Senate Passes Medical Treatment Bill

The Washington Senate passed a bill that would declare the intent of the Legislature to increase access to medical treatment and allow individualized determinations about the necessity of treatment for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. SB 5847 would clarify that existing requirements for providers to adhere to specific treatment guidelines and policies would apply only when medically appropriate.  Providers who are part of the L&I network must agree to follow national treatment guidelines, evidence-based treatment guidelines promulgated by the Department of Labor and Ind...