CompFox AI Summary
Applicant Ariel Prudente sought removal of a WCJ's order to replace psychiatric Qualified Medical Evaluator (PQME) Dr. Peter Turek. The WCJ's decision stemmed from applicant's attorney providing "summaries and excerpts from the Kite decisions" to Dr. Turek, which was deemed a violation of Labor Code section 4062.3(b). The Appeals Board found that the WCJ's order lacked sufficient rationale and evidence of prejudice to justify Dr. Turek's replacement. Consequently, the Board granted the petition for removal, rescinded the WCJ's June 18, 2025 Findings and Order, and remanded the matter for further proceedings, emphasizing the need for less drastic measures than QME replacement.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
Applicant Ariel Prudente sought removal of a WCJ's order to replace psychiatric Qualified Medical Evaluator (PQME) Dr. Peter Turek. The WCJ's decision stemmed from applicant's attorney providing "summaries and excerpts from the Kite decisions" to Dr. Turek, which was deemed a violation of Labor Code section 4062.3(b). The Appeals Board found that the WCJ's order lacked sufficient rationale and evidence of prejudice to justify Dr. Turek's replacement. Consequently, the Board granted the petition for removal, rescinded the WCJ's June 18, 2025 Findings and Order, and remanded the matter for further proceedings, emphasizing the need for less drastic measures than QME replacement.
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