RCW 51.14.360
Ombuds liability—Discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions—Communications privileged and confidential—Testimony.
(1) No ombuds is liable for good faith performance of responsibilities under this chapter.
(2) No discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory action may be taken against any employee of a self-insured employer for any communication made, or information given or disclosed, to assist the ombuds in carrying out its duties and responsibilities, unless the same was done maliciously. This subsection is not intended to infringe on the rights of the employer to supervise, discipline, or terminate an employee for other reasons.
(3) All communications by the ombuds, if reasonably related to the requirements of his or her responsibilities under this chapter and done in good faith, are privileged and confidential, and this shall serve as a defense to any action in libel or slander.
(4) Representatives of the office of the ombuds are exempt from being required to testify as to any privileged or confidential matters except as the court may deem necessary to enforce this chapter.
[ 2013 c 23 § 111; 2007 c 281 § 7.]
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 51 - Industrial Insurance
Chapter 51.14 - Self-Insurers.
51.14.010 - Duty to secure payment of compensation—Options.
51.14.030 - Certification of employer as self-insurer.
51.14.040 - Surety liability—Termination.
51.14.050 - Termination of status—Notice—Financial requirements.
51.14.060 - Default by self-insurer—Authority of director—Liability for reimbursement.
51.14.070 - Payments upon default.
51.14.077 - Self-insurers' insolvency trust—Assessments—Rules.
51.14.080 - Withdrawal of certification—Grounds.
51.14.090 - Withdrawal of certification, corrective action upon employees' petition.
51.14.095 - Corrective action—Appeal.
51.14.100 - Notice of compliance to be posted—Penalty.
51.14.120 - Copy of claim file—Notice of protest or appeal—Medical report.
51.14.130 - Request for claim resolution—Time.
51.14.140 - Violations of disclosure or request for resolution—Order by director.
51.14.160 - School districts, ESDs, or hospitals as self-insurers—Rules—Scope.
51.14.170 - Administration of claims—Third-party administrators.
51.14.300 - Ombuds office created—Appointment—Open and competitive contracting.
51.14.310 - Ombuds—Term of office—Removal—Vacancies.
51.14.320 - Ombuds—Training or experience qualifications.
51.14.330 - Ombuds office—Staffing level.
51.14.340 - Ombuds office—Powers and duties.
51.14.350 - Ombuds office—Referral procedures—Department response to referred complaints.
51.14.370 - Confidentiality of ombuds records and files—Disclosure prohibited—Exception.
51.14.380 - Explaining ombuds program—Posters and brochures.