This bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to recognize physical and occupational therapists as attending providers for workers' compensation claims. It updates the definition of "attending provider" in RCW 51.08.200 to include licensed occupational and physical therapists, thereby broadening the range of healthcare professionals eligible to treat injured workers. Additionally, the bill modifies RCW 51.28.010 and RCW 51.28.020 to ensure these therapists are included in the reporting and application processes for workers' compensation, facilitating their ability to provide necessary treatment and assist with compensation applications.

The legislation also mandates the establishment of a healthcare provider network that includes these newly recognized therapists, ensuring they meet minimum standards for treating injured workers. It emphasizes the importance of high-quality medical treatment and adherence to occupational health best practices to prevent disability and reduce costs. Furthermore, the bill introduces new standards for healthcare providers, including the development of electronic tracking methods to monitor care quality. It also removes the requirement for the department to report annually on the implementation of the provider network and the expansion of occupational health centers, establishing expiration dates for certain sections of the bill.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 51.08.200, 51.28.010, 51.28.020, 51.36.010