Allows acupuncturists to perform disability evaluations, sets standards for acupuncturist QMEs, and expands IMEs to include multiple specialties.

SUPPORTED BY CAOMA

AB 1549 (Koretz)
Allows acupuncturists to perform disability evaluations, sets standards for acupuncturist QMEs, and expands IMEs to include multiple specialties.
Introduced
February 22
By Assembly Member Paul Koretz
Assigned
March 17
Assembly Committee on Insurance
Amended
April 4
Technical revisions
CURRENT STATUS:
Held over to 2006
Assembly Insurance Committee


Background: Assembly Bill 1549 (Koretz) would permit acupuncturists, who have completed 300 hours of post-graduate training or been certified in workers compensation disability evaluation, to be appointed by the administrative director as qualified medical evaluators, and would permit psychologists, acupuncturists, optometrists, dentists, podiatrists, and chiropractic practitioners licensed by California state law and within the scope of their practice to enter into contracts with the administrative director to be independent medical reviewers.

CAOMA Position: To support AB 1549, while requesting amendments to reduce the hours requirement for the specialty training from 300 to 120, and that the training be offered at an Acupuncture Board approved school.

How to Support: Join, participate, and contribute to CAOMA's Legislative Action Committee, and help us rally legislative support for this bill for 2006.

Sample Letter Supporting AB 1549

Link to AB 1549 - Official California Legislative Information website