JCC Errs in Denying Authorization for Surgery Recommended by IME

A Florida appellate court overturned the denial of a worker’s request for authorization for surgery recommended by an independent medical examiner. Case: Thompson v. Escambia County School Board, No. 1D19-4063, 08/17/2020, published. Facts: Mary Thompson worked for the Escambia County School Board. She fell while at work in December 2017. The school board authorized Thompson to receive treatment from Dr. Christopher O’Grady, who opined that she had chondromalacia and a meniscus tear, but that she was not a surgical candidate. He also opined that the chondromalacia...