reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 51.14.150 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.150 - School districts, ESDs, public hospital districts, or hospitals as self-insurers—Authorized—Organization—Qualifications.

RCW 51.14.150 School districts, ESDs, public hospital districts, or hospitals as self-insurers—Authorized—Organization—Qualifications.(1) For the purposes of this section, "hospital" means a hospital as defined in *RCW 70.41.020(2) or a psychiatric hospital regulated under chapter 71.12 RCW, but does not include beds utilized by a comprehensive cancer center for cancer research.(2)(a) Any two or more employers which are school districts or educational service districts, or (b) any two or more employers which are public hospital districts or hospitals, and are owned or operated by a state agency or municipal corporation of this state, or (c) any two or more employers which are hospitals, no one of which is owned or operated by a state agency or municipal corporation of this state, may enter into agreements to form self-insurance groups for the purposes of this chapter.(3) No more than one group may be formed under subsection (2)(b) of this section and no more than one group may be formed under subsection (2)(c) of this section.(4) The self-insurance groups shall be organized and operated under rules promulgated by the director under RCW 51.14.160. Such a self-insurance group shall be deemed an employer for the purposes of this chapter, and may qualify as a self-insurer if it meets all the other requirements of this chapter.[ 1997 c 35 § 1; 1993 c 158 § 1; 1983 c 174 § 2; 1982 c 191 § 7.]NOTES:*Reviser's note: RCW 70.41.020 was amended by 2002 c 116 § 2, changing subsection (2) to subsection (4). RCW 70.41.020 was subsequently alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k), changing subsection (4) to subsection (5). RCW 70.41.020 was subsequently amended by 2016 c 226 § 1, changing subsection (5) to subsection (7). RCW 70.41.020 was subsequently amended by 2021 c 157 § 3, changing subsection (7) to subsection (8).Severability—1982 c 191: See note following RCW 28A.335.210.Educational service district as self-insurer—Authority: RCW 28A.310.440.School district as self-insurer—Authority: RCW 28A.320.070.
WA Rev Code § 51.14.160 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.160 - School districts, ESDs, or hospitals as self-insurers—Rules—Scope.

RCW 51.14.160 School districts, ESDs, or hospitals as self-insurers—Rules—Scope.The director shall promulgate rules to carry out the purposes of RCW 51.14.150:(1) Governing the formation of self-insurance groups for the purposes of this chapter;(2) Governing the organization and operation of the groups to assure their compliance with the requirements of this chapter;(3) Requiring adequate monetary reserves, determined under accepted actuarial practices, to be maintained by each group to assure financial solvency of the group; and(4) Requiring each group to carry adequate reinsurance.[ 1983 c 174 § 3; 1982 c 191 § 8.]NOTES:Severability—1982 c 191: See note following RCW 28A.335.210.
WA Rev Code § 51.14.170 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.170 - Administration of claims—Third-party administrators.

RCW 51.14.170 Administration of claims—Third-party administrators.(1) Self-insured employers may elect to have their claims administered by a third party or they may elect to self-administer their claims. Third-party administrators given the responsibility of administering the claims of workers by an employer shall be licensed by the department. All employer claims administrators given the responsibility of administering the claims of workers shall maintain certification established by the department.(2) The department shall adopt rules to administer this section. The rules for licensing third-party administrators must:(a) Incorporate the department's rules for self-insurers in effect as of March 2020;(b) Include criteria for determining appropriate penalties for violation of their responsibilities and duties, including managing claims, engaging in the department's management of claims, coordinating proper employment of injured workers during the pendency of the worker's claim, making requests of the department in individual cases, or participating in appeals involving a worker's benefits in a way that furthers the purpose of this title;(c) Consider recognized and approved claim processing practices within the industrial insurance industry, and the industrial insurance laws and rules of this state;(d) Consider similar licensure rules under the insurance laws and rules of this state; and(e) Include requirements for maintaining a license, and any penalties for violation of those licensing requirements.[ 2020 c 277 § 8.]NOTES:Effective date—2020 c 277 § 8: "Section 8 of this act takes effect July 1, 2021." [ 2020 c 277 § 10.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.300 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.300 - Ombuds office created—Appointment—Open and competitive contracting.

RCW 51.14.300 Ombuds office created—Appointment—Open and competitive contracting.The office of the ombuds for workers of industrial insurance self-insured employers is created. The ombuds shall be appointed by the governor and report directly to the director of the department. The office of the ombuds may be openly and competitively contracted by the governor in accordance with chapter 39.26 RCW but shall not be physically housed within the industrial insurance division.[ 2013 c 23 § 105; 2007 c 281 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.310 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.310 - Ombuds—Term of office—Removal—Vacancies.

RCW 51.14.310 Ombuds—Term of office—Removal—Vacancies.The person appointed ombuds shall hold office for a term of six years and shall continue to hold office until reappointed or until his or her successor is appointed. The governor may remove the ombuds only for neglect of duty, misconduct, or inability to perform duties. Any vacancy shall be filled by similar appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.[ 2013 c 23 § 106; 2007 c 281 § 2.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.320 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.320 - Ombuds—Training or experience qualifications.

RCW 51.14.320 Ombuds—Training or experience qualifications.Any ombuds appointed under this chapter shall have training or experience, or both, in the following areas:(1) Washington state industrial insurance including self-insurance programs;(2) The Washington state legal system;(3) Dispute or problem resolution techniques, including investigation, mediation, and negotiation.[ 2013 c 23 § 107; 2007 c 281 § 3.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.330 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.330 - Ombuds office—Staffing level.

RCW 51.14.330 Ombuds office—Staffing level.During the first two years after the office of the ombuds is created, the staffing level shall be no more than four persons, including the ombuds and any administrative staff. Thereafter, the staffing levels shall be determined based upon the office of the ombuds's workload and whether any additional locations are needed.[ 2013 c 23 § 108; 2007 c 281 § 4.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.340 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.340 - Ombuds office—Powers and duties.

RCW 51.14.340 Ombuds office—Powers and duties.The office of the ombuds shall have the following powers and duties:(1) To act as an advocate for injured workers of self-insured employers;(2) To offer and provide information on industrial insurance as appropriate to workers of self-insured employers;(3) To identify, investigate, and facilitate resolution of industrial insurance complaints from workers of self-insured employers;(4) To maintain a statewide toll-free telephone number for the receipt of complaints and inquiries; and(5) To refer complaints to the department when appropriate.[ 2013 c 23 § 109; 2007 c 281 § 5.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.350 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.350 - Ombuds office—Referral procedures—Department response to referred complaints.

RCW 51.14.350 Ombuds office—Referral procedures—Department response to referred complaints.(1) The office of the ombuds shall develop referral procedures for complaints by workers of self-insured employers. The department shall act as quickly as possible on any complaint referred to them by the office of the ombuds.(2) The department shall respond to any complaint against a self-insured employer referred to it by the office of the ombuds and shall forward the office of the ombuds a summary of the results of the investigation and action proposed or taken.[ 2013 c 23 § 110; 2007 c 281 § 6.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.360 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.360 - Ombuds liability—Discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions—Communications privileged and confidential—Testimony.

RCW 51.14.360 Ombuds liability—Discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions—Communications privileged and confidential—Testimony.(1) No ombuds is liable for good faith performance of responsibilities under this chapter.(2) No discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory action may be taken against any employee of a self-insured employer for any communication made, or information given or disclosed, to assist the ombuds in carrying out its duties and responsibilities, unless the same was done maliciously. This subsection is not intended to infringe on the rights of the employer to supervise, discipline, or terminate an employee for other reasons.(3) All communications by the ombuds, if reasonably related to the requirements of his or her responsibilities under this chapter and done in good faith, are privileged and confidential, and this shall serve as a defense to any action in libel or slander.(4) Representatives of the office of the ombuds are exempt from being required to testify as to any privileged or confidential matters except as the court may deem necessary to enforce this chapter.[ 2013 c 23 § 111; 2007 c 281 § 7.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.370 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.370 - Confidentiality of ombuds records and files—Disclosure prohibited—Exception.

RCW 51.14.370 Confidentiality of ombuds records and files—Disclosure prohibited—Exception.All records and files of the ombuds relating to any complaint or investigation made pursuant to carrying out its duties and the identities of complainants, witnesses, or injured workers shall remain confidential unless disclosure is authorized by the complainant or injured worker or his or her guardian or legal representative. No disclosures may be made outside the office of the ombuds without the consent of any named witness or complainant unless the disclosure is made without the identity of any of these individuals being disclosed.[ 2013 c 23 § 112; 2007 c 281 § 8.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.380 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.380 - Explaining ombuds program—Posters and brochures.

RCW 51.14.380 Explaining ombuds program—Posters and brochures.The ombuds shall integrate into existing posters and brochures information explaining the ombuds program. Both the posters and the brochures shall contain the ombuds's toll-free telephone number. Every self-insured employer must place a poster in an area where all workers have access to it. The self-insured employer must provide a brochure to all injured workers at the time the employer is notified of the worker's injury.[ 2013 c 23 § 113; 2007 c 281 § 9.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.390 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.390 - Ombuds office—Funding.

RCW 51.14.390 Ombuds office—Funding.(1) To provide start-up funding for the office of the ombuds, the department shall impose a one-time assessment on all self-insurers. The amount of the assessment shall be determined by the department and shall not exceed the amount needed to pay the start-up costs.(2) Ongoing funding for the office of the ombuds shall be obtained as part of an annual administrative assessment of self-insurers under RCW 51.44.150. This assessment shall be proportionately based on the number of claims for each self-insurer during the past year.[ 2013 c 23 § 114; 2007 c 281 § 10.]
WA Rev Code § 51.14.400 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.|51.14.400 - Ombuds—Annual report to governor.

RCW 51.14.400 Ombuds—Annual report to governor.(1) The ombuds shall provide the governor with an annual report that includes the following:(a) A description of the issues addressed during the past year and a very brief description of case scenarios in a form that does not compromise confidentiality;(b) An accounting of the monitoring activities by the ombuds; and(c) An identification of the deficiencies in the industrial insurance system related to self-insurers, if any, and recommendations for remedial action in policy or practice.(2) The first annual report shall be due on or before October 1, 2008. Subsequent reports shall be due on or before October 1st.[ 2013 c 23 § 115; 2007 c 281 § 12.]
WA Rev Code § 51.16.035 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.16 - Assessment and Collection of Premiums—Payrolls and Records.|51.16.035 - Classifications—Premiums—Rules—Workers' compensation advisory committee recommendations.

RCW 51.16.035 Classifications—Premiums—Rules—Workers' compensation advisory committee recommendations.(1) The department shall classify all occupations or industries in accordance with their degree of hazard and fix therefor basic rates of premium which shall be:(a) The lowest necessary to maintain actuarial solvency of the accident and medical aid funds in accordance with recognized insurance principles; and(b) Designed to attempt to limit fluctuations in premium rates.(2) The department shall formulate and adopt rules governing the method of premium calculation and collection and providing for a rating system consistent with recognized principles of workers' compensation insurance which shall be designed to stimulate and encourage accident prevention and to facilitate collection. The department may annually, or at such other times as it deems necessary to achieve the objectives under this section, readjust rates in accordance with the rating system to become effective on such dates as the department may designate.(3)(a) After the first report is issued by the state auditor under RCW 51.44.115, the workers' compensation advisory committee shall review the report and, as the committee deems appropriate, may make recommendations to the department concerning:(i) The level or levels of a contingency reserve that are appropriate to maintain actuarial solvency of the accident and medical aid funds, limit premium rate fluctuations, and account for economic conditions; and(ii) When surplus funds exist in the trust funds, the circumstances under which the department should give premium dividends, or similar measures, or temporarily reduce rates below the rates fixed under subsection (1) of this section, including any recommendations regarding notifications that should be given before taking the action.(b) Following subsequent reports issued by the state auditor under RCW 51.44.115, the workers' compensation advisory committee may, as it deems appropriate, update its recommendations to the department on the matters covered under (a) of this subsection.(4) In providing a retrospective rating plan under RCW 51.18.010, the department may consider each individual retrospective rating group as a single employing entity for purposes of dividends or premium discounts.[ 2005 c 410 § 1; 1999 c 7 § 8; 1989 c 49 § 1; 1980 c 129 § 4; 1977 ex.s. c 350 § 24; 1971 ex.s. c 289 § 16.]NOTES:Applicability—2005 c 410 § 1: "Section 1 of this act applies to industrial insurance rates adopted by the department of labor and industries that take effect on or after January 1, 2008." [ 2005 c 410 § 2.]Effective dates—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 289: See RCW 51.98.060 and 51.98.070.
WA Rev Code § 51.16.040 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.16 - Assessment and Collection of Premiums—Payrolls and Records.|51.16.040 - Occupational diseases.

RCW 51.16.040 Occupational diseases.The compensation and benefits provided for occupational diseases shall be paid and in the same manner as compensation and benefits for injuries under this title.[ 1971 ex.s. c 289 § 83; 1961 c 23 § 51.16.040. Prior: 1959 c 308 § 12; 1941 c 235 § 2; Rem. Supp. 1941 7679-1.]NOTES:Effective dates—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 289: See RCW 51.98.060 and 51.98.070.
WA Rev Code § 51.16.042 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.16 - Assessment and Collection of Premiums—Payrolls and Records.|51.16.042 - Occupational and environmental research facility.

RCW 51.16.042 Occupational and environmental research facility.Inasmuch as business, industry and labor desire to provide for testing, research, training and teaching facilities and consulting services at the University of Washington for industrial and occupational health for workers in the environmental research facility thereat, all employers shall bear their proportionate share of the cost therefor. The director may require payments to the department from all employers under this title and may make rules and regulations in connection therewith, which costs shall be paid from the department, in lieu of the previous provisions of RCW 28B.20.458.[ 1977 ex.s. c 350 § 25; 1971 ex.s. c 289 § 84; 1963 c 151 § 2.]NOTES:Effective dates—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 289: See RCW 51.98.060 and 51.98.070.Occupational and environmental research facility at University of Washington: RCW 28B.20.450 through 28B.20.458.
WA Rev Code § 51.16.060 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.16 - Assessment and Collection of Premiums—Payrolls and Records.|51.16.060 - Quarterly report of payrolls.

RCW 51.16.060 Quarterly report of payrolls.Every employer not qualifying as a self-insurer, shall insure with the state and shall, on or before the last day of January, April, July and October of each year thereafter, furnish the department with a true and accurate payroll for the period in which workers were employed by it during the preceding calendar quarter, the total amount paid to such workers during such preceding calendar quarter, and a segregation of employment in the different classes established pursuant to this title, and shall pay its premium thereon to the appropriate fund. Premiums for a calendar quarter, whether reported or not, shall become due and delinquent on the day immediately following the last day of the month following the calendar quarter. The sufficiency of such statement shall be subject to the approval of the director: PROVIDED, That the director may in his or her discretion and for the effective administration of this title require an employer in individual instances to furnish a supplementary report containing the name of each individual worker, his or her hours worked, his or her rate of pay and the class or classes in which such work was performed: PROVIDED FURTHER, That in the event an employer shall furnish the department with four consecutive quarterly reports wherein each such quarterly report indicates that no premium is due the department may close the account: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the department may promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW to establish other reporting periods and payment due dates in lieu of reports and payments following each calendar quarter, and may also establish terms and conditions for payment of premiums and assessments based on estimated payrolls, with such payments being subject to approval as to sufficiency of the estimated payroll by the department, and also subject to appropriate periodic adjustments made by the department based on actual payroll: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That a temporary help company which provides workers on a temporary basis to its customers shall be considered the employer for purposes of reporting and paying premiums and assessments under this title according to the appropriate rate classifications as determined by the department: PROVIDED, That the employer shall be liable for paying premiums and assessments, should the temporary help company fail to pay the premiums and assessments under this title.[ 1985 c 315 § 1; 1981 c 260 § 13. Prior: 1977 ex.s. c 350 § 26; 1977 ex.s. c 323 § 11; 1973 1st ex.s. c 32 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 289 § 76; 1965 ex.s. c 80 § 1; 1961 c 23 § 51.16.060; prior: 1959 c 308 § 14; 1957 c 70 § 47; prior: 1947 c 247 § 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 7676c, part.]NOTES:Severability—Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 323: See notes following RCW 51.04.040.Effective dates—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 289: See RCW 51.98.060 and 51.98.070.
WA Rev Code § 51.16.070 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 51 - Industrial Insurance|Chapter 51.16 - Assessment and Collection of Premiums—Payrolls and Records.|51.16.070 - Employer's records—Unified business identifier—Confidentiality.

RCW 51.16.070 Employer's records—Unified business identifier—Confidentiality.(1)(a) Every employer shall keep at his or her place of business a record of his or her employment from which the information needed by the department may be obtained and such record shall at all times be open to the inspection of the director, supervisor of industrial insurance, or the traveling auditors, agents, or assistants of the department, as provided in RCW 51.48.040.(b) An employer who contracts with another person or entity for work subject to chapter 18.27 or 19.28 RCW shall obtain and preserve a record of the unified business identifier account number for and the compensation paid to the person or entity performing the work. Failure to obtain or maintain the record is subject to RCW 39.06.010 and to a penalty under RCW 51.48.030.(2) Information obtained from employing unit records under the provisions of this title shall be deemed confidential and shall not be open to public inspection (other than to public employees in the performance of their official duties), but any interested party shall be supplied with information from such records to the extent necessary for the proper presentation of the case in question: PROVIDED, That any employing unit may authorize inspection of its records by written consent.[ 2008 c 120 § 5; 1997 c 54 § 3; 1961 c 23 § 51.16.070. Prior: 1957 c 70 § 48; prior: 1947 c 247 § 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 7676c, part.]NOTES:Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—2008 c 120: See notes following RCW 18.27.030.