L&I Considering Rules Changes for Acupuncture Pilot

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 | 0

The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries published in the Washington State Register a preproposal statement of inquiry announcing possible rule-making to implement an acupuncture pilot program that goes live Oct. 1.

The Sept. 5 notice in the administrative register notes that L&I decided to launch a pilot to determine whether the work comp system should cover acupuncture. Current regulations state that neither L&I nor self-insured employers can pay for acupuncture services.

“Under this pilot, these current provisions related to acupuncture treatment and acupuncturists will be waived only for pilot participants,” the department said in the preproposal statement of inquiry. “The pilot will begin Oct. 1, 2017, and will continue throughout a two-year period or as otherwise specified. Pilot program results will be considered in developing proposed rule language, medical coverage decisions and/or payment policy. L&I has determined that such a waiver is in the public interest and necessary to conduct this pilot project."

The department said interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jami Lifka, Medical Program Specialist, L&I, Office of the Medical Director, P.O. Box 44321, Olympia, WA 98504-4321. Lifka can also be reached by phone at 360-902-4941, by fax at 360-902-6315 and by email at Jami.Lifka@Lni.wa.gov.

The department said those wanting information related to the pilot program requirements and how to participate can contact Zachary Gray at 360-902-5025 or Zachary.Gray@Lni.wa.gov.

People can also subscribe to the acupuncture pilot listserv here.

Additional information can be found on L&I’s acupuncture pilot website, here.