Psychologists fall into three categories for the application process. Choose the scenario that applies to you and follow the instructions provided:

Psychologists who have an active L&I provider account

Complete these required forms and attachments:

1. Complete the following forms:
   • Washington Practitioner - Attestation (F245-479-000)
   • Authorization and Release of Information (F245-480-000)
2. Include proof of:
   • Training and Education
   • Malpractice Insurance
3. Include your NPI number on forms and in email message.
4. Email the forms and documents to: PsychologistAP@Lni.wa.gov

Psychologists who are new to L&I or no longer have an active account

Complete these required forms and attachments:

1. Apply electronically through ProviderOne
2. Complete the following forms:
   • Washington Practitioner - Attestation (F245-479-000)
   • Authorization and Release of Information (F245-480-000)
3. Include proof of:
   • Training and Education
   • Malpractice Insurance
4. Include your NPI number on forms and in email message.
5. Email the forms and documents to: PsychologistAP@Lni.wa.gov

Psychologists who belong to delegate organizations

If you work for one of these organizations, no actions are needed.

• Confluence Health (Wenatchee Valley Medical & Central Health Association)
• Evergreen Health
• Franciscan Health
• Kaiser WA & Kaiser NW
• MultiCare
• Optum Care (The Everett Clinic and Polyclinic)
• Pacific Medical Clinics
• PeaceHealth
• Proliance Surgeons
• Providence Health & Services
• Skagit Regional Health
• Swedish Medical Group
• UW Med UW Physicians
• UW Med University of Washington
• UW Medicine Harborview
• UW Med Valley Medical Center
• Virginia Mason
• Western Washington Medical Group
• Yakima Valley Farm Workers

Questions?

Email: PsychologistAP@Lni.wa.gov

Attending Provider Role Definition

Psychologists will be able to serve as attending providers (APs) on cases solely for mental health beginning July 1, 2025. On worker compensation claims for solely mental health conditions, psychologist attending providers can:

• File Report of Accident
• Certify time-loss and set work restrictions
• Perform consultations
• Facilitate return to work
• Refer for other treatment
• Determine maximum medical improvement (MMI)
• Review and comment on job analyses
• File reopening applications
• Perform initial mental health evaluations
• Respond to independent medical examinations (IMEs) concurrence letters

Psychologist APs cannot do impairment ratings.

Coming Soon – Psychologist attending provider handbook

Psychologists can soon be Attending Providers!

A new law will allow psychologists to serve as attending providers (AP) on workers’ compensation cases with solely mental health conditions. In this role, you will direct and coordinate patient care and actively participate in helping workers return to work. Like our medical peers, this new role requires us to join L&I’s Medical Provider Network (MPN) to provide ongoing or concurrent care. For those of you who are currently treating workers, even if you do not plan to serve as APs, you will need to join the MPN to continue providing the care you currently deliver.

The enrollment tab on this webpage describes what you need to do to join the MPN. I urge you to get your MPN application materials in as soon as you can as missing the deadline will stop payments and authorizations. We want to ensure continuity of care for your patients. Please apply timely and remember, we are here to help you.

As L&I’s first Associate Medical Director for Psychology, I’m excited to represent our profession in policy discussions and decisions. A major part of my job is to improve mental healthcare delivery to Washington workers and support providers.

Throughout my career as a rehabilitation psychologist, I’ve focused on improving health, quality of life, and outcomes after injury, illness, and chronic health conditions. I’ve worked in public health, academic medicine, and independent practice settings. Having been an L&I provider, I understand the challenges our mental healthcare providers experience balancing patient care and workers’ compensation requirements.

Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,

Jennifer Jutte, PhD, ABPP, MPH
Board Certified in Rehabilitation Psychology
Associate Medical Director for Psychology
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an attending provider?

An attending provider is the primary coordinator of the care and treatment for the workers industrial injury or occupational disease. They coordinate referrals for additional care, and certify the need for additional benefits such as wage replacement. Workers have the right to choose as well as change their attending provider.

Where can I find information about billing and payment?

The L&I payment policy is found at: Medical Aid Rules & Fee Schedules (MARFS)
Chapter 2 - Information for All Providers
Chapter 17 - Mental Health Services

The fee schedule is updated annually and effective July 1 of each year.

What happens if treatment is rendered after June 30, 2025, and I have not yet enrolled in the MPN?

Payment for treatment beyond an initial visit cannot be issued if you have not applied to be part of the MPN after June 30, 2025. If a psychologist does not join the MPN, effective July 1, 2025, they will only be allowed to provide the initial visit only on cases solely for mental health (where no physical condition is or has been present) until their application is received and processed.

Can I still become an AP after June 30, 2025?

You can still join the MPN to treat workers and be an AP after June 30, 2025. Applications to the MPN July 1, 2025, and beyond will need to be started through ProviderOne.

Can I still treat workers if I am not part of the MPN?

No. You may not treat a worker. However, you can provide an initial visit on solely mental health claims which allows you to file the Report of Accident (ROA - for State Fund claims) or the Self-Insurance Accident Report (SIF-2). The worker must seek care from an MPN provider for treatment. If the worker needs treatment or ongoing care, they must transfer to an MPN psychologist.

How can I learn more about the billing process?

Billing information can be found on the public website at Billing L&I.
General billing workshops are taught monthly. Register to attend at: Billing Workshops

Are referrals and authorizations still required for mental health consultations and care?

Referrals and authorizations are not required for the initial visit. Treatment after the initial visit requires 90-day pre-authorizations. This means that every 90 days the mental health provider must substantiate the need for continued treatment and request authorization.