(1) The department shall establish and administer a family leave insurance program and pay family leave insurance benefits as specified in this chapter.

     (2) The department shall establish procedures and forms for filing claims for benefits under this chapter. The department shall notify the employer within five business days of a claim being filed under RCW 49.86.030.

     (3) The department shall use information sharing and integration technology to facilitate the disclosure of relevant information or records by the employment security department, so long as an individual consents to the disclosure as required under RCW 49.86.030(4).

     (4) Information contained in the files and records pertaining to an individual under this chapter are confidential and not open to public inspection, other than to public employees in the performance of their official duties. However, the individual or an authorized representative of an individual may review the records or receive specific information from the records on the presentation of the signed authorization of the individual. An employer or the employer's duly authorized representative may review the records of an individual employed by the employer in connection with a pending claim. At the department's discretion, other persons may review records when such persons are rendering assistance to the department at any stage of the proceedings on any matter pertaining to the administration of this chapter.

     (5) The department shall develop and implement an outreach program to ensure that individuals who may be eligible to receive family leave insurance benefits under this chapter are made aware of these benefits. Outreach information shall explain, in an easy to understand format, eligibility requirements, the claims process, weekly benefit amounts, maximum benefits payable, notice requirements, reinstatement and nondiscrimination rights, confidentiality, and coordination of leave under this chapter and other laws, collective bargaining agreements, and employer policies. Outreach information shall be available in English and other primary languages as defined in RCW 74.04.025.

[2007 c 357 § 4.]

NOTES:

     Joint legislative task force -- 2007 c 357: See note following RCW 49.86.005.