WSIA Weekly, 5.8.15

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Greetings from the "Wild World of Workers' Compensation!"
WSIA's 2015 Annual Conference, the "Wild World," wraps up today in the Tri-Cities. It's been an outstanding few days of sun, golf, wine touring, and of course top level networking and professional development. We're so grateful for our attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors for making this such a great conference. If you couldn't make it over, check out #WSIA2015 on social media for some highlights!

WSIA-supported bills signed into law Wednesday
Governor Jay Inslee took action Wednesday on Senate Bill 5510 and Senate Bill 5468, both WSIA-supported legislative priorties. As you've been hearing over the course of the legislative session, SB 5510 creates the "Benefits Accuracy Working Group" at L&I, a business-labor-department collaborative meant to look at solutions to wage calculation problems. SB 5468, among other things, authorizes the Department and self-insurers to develop one-time improvement projects and devote administrative funding to the without having to go through the legislative budgeting process. WSIA lobbyist Christine Brewer joined other supporters at the bill signing for WSIA while we're over at the Annual Conference.

Governor Inslee congratulates WSIA lobbyist Christine Brewer upon the enactment of SB 5510

Governor Inslee signs SB 5468 into law, as supporters from WSIA, the Department of Labor & Industries, Association of Washington Business, the Washington Food Industry, Washington Farm Bureau, and Washington Retail Association look on.

Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals announces listserv
The Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals has asked us to publicize that they have recently set up a listserv where individuals can sign up to receive email updates and news such as CLE dates, information on changes in procedures or rules, and requests for input on agency process improvements. Interested individuals can sign up for the listserv by clicking this link or at www.biia.wa.gov.

Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals Chair's term expiring
Speaking of the BIIA, Chair Dave Threedy's six-year term expires next month. The Governor's office has asked the Association of Washington Business to work with other stakeholders and the Washington State Labor Council on the statutory process for appointment to the chair position. The statute contemplates a list of three names submitted by business and labor from which the Governor makes an appointment. Chair Threedy is seeking re-appointment for another six-year term. Stay tuned for more information as a nomination process is developed and, if you have comments or even alternative nominations for this important position, feel free to contact me.

Next week: Webinar -- Getting a Grip on Psychiatric Diagnoses in Workers' Comp, May 14

Webinar -- The Aging Workforce: Will Your Company Adapt? May 19