WAC 296-15-4316   What must the self-insurer do when the worker declines further vocational rehabilitation services and elects option 2 benefits?  When the department approves a rehabilitation plan, the worker will be notified in writing of their right to decline further vocational rehabilitation services and elect option 2 benefits within fifteen calendar days. When the worker elects option 2 benefits, the self-insurer must take the following action within five working days of receiving the worker's request:

     (1) Terminate time-loss benefits with proper notification to the worker as required in WAC 296-15-420(9);

     (2) Establish the total amount of the option 2 award and a payment schedule for the option 2 benefits that begins the date time-loss is terminated;

     (3) Submit a Self-Insurance Vocational Reporting Form to the department. The Self-Insurance Vocational Reporting Form must include:

     (a) The total vocational services costs paid since the date the worker was found eligible for services;

     (b) The option 2 election form signed by the worker; and

     (c) Documentation that includes the total amount of the option 2 award and payment schedule; and

     (4) Commence payment of option 2 benefits to the worker according to the established payment schedule. The first payment must be made no later than fifteen days after the date time-loss is terminated. Option 2 benefits may be paid before the department issues an order.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, 51.32.095, 51.32.099 and 51.32.0991 (2007 c 72). 08-06-058, § 296-15-4316, filed 2/29/08, effective 3/31/08.]