When the department approves a rehabilitation plan, the department will notify the worker in writing of their right to decline further vocational rehabilitation services and elect option 2 benefits. The worker must make an election within the time frame required in WAC 296-19A-600. When the worker elects option 2 benefits, the self-insurer must take the following action within five working days of receiving the worker's request:

1. (1) Submit a Self-Insurance Vocational Reporting Form to the department. The Self-Insurance Vocational Reporting Form must include:

   1. (a) The total vocational services costs paid since the date the worker was found eligible for services; and
   2. (b) The option 2 election form signed by the worker.
2. (2) Upon issuance of a department order confirming the option 2 election, terminate time-loss benefits effective the date of the department order with proper notification to the worker as required in WAC 296-15-425, and commence payment of option 2 benefits to the worker according to the established payment schedule. The first payment must be made no later than fifteen days after the date time-loss is terminated. Option 2 benefits may be paid before the department issues an order.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020. WSR 19-01-095, § 296-15-4316, filed 12/18/18, effective 7/1/19; WSR 16-21-074, § 296-15-4316, filed 10/18/16, effective 11/18/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, 51.32.095, 51.32.099 and 51.32.0991 (2007 c 72). WSR 08-06-058, § 296-15-4316, filed 2/29/08, effective 3/31/08.]