Payment of Medical Bills are “Benefits” as Contemplated by RCW Title 51

In re: James Coston (tentative), BIIA Dec. 11 12310 (2012): The Department issued an Order denying a penalty request for an employer’s alleged delay in payment of medical benefits. The Board reversed the Order, determining that payment of medical bills are “benefits” as contemplated by RCW Title 51.

Summary:  This case overrules In re John Meyer, BIIA Dec. 03 14702 (2004), and gives the Department authority to penalize employers for unreasonable delay in payment of medical bills.