Washington Finally Got a Work Comp Law Correct

It's about time!  Just read an article over at Work Comp Program for Employees that details new legislation in Washington.  The post explains many new benefits of the program and changes to the worker's compensation system that will possibly "Save $1 billion over the next four years".

What's most important is that the injured worker has finally been taken in consideration when creating a workman's compensation program or new legislation.  The patient's interest are rarely sought out because policy makers are lobbied by the work comp insurance carriers and the medical industry.

In many states, it is extremely difficult to locate a workmans comp treating physician as described at Work Comp Doctors.

The vast majority of family practice doctors and primary care physicians do not treat for worker's comp injuries. For doctors to treat these injured employees, they must first be approved and listed on the State Approved Doctors List. Most physicians and their medical office don't have the appropriate staff to handle the workload associated with workman's comp treatment reimbursements.  In many of the states, pre-authorization is required for office visits, physical therapy, diagnostics and etc.  This pre-auth step can take hours of paperwork and phone time resulting in lower profit margins due to the cost of doing business.  Plus, in many cases, the claim is denied regardless of the severity of the on the job injury.

However, Washington legislation solved this problem.  Another Washington bill was passed earlier this year that ensures that future injured employees will be provided the highest quality of care due to a "Statewide medical provider network to treat injured workers".  Please add anything I missed below.