(1) To provide start-up funding for the office of the ombudsman, 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 ombudsman 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.

[2007 c 281 § 10.]