WAC 296-16-150   What benefits do eligible employers receive from the "preferred worker" program?  (1) Eligible employers insured with the state fund who hire a certified "preferred worker," or who reemploy a certified "preferred worker" with developmental disabilities:

     (a) Do not pay accident fund and medical aid fund premiums for that worker during the "preferred worker" certification period; and

     (b) Will not have the cost of any new claim filed by that worker charged to their experience rating, if the claim is for a new injury sustained or an occupational disease diagnosed during the "preferred worker" certification period.

     (2) Eligible self-insured employers who hire a certified "preferred worker," or who reemploy a certified "preferred worker" with developmental disabilities, will receive reimbursement from the second injury fund for all benefits paid on any new claim filed by that worker, if the claim is for a new injury sustained or an occupational disease diagnosed during the "preferred worker" certification period.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.010, 51.04.020 and 2004 c 258. 05-01-105, § 296-16-150, filed 12/15/04, effective 1/15/05.]