PAULA EASTON vs. THE PERMANENTE MEDICAL GROUP, INC., ATHENS ADMINISTRATORS
Paula Easton, the applicant, claims an industrial injury sustained while employed by The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. The workers' compensation administrative law judge (WCJ) initially found her request for a qualified medical evaluator (QME) panel invalid because it was filed simultaneously with the claim form, contrary to Labor Code section 4060. Easton petitioned for reconsideration, arguing that the statute does not prohibit simultaneous filing and request. The Appeals Board granted the petition for reconsideration, deferring a final decision on the merits for further review and consideration of the entire record.