# WAC 296-20-045: WAC 296-20-045. Consultation requirements

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_045

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 296-20-045
- **Heading:** WAC 296-20-045. Consultation requirements
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 296 / Chapter 296-20 / Section 296-20-045

## Text

In the event of complication, controversy, or dispute over the treatment aspects of any claim, the department or self-insurer will not authorize treatment until the attending doctor has arranged a consultation with a qualified doctor with experience and expertise on the subject, and the department or self-insurer has received notification of the findings and recommendations of the consultant.
This consultation must be arranged in accordance with WAC 296-20-051 .
Consultations are also required in the following situations:
(1) All nonemergent major surgery on a patient with serious medical, emotional or social problems which are likely to complicate recovery.
(2) All procedures of a controversial nature or type not in common use for the specific condition.
(3) Surgical cases where there are complications or unfavorable circumstances such as age, preexisting conditions or interference with occupational requirements, etc.
(4) If the attending doctor, the department, self-insurer, or authorized department representative requests a consultation.
(5) Conservative care, (e.g., nonsurgical cases) extending past one hundred twenty days following initial visit. Such consultation may be with a chiropractic or a medical or osteopathic consultant.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 296-20-010 WAC 296-20-010. General information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_010.md)
- [WAC 296-20-015 WAC 296-20-015. Who may treat](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_015.md)
- [WAC 296-20-020 WAC 296-20-020. Acceptance of rules and fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_020.md)
- [WAC 296-20-022 WAC 296-20-022. Payment of out-of-state providers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_022.md)
- [WAC 296-20-023 WAC 296-20-023. Third-party settlement—Excess recoveries](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_023.md)
- [WAC 296-20-024 WAC 296-20-024. Utilization management](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_024.md)
- [WAC 296-20-025 WAC 296-20-025. Initiating treatment and submitting a claim for benefits](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_025.md)
- [WAC 296-20-030 WAC 296-20-030. Treatment not requiring authorization for accepted conditions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_030.md)
- [WAC 296-20-035 WAC 296-20-035. Treatment in cases that remain open beyond 60 days](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_035.md)
- [WAC 296-20-045 WAC 296-20-045. Consultation requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_045.md)
- [WAC 296-20-051 WAC 296-20-051. Consultations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_051.md)
- [WAC 296-20-055 WAC 296-20-055. Limitation of treatment and temporary treatment of unrelated conditions when retarding recovery](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_055.md)
- [WAC 296-20-065 WAC 296-20-065. Transfer of providers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_065.md)
- [WAC 296-20-071 WAC 296-20-071. Concurrent treatment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_071.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_296_20_045. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.