One-page WA forms simplify the state process; system workflows & Epic automations are in the works.
As of June 6, Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) forms or requests received from patients or their family caregivers need to be completed and returned to them within seven calendar days, per a new state law. (Note, this is separate from federal FMLA requests.)
Physicians, APPs/APCs, LCSWs, physical therapists, MAs, RNs, PSRs/PCCs, schedulers, core leaders and more can all help in this effort.
Key Points to the New State Law
- The seven-day clock begins when a patient submits the state PFML request/authorization to certify a serious health condition, AND we have all the information required to do so.
- A follow-up appointment may be required to gather information in some cases.
- Any documentation required to affirm the serious health condition should be included in our response.
- We cannot bill for completion of the form. We can bill, however, for appointments required to gather information for completing the form.
- If the physician/clinician does not think the health condition qualifies as serious, we do not need to complete the process.
Providence is preparing workflows, Epic automations and other tools to help simplify the required turnaround of these requests. These tools are expected in the coming months.
For now, use these simplified one-page state forms to support leave requests:
One-page Forms and Recommended Use
When state leave is requested, return these forms to patients, within the seven-day deadline:
