Employer Can't Authorize Doctor in 'Similar' Specialty in Response to Worker's Request for Change

The 1st District Court of Appeal ruled that a doctor’s specialty is determinative of whether he can be appointed as a worker’s treating physician when the worker makes a request for a one-time change. Case: Myers v. Pasco County School Board, No. 1D17-5457, 06/04/2018, published. Facts: Laura Myers worked for the Pasco County School Board. She injured her back while at work in August 2016. The school board authorized treatment with Dr. Craig Bennett, an orthopedic surgeon. Myers requested a change in providers in May 2017, though she specifically requested that an orthopedic sur...