Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-17 WAC, General reporting rules, audit and recordkeeping, rates and rating system for workers' compensation insurance; chapter 296-17A WAC, Classifications for Washington workers' compensation insurance; and chapter 296-17B WAC, Retrospective rating for workers' compensation insurance.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.16.035.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Labor and industries is required by law to establish and maintain a workers' compensation classification plan. This plan classifies all occupations or industries within the state and sets basic rates of premium that are distributed fairly for these classifications (RCW 51.16.035). The department determined that certain rules are in need of revision to ensure the plan is clear and accurate.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state, local or federal agency regulates this subject.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will solicit input from the business community by way of direct mailings, the internet, informal public meetings, or more than one of these. Labor and industries will use this input to formulate proposed changes to the existing rules and advise customers of future rule making by direct mailing, the internet, or both.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Labor and industries will mail letters with possible rule changes to affected employers. Employers will be encouraged to participate in the process, to share ideas, and attend meetings. Employers can obtain information on our rule-making process at http://www.lni.wa.gov/LawRule/ruleProcess.asp and can submit comments electronically to joanne.attwood@lni.wa.gov or by calling (360) 902-4777, or by fax (360) 902-4729.

January 22, 2013

Joel Sacks

Director