Chapter 4.5. Division of Workers' Compensation
Subchapter 2. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board--Rules and Practice Procedure
Article 9. Evidence and Reports

§10603. Oversized Exhibits, Diagnostic Imaging, Physical Exhibits, and Exhibits on Media.

(a) The following exhibits shall be filed only at the time of trial:

(1) Oversized documents, other than medical reports, that are: (A) larger than 11 x 17 inches (e.g., maps, diagrams, and schematic drawings) or (B) over 25 pages in length;

(2) Diagnostic imaging, including but not limited to any X-ray, computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, mammography, ultrasound, or other similar medical imaging that is stored on digital, film, or other non-paper media;

(3) Original business or office records;

(4) Physical objects or other tangible things;

(5) Any CD-ROM, DVD, or other digital media, including but not limited to: (A) digital photographs; (B) digital video recordings; and (C) digital audio recordings;

(6) Videotapes, audiotapes, films and other non-digital video and/or audio recordings or images; and

(7) Photographs printed on paper.

(b) Unless otherwise ordered by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, any exhibit listed in subdivision (a) that is offered into evidence (whether or not admitted into evidence) shall be retained by the filing party (or an agent of the filing party) until the later of either: (1) five years after the filing of the initial application for adjudication (or other case opening document) or (2) at least six months after all appeals have been exhausted or the time for seeking appellate review has expired with respect to the decision on the issue(s) for which the exhibit was offered in evidence. After expiration of the later of these two time periods, the party may destroy the exhibit, unless the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board has ordered that the exhibit be preserved for a longer period.

(c) Before and during the period of retention, the filing party shall:

(1) Maintain the exhibit under conditions that will protect it against loss, destruction, or tampering, and that will preserve its quality and integrity as far as practicable;

(2) At the request of any other party to the action, promptly permit the party to inspect or view the exhibit; and

(3) At the request of any other party to the action, and if practicable, promptly furnish the party a copy of the exhibit or promptly permit the party to make a copy.

For purposes of subsection (c), the term "exhibit" shall include any item listed in subsection (a), whether or not the party or lien claimant in possession or control of that item intends to offer it in evidence.

(d) Any disputes regarding subdivision (c), including but not limited to issues of timing and costs, may be submitted for determination to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.

   Note: Authority cited: Sections 133, 5307, 5309 and 5708, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 5309, 5701, 5703, 5704 and 5708, Labor Code

 HISTORY 

   

1. New section filed 11-17-2008; operative 11-17-2008. Submitted to OAL for printing only (Register 2008, No. 47).