AGO Opinion Topics: LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS

(1) The costs of operation of a county disability board established pursuant to RCW 41.26.110 (2), including the costs of medical examinations of applicants for disability retirement allowances under RCW 41.26.120 (1), are to be paid out of the county current expense fund.(2) A board of county commissioners may authorize the expenditure of monies in its current expense fund to meet the costs of operation of a county disability board during the current fiscal year on the basis of the procedures set forth in RCW 36.40.180 relating to nondebatable emergencies.(3) A county disability board is not authorized or required under RCW 41.26.150 (1) to determine what medical insurance coverage should be provided by each employer under its jurisdiction with respect to the law enforcement officers and firefighters employed by each such employer.(4) A county disability board is required to designate the hospital and medical services which are to be available to a sick or disabled law enforcement officer or firefighter under its jurisdiction; and it is authorized to determine his physical condition for the purpose of ascertaining the nature and extent of his sickness or disability.