Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 51.28.070 — Claim files and records confidential., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51.28.070. Claim files and records confidential.
(1) Information contained in the claim files and records of injured workers, under the provisions of this title, shall be deemed confidential and shall not be open to public inspection (other than to public employees in the performance of their official duties), but representatives of a claimant, be it an individual or an organization, may review a claim file or receive specific information therefrom upon the presentation of the signed authorization of the claimant.
(2) A claimant may review his or her claim file if the director determines, pursuant to criteria adopted by rule, that the review is in the claimant's interest.
(3)(a) Employers or their duly authorized representatives may review any files of their own injured workers in connection with any pending claims.
(b) If the employer or the employer's duly authorized representative reveals information in a claim file regarding a mental health condition or treatment to any person other than a duly authorized representative, the employer is subject to a civil penalty of one thousand dollars for each occurrence. The department must investigate a complaint and must issue a notice of assessment if it determines that the employer or the employer's duly authorized representative violated this subsection. The determination may be protested to the department or appealed to the board of industrial insurance appeals. Once the order is final, the amount due shall be collected in accordance with RCW
51.48.140 and
51.48.150 and deposited in the supplemental pension fund.
(4) The department shall ensure that employers and workers are notified upon the allowance of a claim of their rights and responsibilities under this section.
(5) Physicians treating or examining workers claiming benefits under this title, or physicians giving medical advice to the department regarding any claim may, at the discretion of the department, inspect the claim files and records of injured workers, and other persons may make such inspection, at the department's discretion, when such persons are rendering assistance to the department at any stage of the proceedings on any matter pertaining to the administration of this title.
Notes
Effective date—1975 1st ex.s. c 224: See note following RCW
51.04.110.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 51.28.070
What does Revised Code of Washington § 51.28.070 cover?
Section 51.28.070 ("Claim files and records confidential.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 51.28.070?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 51.28.070" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 51.28.070 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
