CompFox AI Summary
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of a WCJ's decision that overturned the Medical Unit's denial of a specialty change for a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) panel. The WCAB found that while they have jurisdiction to review Medical Unit decisions, the applicant did not meet the standard for vacating the chiropractic QME panel. The WCAB held that a chiropractor can evaluate disputed medical issues, even with referrals to other specialists, as long as they stay within their scope of practice and report any issues outside their expertise. Therefore, the WCAB rescinded the WCJ's order and directed the parties to utilize the original chiropractic QME panel.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of a WCJ's decision that overturned the Medical Unit's denial of a specialty change for a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) panel. The WCAB found that while they have jurisdiction to review Medical Unit decisions, the applicant did not meet the standard for vacating the chiropractic QME panel. The WCAB held that a chiropractor can evaluate disputed medical issues, even with referrals to other specialists, as long as they stay within their scope of practice and report any issues outside their expertise. Therefore, the WCAB rescinded the WCJ's order and directed the parties to utilize the original chiropractic QME panel.
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