WCAB Split Panel Opinion
Stacey Saunders v. Loma Linda University Medical Group (Jun 10, 2015)
- Case No. ADJ8107354 (San Bernardino District Office)
- 2015 Cal. Wrk. Comp. P.D. LEXIS 311
- Download Decision from LexisNexis
Summary
In rescinding its prior decision (Saunders v. Loma Linda Univ. Med. Group, 2014 Cal. Wrk. Comp. P.D. LEXIS 659), the majority panel held that, as with an untimely utilization review (UR) decision, an untimely Independent Medical Review (IMR) determination is invalid and that therefore the Workers’ Compensation Judge can decide medical treatment. The Appeals Board relied on Labor Code § 4610.6(d) and Dubon II. Commissioner Zalewski dissented, reasoning that “the Legislature intended to make IMR the exclusive process for determining a medical treatment dispute that is not finally resolved by UR...”
Additional Information
California Labor Code § 4610.6
DaisyBill Resources
Blog: Your Request for Authorization (RFA) Questions Answered
Blog: WCAB Emphasizes UR Decisions
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