Event Details

Independent Medical Examination (IME) Recording Notification Process and Accompanying Person

Public Hearing on Proposed Rules
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
2 p.m.

Location

In-person:
Department of Labor & Industries - Auditorium
7273 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501

Olympia-Tumwater, L&I Office Location

To join on your computer or mobile app (Zoom):
https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/9361655337
Meeting ID: 936 165 5337

To join by phone (audio only):
253-215-8782
Find your local number: https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/u/kdFrdfe0fg

The hearing will start at 2:00 p.m. and continue until all oral comments are received.

L&I encourages the submittal of written comments, due by 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2024.

Purpose

Substitute House Bill 1068 (Chapter 166, Laws of 2023) allows a worker to audio and visually record an independent medical examination (IME), and includes an observer may be present for all examinations with the worker. The updated statute, RCW 51.36.070, requires L&I create rules defining the notification process the worker must follow when they want to record an IME. This rulemaking creates new rule sections in Chapter 296-23 WAC, and amends WAC 296-23-362. The new sections, WAC 296-23-364 and 296-23-366, define the recording notification process for when a worker wants to record IMEs requested by Labor & Industries and self-insured employers. WAC 296-23-362 is updated as the amended statute includes an observer may be present for all examinations.