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PDFWAC 296-15-272

When intentional behavior is deemed a violation of the duty of good faith and fair dealing.

(1) If a self-insured employer (SIE) or third-party administrator (TPA) subject to the duty of good faith and fair dealing intentionally engages in any of the following actions, the SIE/TPA is in violation of its duty to engage in good faith and fair dealing if it fails to:
(a) Provide a worker or beneficiary a SIF-2 or ability to file a claim pursuant to WAC 296-15-320 and 296-15-405, with the intent to interfere with the worker's ability to pursue benefits under Title 51 RCW.
(b) Forward an application to reopen a claim within five working days of receipt pursuant to WAC 296-15-470, with the intent to interfere with the worker's ability to reopen a claim or pursuing further benefits.
(c) Forward a protest or appeal to the department within five working days of receipt pursuant to RCW 51.14.120(2) and WAC 296-15-480, with the intent to interfere with the worker's ability to pursue a request for reconsideration, appeal, or further benefits.
(2) It is a violation of the duty to engage in good faith and fair dealing to coerce a worker to accept less than the compensation due under Title 51 RCW.
(3) Errors or delays that are inadvertent or minor are not a violation of the duty of good faith and fair dealing.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.14.090, 51.14.095, and 51.14.180. WSR 24-11-121, ยง 296-15-272, filed 5/21/24, effective 7/1/24.]