Larry Hagel, Environmental Safety & Health Manager for Gonzaga University, presents at WSIA's Winter East Conference yesterday, demonstrating interactive training methods for accident prevention
Successful winter conference season wrapped up this week
We're just back in the office today from Spokane, where we held our Winter East conference yesterday. Over forty of our Eastern Washington-based colleagues joined together for a great day of networking and continuing education. A special word of thanks to our friends at Archbright and Associated Industries for helping make the program a success. Our next chance to get together in conference will be March 23rd in Bellevue at Spring Conference, and then back to central Washington for our Annual Conference May 9-11 in Wenatchee. Watch our Calendar of Events for more details as registration opens up for these programs.
Third week of legislative session closes with more hearings and votes
The Washington State Legislature wraps up the third week of its session today, and the hot topics we've been following for you continuing moving along. The Senate passed the Hanford workers' occupational disease bill last night on a broad 35-14 vote, suggesting that issue is a done deal for the year -- the House now just has to concur in the Senate amendment for it to go to the Governor. The Senate Labor Committee also moved along the occupational disease presumptions for police and fire for stress/PTSD and cancers, infections, and cardio-respiratory issues. One bright light, the bill WSIA supports to separate self-insured pension liabilities from the State Fund for purposes of discounting, received a public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, and is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Ways & Means Committee next Tuesday. Click here (member login req'd) to see this week's full legislative report and preview of next week's action.
Liaison Committee report available
WSIA's Liaison Committee held its most recent meeting with top brass from the Department's self-insurance section on Tuesday. A number of concerns and issues from the membership were brought up, and the normal performance and staffing reports were discussed. Take a look at the minutes from the meeting here (member login req'd). As a reminder, if you have issues you want the committee to bring up with the Department, don't hesitate to let us know. We're usually able to troubleshoot most things.
Health Policy News for Self-Insureds is out
Health Policy News for Self-Insureds, the bi-monthly newsletter-ette published by the Department's Office of Medical Director, is now out for January. This short read summarizes the recently completed and ongoing work of the OMD as it relates to treatment guidelines, coverage decisions, and health technology assessments. Take a look here.
Early info and key details for Annual Conference posted
After getting a lot of questions for information related to this year's Annual Conference, we've posted a webpage to make sure you know the essential details on timing, location, hotel, and more. The continuing ed program is being finalized now, and registration will open later next month or the first week of March, but you can already make your hotel reservation. Click here for the early info.
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