EMERGENCY RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Date of Adoption: February 3, 1999.
Purpose: Initiate pilot project in Pierce, Kitsap, Clallam and Jefferson counties to provide a one-time up-front discount in workers' compensation accident fund premium for state-funded nursing homes who voluntarily agree to implement a "zero lift" environment at their facility site(s).
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 51.04.020, 51.16.035, 51.16.100.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that state or federal law or federal rule or a federal deadline for state receipt of federal funds requires immediate adoption of a rule.
Reasons for this Finding: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is providing partial federal funding for the department to initiate a special project for state-funded nursing homes for the evaluation of a "zero lift" environment. Immediate implementation is necessary and requires that specialized equipment and new techniques be employed in an effort to potentially minimize the frequency and cost of work place injuries. Funding is being provided for a three period beginning October 1998. This rule is not to be promulgated on a permanent basis.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Effective Date of Rule: Immediately.
February 3, 1999
Gary Moore
Director
OTS-2780.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 73-22, filed 11/9/73,
effective 1/1/74)
WAC 296-17-900
Premium discounts.
In providing a rate modification system consistent with recognized insurance principles, the department may, in addition to the experience rating plan, provide a premium discount plan which recognizes the differences in administrative expense to the department in collecting premiums from employers based on differences in their premium volume. The department may also provide premium discounts to employers who agree to meet certain requirements not required of all employers, such as: Participating in pilot programs or initiatives for the stimulation or encouragement of accident prevention; using alternative premium reporting and payment procedures; or adopting loss control initiatives.
[Order 73-22, § 296-17-900, filed 11/9/73, effective 1/1/74.]