RCW 51.32.112
Medical examination—Standards and criteria—Special examinations by chiropractors—Compensation guidelines and reporting criteria.
(1) The department shall develop standards for the conduct of special medical examinations to determine permanent disabilities, including, but not limited to:
(a) The qualifications of persons conducting the examinations;
(b) The criteria for conducting the examinations, including guidelines for the appropriate treatment of injured workers during the examination; and
(c) The content of examination reports.
(2) Within the appropriate scope of practice, chiropractors licensed under chapter 18.25 RCW may conduct special medical examinations to determine permanent disabilities in consultation with physicians licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW. The department, in its discretion, may request that a special medical examination be conducted by a single chiropractor if the department determines that the sole issues involved in the examination are within the scope of practice under chapter 18.25 RCW. However, nothing in this section authorizes the use as evidence before the board of a chiropractor's determination of the extent of a worker's permanent disability if the determination is not requested by the department.
(3) The department shall investigate the amount of examination fees received by persons conducting special medical examinations to determine permanent disabilities, including total compensation received for examinations of department and self-insured claimants, and establish compensation guidelines and compensation reporting criteria.
(4) The department shall investigate the level of compliance of self-insurers with the requirement of full reporting of claims information to the department, particularly with respect to medical examinations, and develop effective enforcement procedures or recommendations for legislation if needed.
[ 1993 c 515 § 4; 1988 c 114 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—1988 c 114: "It is the intent of the legislature that medical examinations for determining permanent disabilities be conducted fairly and objectively by qualified examiners and with respect for the dignity of the injured worker." [ 1988 c 114 § 1.]
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 51 - Industrial Insurance
Chapter 51.32 - Compensation—Right to and Amount.
51.32.010 - Who entitled to compensation.
51.32.015 - Time and place of coverage—Lunch period.
51.32.020 - Who not entitled to compensation.
51.32.025 - Payments for children cease at age eighteen—Exceptions.
51.32.030 - When compensation payable to employer or member of corporate employer.
51.32.045 - Direct deposit or electronic payment of benefits.
51.32.055 - Determination of permanent disabilities—Closure of claims by self-insurers.
51.32.060 - Permanent total disability compensation—Personal attendant.
51.32.067 - Permanent total disability—Death benefit options—Election.
51.32.072 - Additional payments for prior pensioners—Children—Remarriage—Attendant.
51.32.075 - Adjustments in compensation or death benefits.
51.32.098 - Vocational rehabilitation services—Applicability.
51.32.099 - Vocational rehabilitation pilot program—Vocational plans.
51.32.100 - Preexisting disease.
51.32.110 - Medical examination—Refusal to submit—Traveling expenses—Pay for time lost.
51.32.114 - Medical examination—Department to monitor quality and objectivity.
51.32.120 - Further accident after lump sum payment.
51.32.130 - Lump sum for death or permanent total disability.
51.32.135 - Closing of claim in pension cases—Consent of spouse.
51.32.140 - Nonresident alien beneficiary.
51.32.150 - Lump sum to beneficiary outside state.
51.32.160 - Aggravation, diminution, or termination.
51.32.180 - Occupational diseases—Limitation.
51.32.181 - Occupational diseases—Public health emergencies—Infectious or contagious diseases.
51.32.1871 - Annual report on claims.
51.32.195 - Self-insurers—Information to department.
51.32.200 - Self-insurers—Enforcement of compensation order against.
51.32.210 - Claims of injured workers, prompt action—Payment—Acceptance—Effect.
51.32.215 - Payment of compensation after appeal—Enforcement of order—Penalty.
51.32.230 - Recovery of overpayments.
51.32.250 - Payment of job modification costs.
51.32.260 - Compensation for loss or damage to personal effects.
51.32.300 - State employee vocational rehabilitation coordinator.
51.32.350 - Chemically related illness—Criteria and procedures for claims—Claims management.
51.32.360 - Chemically related illness—Centers for research and clinical assessment.