A new Surgical Knee Guideline for WA State Workers’ Compensation claims has been proposed.  It is an in-depth, step-by-step, breakdown of the criteria for authorization of treatment.  The proposed guidelines are subject to public comment.  The window for comment is now open through 5:00pm on Monday, April 11, 2016.  The public may comment by mail, fax, or email.  Details for comment. 

The Department’s Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee and its Surgical Knee Guideline Subcommittee developed this treatment guideline as a best practice standard for surgical treatment of certain knee conditions. Providers who are in the department’s Medical Provider Network are required to follow this guideline as it applies to the treatment they provide to injured workers.  

A draft of the Surgical Knee Guideline will be presented to the Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee in an open public meeting on April 28, 2016 (see the L&I website for meeting details). The department’s response to all public comments will be available, and there will be time on the agenda for public testimony.