Bulletin: Changes to Washington State workers’ compensation laws

WSHA has released a bulletin on two important changes to workers’ compensation laws that will take effect in the coming months. On Sept. 1, 2020, penalties for noncompliance with workers’ compensation rules will increase to double their current amounts. Additionally, new laws regarding the circumstances and locations for independent medical exams (IME) will take effect Jan. 1, 2021. The new provisions specify the circumstances under which an IME may be performed. IME’s will also be required to take place in the injured workers’ community or via telemedicine.