At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we help injured workers across Washington navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system. A new law—SB 5847—brings important changes that improve access to care, strengthen worker rights, and increase accountability in the system.
If you’ve been hurt on the job call Althauser Rayan Abbarno at (360) 736-1301 for a FREE injury consultation.
🔍 What Is SB 5847?
SB 5847 updates Washington’s workers’ compensation laws under the Industrial Insurance Act. The law focuses on:
- Protecting your right to choose your doctor
- Expanding access to medical treatment
- Reducing delays in care approvals
- Improving claims management efficiency
- Strengthening enforcement against employer misconduct
These changes are designed to put injured workers first.
⚖️ Your Right to Choose Your Doctor—Now Stronger
Under SB 5847, employers cannot require or pressure you to see a specific doctor or clinic.
The law:
- Prohibits coercion, including threats or retaliation
- Requires the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to investigate violations
- Imposes penalties on employers who break the rules
✅ Why This Matters
You can choose a provider you trust—not one chosen for you.
🏥 Better Access to Medical Care (Even Outside the Network)
If you cannot find an approved provider within 25 miles, SB 5847 allows you to:
- Notify L&I or your employer
- Receive help finding a provider within strict deadlines
- Seek treatment from a non-network provider if none are available
✅ Why This Matters
You don’t have to delay treatment just because a provider isn’t nearby.
⏱️ Faster Approval for Treatment
The Utilization Review (UR) process must now be completed within 10 business days.
If the deadline is missed:
➡️ Your treatment is automatically approved
✅ Why This Matters
Less waiting. Faster care. Better recovery.
🩺 More Personalized Medical Treatment
Doctors can now deviate from standard treatment guidelines when medically appropriate.
✅ Why This Matters
Your care can be tailored to your specific injury—not limited by rigid rules.
🔄 Continued Treatment After Claim Closure
SB 5847 expands access to care even after your claim is closed:
- Applies to permanent partial disability cases
- Covers ongoing medical needs, including cancer monitoring
- Removes some pre-approval requirements
✅ Why This Matters
Serious injuries don’t always end when a claim closes—and now your care doesn’t have to either.
📊 Improved Claims Management = Faster Decisions
The law allows L&I to hire more claims managers to reduce caseloads to about 141 claims per manager.
✅ Why This Matters
- Faster claim decisions
- Better communication
- Fewer delays and errors
🚫 Stronger Penalties for Employer Violations
Employers who violate worker protections may face:
- Financial penalties
- Loss of program benefits
- Findings of bad faith
✅ Why This Matters
You are better protected if your employer acts unfairly.
👩⚖️ How This Law Helps Our Clients
At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we already see how SB 5847 can make a difference by:
- Helping clients access care faster
- Protecting their choice of doctor
- Challenging improper denials or delays
- Securing long-term medical and disability benefits
Even with these improvements, the system can still be difficult to navigate alone.
🌎 FREE Spanish Consultations / Consultas en Español
Our attorneys proudly offer consultations in Spanish to better serve Washington’s diverse workforce.
Hablamos español.
Si usted sufrió una lesión en el trabajo, podemos ayudarle a entender sus derechos y obtener los beneficios que merece.
📞 Talk to our Workers’ Compensation Attorney for FREE
Contact Althauser Rayan Abbarno today at (360) 736-1301 to:
- Review your claim
- Protect your benefits
- Get the care you need
Recent Comments