Rep. Peter Abbarno proposes and supports reforms focused on fairness, transparency, and access to care in Washington’s workers’ compensation system
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Rep. Peter Abbarno proposes and supports reforms focused on fairness, transparency, and access to care in Washington’s workers’ compensation system
As injured workers navigate Washington’s workers’ compensation system, delays, confusion, and disputes over medical evaluations can slow recovery and undermine confidence in a system meant to support people when they are most vulnerable. At the same time, providers and employers face administrative hurdles that complicate care delivery and drive up costs.
With a focus on fairness, transparency, and access to care, Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, has introduced House Bill 2336 and is a cosponsor of House Bill 2218, two complementary pieces of legislation designed to modernize and improve access, transparency, and efficiency within the workers’ compensation system.
HB 2336 focuses on improving the independent medical examination (IME) process by allowing injured workers to record examinations using a secure, Department of Labor and Industries-approved, application-based third-party platform. The bill establishes clear, uniform standards for recording IMEs while protecting patient privacy, ensuring accuracy, and preventing disputes over what occurred during an examination.
“Independent medical exams can play a critical role in a worker’s claim, but too often the process becomes a point of conflict instead of clarity,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “My bill is about fairness and transparency. When everyone is working from the same accurate record, we reduce disputes, protect patient privacy, and help claims move forward efficiently.”
Under HB 2336, recordings would be securely stored, protected from tampering or misuse, and accessible only in accordance with defined rules. This balances worker rights with the integrity of medical evaluations and safeguards for sensitive information.
Building on these principles of fairness and access, Abbarno is also a cosponsor of HB 2218, which examines how injured workers access medical care within the workers’ compensation system. This bill strengthens provider network standards, reinforces a worker’s right to choose medical providers, and addresses access gaps when network providers are not reasonably available. Together, the two bills aim to improve both the quality of care and the overall experience for injured workers while reducing unnecessary administrative friction.
“These bills are meant to work together,” Abbarno added. “HB 2218 focuses on access to care, while HB 2336 ensures the medical evaluation process itself is fair, transparent, and trusted. When the system works better, workers get care sooner, providers can focus on treatment, and employers benefit from faster, more reliable outcomes.”
Both HB 2336 and 2218 have been referred to the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee for further consideration.
