The DWC will implement a new online panel process for represented initial panel requests on October 1, 2015. DWC will no longer accept or process paper submissions postmarked after September 3, 2015. The new process requires parties in a represented case to submit initial QME panel requests online and immediately receive a QME panel. The requesting party will then serve the panel request form, any required documentation and the QME panel on all parties with a proof of service.
The DWC has posted an online QME Form 106 Panel Request training video and FAQs on the Medical Unit website. The video demonstration details the way in which represented initial panel requests will be submitted using the new online system.
However, the question remains “what is the process for QME panel requests between September 3 and October 1?” We posed this question to the medical unit this week and received this response.
“The Medical Unit will not accept Form 106 panel requests between Sept. 3 and Oct. 1. All panel requests on paper Form 106 must be postmarked no later than Sept. 3, 2015. No panel requests will be processed for any represented initial panel requests postmarked after that date. This will give the Medical Unit an opportunity to process all of the paper requests. Pursuant to 8 CCR section 31.1(c), if the Medical Director is unable to issue a QME panel in a represented case within 30 calendar days from receipt of the request, parties may seek an order from a worker’s compensation administrative law judge. Although the Medical Unit will not process any represented initial panel requests submitted after Sept. 3, 2015, the parties will be able to generate a panel list automatically as of Oct. 1, 2015. Therefore, despite not processing any requests during that time period, the delay will be less than 30 calendar days for obtaining a panel list.”
What this means is that the DWC will utilize the time between September 3, 2015 and October 1, 2015 to process all current paper requests. Although the Unit will not process any paper panel requests submitted after September 3, 2015, you will be able to generate a panel list automatically as of October 1, 2015. The timing should be carefully managed.