L&I to Launch Return-to-Work Program; Savings Uncertain

By Greg Jones, Western Bureau ChiefThe Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) will launch in May a program intended to improve return-to-work performance by subsidizing 50% of wages paid to disabled workers brought back to light or modified duty.L&I on April 17 adopted final rules to implement the new program, which was a key component of reform legislation passed by lawmakers last year. Provisions in House Bill 2123, which went into effect immediately when Gov. Christine Gregoire signed it on June 15, authorized structured settlements for injured workers 55 or older, elim...