Initial health plan enrollment periods

[Guest Pamela Harding]

I have a question for anyone who can direct me. Is there any requirement (federal or state, specifically Washington State) to allow new employees a grace period to select their initial health benefit plans? This concerns whether or not a company can require that enrollment forms be submitted immediately (i.e., 3 days) or is there some other time frame? This question does not go to eligibility, just how much time an employee must have to submit their enrollment forms.

Thanks!