Workers’ Comp reform = better care, less costly system

2011 marks the centennial of Washington's Workers' Compensation program, also known as Industrial Insurance. It is a no-fault insurance program that pays medical costs and partially reimburses the lost wages of workers who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses.

Some big changes to the program are slated for the session, to help bring down costs and better protect injured workers. The first reform came Saturday night, when the House of Representatives passed a bill to provide better medical care to injured workers and reduce costs through a new health care provider network. It also expands the number of Centers for Occupational Health and Education - a proven method of getting workers back to work sooner.

"This will lower the cost both to workers and businesses by getting people back to work much quicker so that Washington's workforce and businesses are stronger as we move out of this recession," said the bill's sponsor and Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, Rep. Mike Sells.

The measure will save about $160 million over the next four years.

To get the details on this legislation, read the press release here.