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TITLE 8. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
DIVISION 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1. DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION-QUALIFIED MEDICAL EVALUATOR

Article 3. Assignment of Qualified Medical Evaluators, Evaluation Procedure
New query
§31.1. QME Panel Selection Disputes in Represented Cases.
(a) When the Medical Director receives two or more panel selection forms pursuant to Labor Code section 4062.2 on the same day and the forms designate different physician specialties for the QME panel, the Medical Director shall use the following procedures:

  1) If one party requests the same specialty as that of the treating physician, the panel shall be issued in the specialty of the treating physician unless the Medical Director is persuaded by supporting documentation provided by the requestor that explains the medical basis for the requested specialty;  


  2) If no party requests a panel in the specialty of the treating physician, the Medical Director shall select a specialty appropriate for the medical issue in dispute and issue a panel in that specialty.  


  3) Upon request by the Medical Director, the party requesting the panel shall provide additional medical records to assist the Medical Director in determining the appropriate specialty.  


(b) In the event a party in a represented case wishes to request a QME panel pursuant to Labor Code section 4062.2 in a specialty other than the specialty of the treating physician, the party shall submit with the panel request form any relevant documentation supporting the reason for requesting a different specialty.

(c) In the event the Medical Director is unable to issue a QME panel in a represented case within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the request, either party may seek an order from a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge that a QME panel be issued. Any such order shall specify the specialty of the QME panel or the party to be designated to select the specialty.


     Note: Authority cited: Sections 133, 139.2 and 5307.3, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 4060, 4061, 4062, 4062.2, 4064 and 4067, Labor Code.  


 HISTORY 
   
1. New section filed 1-13-2009; operative 2-17-2009 (Register 2009, No. 3). For prior history, see Register 2000, No. 15.

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