Online Petition Calls for DWC to Allow Remote Evaluations for QMEs

An online petition asks California workers’ compensation officials to allow qualified medical evaluators to conduct exams remotely as doctors and patients attempt to protect themselves from the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, a Southern California law firm speaking on behalf of more than 100 QMEs sent a letter to the California Department of Industrial Relations seeking clarity on whether QMEs could conduct evaluations using Skype, FaceTime or other telemedical means. The department issued a March news release titled, “DWC Provides Guidance on Medical Evaluations During State ...