Bill > AB1293

This bill modifies California's workers' compensation system by requiring the administrative director of the Division of Workers' Compensation to develop two new standardized forms: a template Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) report form and a medical evaluation request form. A QME is a medical professional who conducts comprehensive medical-legal evaluations to resolve disputes in workers' compensation claims. The bill specifies that while these forms must include all necessary statutory and regulatory requirements, using the template QME report form does not automatically mean the report is complete or compliant. The medical evaluation request form will be used for communication with panel QMEs before an evaluation, but parties will still retain the right to submit additional relevant information. The Division of Workers' Compensation is mandated to adopt regulations implementing these provisions by January 1, 2027, using the standard Administrative Procedure Act process. This bill aims to standardize and potentially streamline the medical evaluation process in workers' compensation disputes by creating uniform documentation templates.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1293