WAC 296-23-309. How many examinations may be requested?

Unless explicitly required by statute, the total number of examinations per claim is limited as follows: (1) One complete examination including report prior to an order under RCW 51.52.050 or 51.52.060 allowing or denying a new claim unless an additional examination is authorized by the department in state fund or self-insured cases; (2) One complete examination including report(s) from all appropriate specialty(ies) for an impairment rating unless the prior rating examination determined a rating was premature and/or further treatment was needed and is authorized by the self-insured employer or department; (3) One complete examination including report(s) from all appropriate specialty(ies) to adjudicate any application to reopen a claim under RCW 51.32.160 prior to a final order under RCW 51.52.050 or 51.52.060 allowing or denying reopening of the claim, unless the department authorizes an additional examination in state fund and self-insured cases. Additional impairment rating examinations are allowed following each time a claim is reopened under RCW 51.32.160 ; (4) One examination may be performed after any new medical issue is contended to resolve a new medical issue prior to a final order, under RCW 51.52.050 or 51.52.060 , accepting or denying responsibility of the condition, unless the department authorizes an additional examination in state fund and self-insured cases; and (5) Additional examinations per case progress rules and to resolve appeals as outlined in WAC 296-23-308 and 296-23-401 .