Program overview
When the parties cannot agree on an evaluator, the DWC Medical Unit issues a three-physician QME panel; each side strikes one name (8 CCR § 108). QMEs must complete DWC-approved training, including the online QME course updated with UC Berkeley COEH.
Rating framework
Labor Code § 4660(b)(1) incorporates the AMA Guides 5th Edition. The 2005 PDRS (8 CCR § 9805) applies impairment plus the Four Adjustments (age, occupation, diminished future earning capacity, apportionment) to reach the permanent disability rating.
Partial items
Telehealth status for QME evaluations was not verified in this pass; check current DWC guidance before relying on it.
Key facts
| Program | QME |
| Agency | California Division of Workers' Compensation, Medical Unit |
| Statute / rules | Labor Code 4060–4062.9; 8 CCR 31.3–31.7; 8 CCR 9805 |
| AMA Guides edition | 5th Edition |
| Edition basis | Labor Code § 4660(b)(1) |
| MMI rules | Permanent disability rated at MMI per the 2005 PDRS |
| Key forms | QME Form 100 (application); QME Form 105 (panel selection instructions) |
| Fee schedule | 8 CCR 17; Medical-Legal Fee Schedule 2021 (ML201 comprehensive evaluation fee) |
| Telehealth | Not verified in this pass |
