Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-17 WAC, Workers' compensation general reporting and classification rules.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.16.035 and 51.04.020(1).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Labor and industries is required by RCW 51.16.035 to establish and maintain a workers' compensation insurance classification plan that classifies all occupations or industries within the state and sets basic rates of premium for these classifications that are distributed fairly. The department has conducted a review of various classifications and determined that ceratin rules are in need of revision. The department will work with industry representatives to help determine classification guidelines and continue rewriting rules to provide greater clarity.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state, local, or federal agency regulates this subject.

Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will solicit input from the business community through mail surveys, focus meetings and informal public meetings.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Labor and industries will notify businesses by mail when focus and/or informal public meetings have been scheduled. Persons interested in participating in preliminary meetings can contact Ken Woehl or Bill Moomau of the classification services unit at (360) 902-4776.

January 24, 2001

Gary Moore

Director

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