As the result of a new law, psychologists can be attending providers (AP) for workers compensation cases with solely mental health conditions. This change will be effective July 1, 2025.

Changes going into effect include:

• Psychologists currently providing care must join the MPN in order to continue treating workers as they do today.
• Psychologists treating workers with physical injuries must also join the MPN to continue delivering care after June 30, 2025.
• Psychologists who do not join the L&I MPN will be limited to performing initial visits on solely mental health cases. Psychologists will not be able to conduct an initial visit if any physical conditions are contended.
• Psychologists can be an Attending Provider (AP) on solely mental health workers compensation cases.

Application processing for psychologists is now open. To allow time for credentialing and avoid payment denials, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Psychologists fall into three categories for the application process. Choose the scenario that applies to you and follow the instructions provided:

Psychologists who have an active L&I provider account

Complete these required forms and attachments:

1. Complete the following forms:
   • Washington Practitioner - Attestation (F245-479-000)
   • Authorization and Release of Information (F245-480-000)
   • Provider Agreement (F245-397-000)
2. Include proof of:
   • Training and Education (CV, copy of transcripts, or copy of diploma)
   • Malpractice Insurance 
3. Include your NPI number on forms and in email message.
4. Email the forms and documents to: PsychologistAP@Lni.wa.gov

Psychologists who are new to L&I or no longer have an active account

Complete these required forms and attachments:

1. Apply electronically through ProviderOne
2. Complete the following forms:
   • Washington Practitioner - Attestation (F245-479-000)
   • Authorization and Release of Information (F245-480-000)
   • Provider Agreement (F245-397-000)
3. Include proof of:
   • Training and Education (CV, copy of transcripts, or copy of diploma)
   • Malpractice Insurance 
4. Include your NPI number on forms and in email message.
5. Email the forms and documents to: PsychologistAP@Lni.wa.gov

Psychologists who belong to delegate organizations

If you work for one of these organizations, no actions are needed.

• Confluence Health (Wenatchee Valley Medical & Central Health Association)
• Evergreen Health
• Franciscan Health
• Kaiser WA & Kaiser NW
• MultiCare
• Optum Care (The Everett Clinic and Polyclinic)
• Pacific Medical Clinics
• PeaceHealth
• Proliance Surgeons
• Providence Health & Services
• Skagit Regional Health
• Swedish Medical Group
• UW Med UW Physicians
• UW Med University of Washington
• UW Medicine Harborview
• UW Med Valley Medical Center
• Virginia Mason
• Western Washington Medical Group
• Yakima Valley Farm Workers

Questions?

Email: PsychologistAP@Lni.wa.gov

Attending Provider Role Definition

Psychologists will be able to serve as attending providers (APs) on cases solely for mental health beginning July 1, 2025. On worker compensation claims for solely mental health conditions, psychologist attending providers can:

• File Report of Accident
• Certify time-loss and set work restrictions
• Perform consultations
• Facilitate return to work
• Refer for other treatment
• Determine maximum medical improvement (MMI)
• Review and comment on job analyses
• File reopening applications
• Perform initial mental health evaluations
• Respond to independent medical examinations (IMEs) concurrence letters

Psychologist APs cannot do impairment ratings.

Psychologists can soon be Attending Providers!

A new law will allow psychologists to serve as attending providers (AP) on workers’ compensation cases with solely mental health conditions. In this role, you will direct and coordinate patient care and actively participate in helping workers return to work. Like our medical peers, this new role requires us to join L&I’s Medical Provider Network (MPN) to provide ongoing or concurrent care. For those of you who are currently treating workers, even if you do not plan to serve as APs, you will need to join the MPN to continue providing the care you currently deliver.

The enrollment tab on this webpage describes what you need to do to join the MPN. I urge you to get your MPN application materials in as soon as you can as missing the deadline will stop payments and authorizations. We want to ensure continuity of care for your patients. Please apply timely and remember, we are here to help you.

As L&I’s first Associate Medical Director for Psychology, I’m excited to represent our profession in policy discussions and decisions. A major part of my job is to improve mental healthcare delivery to Washington workers and support providers.

Throughout my career as a rehabilitation psychologist, I’ve focused on improving health, quality of life, and outcomes after injury, illness, and chronic health conditions. I’ve worked in public health, academic medicine, and independent practice settings. Having been an L&I provider, I understand the challenges our mental healthcare providers experience balancing patient care and workers’ compensation requirements.

Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,

Jennifer Jutte, PhD, ABPP, MPH
Board Certified in Rehabilitation Psychology
Associate Medical Director for Psychology
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries