Workers' compensation: audiologists.

Existing workers' compensation law generally requires employers to secure the payment of workers' compensation, including medical treatment, for injuries incurred by their employees that arise out of, or in the course of, employment. Existing law requires the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation to appoint qualified medical evaluators in each of the respective specialties as required for the evaluation of medical-legal issues. This bill would also include doctors of audiology who meet specified requirements among those medical professionals who may be appointed by the administrative director as a qualified medical evaluator. Existing law, for purposes of workers' compensation, defines "physician" to include physicians and surgeons holding specified degrees, psychologists, acupuncturists, dentists, podiatrists, and chiropractic practitioners licensed by California state law and within the scope of their practice, as defined by state law. Existing law requires that when treatment or evaluation is provided by a psychologist or an audiologist, appropriate medical collaboration be provided when requested by the employer or insurer. This bill would also include licensed audiologists, as specified, within that definition of physician. This bill would also require appropriate medical collaboration be provided when requested by the injured worker or their representative.