Section 296-15-272 - [Effective 7/1/2024] When intentional behavior is deemed a violation of the duty of good faith and fair dealing(1) If a self-insured employer (SIE) or third-party administrator (TPA) subject to the duty of good faith and fair dealing intentionally engages in any of the following actions, the SIE/TPA is in violation of its duty to engage in good faith and fair dealing if it fails to:(a) Provide a worker or beneficiary a SIF-2 or ability to file a claim pursuant to WAC 296-15-320 and 296-15-405, with the intent to interfere with the worker's ability to pursue benefits under Title 51 RCW.(b) Forward an application to reopen a claim within five working days of receipt pursuant to WAC 296-15-470, with the intent to interfere with the worker's ability to reopen a claim or pursuing further benefits.(c) Forward a protest or appeal to the department within five working days of receipt pursuant to RCW 51.14.120(2) and WAC 296-15-480, with the intent to interfere with the worker's ability to pursue a request for reconsideration, appeal, or further benefits.(2) It is a violation of the duty to engage in good faith and fair dealing to coerce a worker to accept less than the compensation due under Title 51 RCW.(3) Errors or delays that are inadvertent or minor are not a violation of the duty of good faith and fair dealing.Wash. Admin. Code § 296-15-272
Adopted by WSR 24-11-121, Filed 5/21/2024, effective 7/1/2024