QME COMPETENCY EXAMINATION
GUIDE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
QME Accreditation - ANSWER-Process for QME approval under Labor Code section
139.2
Permanent Disability Determination - ANSWER-Assessment of lasting impairment
affecting work capacity
Substantial Evidence - ANSWER-Sufficient proof to support a claim or decision
Rating by Analogy - ANSWER-Assigning disability rating based on similar cases
Industrial Cancer - ANSWER-Work-related cancer due to occupational exposure
Apportionment Determinations - ANSWER-Allocation of disability causes in a claim
Causation - ANSWER-Establishing the link between an event and its outcome
Risk Factors - ANSWER-Conditions increasing the likelihood of harm or injury
Unlawful Discrimination - ANSWER-Illegitimate differentiation leading to unfair treatment
QME Selection Process - ANSWER-Procedure for choosing a Qualified Medical
Evaluator
Examination Process - ANSWER-Steps involved in medical evaluations by QMEs
Conflict of Interest Disclosure - ANSWER-Revealing any personal interests that may
affect judgment
Ethical Obligations of the QME - ANSWER-Moral duties and responsibilities of the
medical evaluator
Evaluation Protocols - ANSWER-Set rules and procedures for medical assessments
Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) - ANSWER-Physician appointed to resolve disputes
in workers' compensation cases
Labor Code section 139.2 - ANSWER-Enacted in 1991, authorizes the QME program
and sets evaluation laws
, Permanent Disability Determinations - ANSWER-Laws governing long-term injury
compensation eligibility
QME Examination Process - ANSWER-Includes appointment scheduling, examination,
and post-exam procedures
Workers' Compensation Case Law - ANSWER-Legal precedents related to workers'
compensation disputes
California Labor Code - ANSWER-Regulations governing labor practices in California
Physician's Guide - ANSWER-Resource detailing medical evaluation procedures for
QMEs
Scheduled PDRS Adjustments - ANSWER-Changes made to AMA Guides-based
ratings based on age and occupation.
Clinical Judgment - ANSWER-Medical expertise used to evaluate an injured worker's
permanent impairment.
Reasonable Medical Probability - ANSWER-Basis for substantial evidence in medical
opinions in disability cases.
Comprehensive Medical Examination - ANSWER-Thorough evaluation required by
physicians for impairment determinations.
QME Rules - ANSWER-Regulations found in title 8 of the California Code of
Regulations
Physician Specialties - ANSWER-Recognized based on board certification or
postgraduate training
Accreditation Requirements - ANSWER-Include passing the QME competency exam
and report writing course
Appointment Criteria - ANSWER-Varies based on physician type, detailed in Labor
Code section 139.2
Specialty Designation - ANSWER-Recognition of a physician's specialized area of
practice
QME - ANSWER-Qualified Medical Evaluator appointed for workers' compensation
cases.
Reappointment Requirements - ANSWER-Original appointment criteria, 12 hours CE,
no rejected evaluations, no board issues.
GUIDE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
QME Accreditation - ANSWER-Process for QME approval under Labor Code section
139.2
Permanent Disability Determination - ANSWER-Assessment of lasting impairment
affecting work capacity
Substantial Evidence - ANSWER-Sufficient proof to support a claim or decision
Rating by Analogy - ANSWER-Assigning disability rating based on similar cases
Industrial Cancer - ANSWER-Work-related cancer due to occupational exposure
Apportionment Determinations - ANSWER-Allocation of disability causes in a claim
Causation - ANSWER-Establishing the link between an event and its outcome
Risk Factors - ANSWER-Conditions increasing the likelihood of harm or injury
Unlawful Discrimination - ANSWER-Illegitimate differentiation leading to unfair treatment
QME Selection Process - ANSWER-Procedure for choosing a Qualified Medical
Evaluator
Examination Process - ANSWER-Steps involved in medical evaluations by QMEs
Conflict of Interest Disclosure - ANSWER-Revealing any personal interests that may
affect judgment
Ethical Obligations of the QME - ANSWER-Moral duties and responsibilities of the
medical evaluator
Evaluation Protocols - ANSWER-Set rules and procedures for medical assessments
Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) - ANSWER-Physician appointed to resolve disputes
in workers' compensation cases
Labor Code section 139.2 - ANSWER-Enacted in 1991, authorizes the QME program
and sets evaluation laws
, Permanent Disability Determinations - ANSWER-Laws governing long-term injury
compensation eligibility
QME Examination Process - ANSWER-Includes appointment scheduling, examination,
and post-exam procedures
Workers' Compensation Case Law - ANSWER-Legal precedents related to workers'
compensation disputes
California Labor Code - ANSWER-Regulations governing labor practices in California
Physician's Guide - ANSWER-Resource detailing medical evaluation procedures for
QMEs
Scheduled PDRS Adjustments - ANSWER-Changes made to AMA Guides-based
ratings based on age and occupation.
Clinical Judgment - ANSWER-Medical expertise used to evaluate an injured worker's
permanent impairment.
Reasonable Medical Probability - ANSWER-Basis for substantial evidence in medical
opinions in disability cases.
Comprehensive Medical Examination - ANSWER-Thorough evaluation required by
physicians for impairment determinations.
QME Rules - ANSWER-Regulations found in title 8 of the California Code of
Regulations
Physician Specialties - ANSWER-Recognized based on board certification or
postgraduate training
Accreditation Requirements - ANSWER-Include passing the QME competency exam
and report writing course
Appointment Criteria - ANSWER-Varies based on physician type, detailed in Labor
Code section 139.2
Specialty Designation - ANSWER-Recognition of a physician's specialized area of
practice
QME - ANSWER-Qualified Medical Evaluator appointed for workers' compensation
cases.
Reappointment Requirements - ANSWER-Original appointment criteria, 12 hours CE,
no rejected evaluations, no board issues.
