and standard measures of claim management timeliness and operational efficiency within the workers' compensation system since June 11, 2026.

(7) By December 31, 2032, the joint legislative audit and review committee shall review and report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on whether this section has improved:

(a) The timeliness of claims handling by the department;

(b) Access by injured or occupationally ill workers to timely medical treatment; and

(c) Claims costs, including the effect on medical costs and the duration of temporary disability benefits.

Intent—Application—2026 c 175: See notes following RCW 51.36.010.