If an employer desires a change of employee-selected physician, which authority handles the petition?

If an employer desires a change of employee-selected physician, which authority handles the petition?

• A. Administrative Director
• B. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board
• C. The director of Industrial Relations
• D. The Industrial Medical Council

Answer: (A)

The Administrative Director is the authority who handles petitions to change an employee-selected physician. This office oversees medical treatment arrangements in California’s workers’ compensation system, including approving or denying changes to the treating physician upon a petition by the employer. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board deals with appeals of such decisions rather than initial petitions. The director of Industrial Relations and the Industrial Medical Council do not have the authority to grant physician-change petitions. If the employer disagrees with the Administrative Director’s ruling, the matter may be appealed to the WCAB.

The Administrative Director is the authority who handles petitions to change an employee-selected physician. This office oversees medical treatment arrangements in California’s workers’ compensation system, including approving or denying changes to the treating physician upon a petition by the employer. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board deals with appeals of such decisions rather than initial petitions. The director of Industrial Relations and the Industrial Medical Council do not have the authority to grant physician-change petitions. If the employer disagrees with the Administrative Director’s ruling, the matter may be appealed to the WCAB.