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New vocational changes take effect
The Vocational Improvement Project (VIP) is one of L&I's major undertakings following the 2007 legislative session. The provisions of the 2007 legislation (see ESSB 5920 (42 KB PDF) (www.leg.wa.gov)) are in effect as of January 1, 2008.
L&I's goal is to give workers more choices and control over their future and reduce time-loss and costs to employers.
Get Help Downloading Files (files open in a new window).Additional VIP information
- Voc Improvement Questions and Answers.
- Voc Improvement Tools for VRCs.
- Schools and training programs.
VIP highlights
Improved training opportunities for injured workers.
Workers will be able to participate in training programs that cost up to $12,000 and last for up to 2 years. A major change from the old maximum of $4,000 and 1 year to complete a program.
This expands the number of good training programs available. Some highlights of the increased training include:
- The funds will be available for programs or courses offered at accredited or licensed institutions or approved by L&I.
- Covered costs are the same as they are today. This includes tuition, books, fees, supplies, equipment and tools. Child care may also be covered.
- The amount available for costs will increase annually based on changes in Washington state community college tuition.
- A new option for workers who choose not to participate in vocational services.
Workers who don't want retraining can now receive an amount equal to 6 months of time-loss compensation. The benefit can be paid biweekly or, at L&I's discretion, in a lump-sum payment. Some highlights of this new option — Option 2:
- Workers will be fully informed of their options. They can choose to participate in a retraining plan, Option 1, or choose Option 2. Option 2 is available after a retraining plan has been approved.
- Tuition funds of $12,000 remain available to workers, with some limits, for 5 years after their claim closes.
- L&I will not oversee the tuition funds paid out under Option 2. The only requirement is the funds must be spent for a program or a school that is licensed, accredited or on L&I's list of approved programs.
- Other, less formal training options for workers.
There will be new support for workers who want vocational services but not formal training.
- L&I voc counselors will work on-site at 6 WorkSource locations in Washington. This will help to evaluate the readiness to return to work and to develop training options.
- L&I voc staff will work with local area employers and unions to find on-the-job training opportunities. Private and self-insured voc counselors could consider these alternatives when developing retraining plans.
- L&I's WorkSource voc staff will work with community colleges to enhance availability of high-demand programs for workers.
- L&I's WorkSource voc staff will work with other organizations to develop industry-specific training opportunities.
- Transition for workers in plan development on December 31, 2007.
Workers and their VRCs will be notified that they will be subject to the new benefit system if their plans are approved on or after January 1, 2008. This means the worker and VRC will have 90 days from January 1, 2008 to submit a plan.
- Accountability under the new law.
- The assigned VRC's initial meeting with the worker must be face to face.
- At the initial meeting, the VRC and worker will review "rights and responsibilities" provided by L&I.
- The VRC and worker must develop a voc plan within 90 days of referral.
- L&I must approve or reject voc plans within 15 days of receipt.
- All voc plans must contain an accountability agreement detailing expectations.
- Acceptable reasons for a worker interrupting a plan are defined in the legislation. These reasons will be more explicitly defined in new WACs being developed.
- An employer has 15 days to offer a job (after the worker has been determined eligible for plan development) and stop the voc process. If no job is offered, or it's not appropriate, the worker can choose whether or not to take any offers from the employer after the 15 day period.
- An independent third party will study the results of the changes. This includes:
- The outcomes and behaviors of workers and
- Costs to employers and
- Report to the Legislature and L&I.
- L&I is working with stakeholders.
L&I is working with a business/labor committee (required by the legislation). L&I also has an advisory committee of private sector vocational providers.
L&I wants to hear from you
Please use the Voc Improvement Feedback Form or e-mail us at VocRehabProgram@LNI.wa.gov to submit your questions and/or comments about the project.
