Vermont § 667 - Examination by independent medical examiners

§ 667. Examination by independent medical examiners

• (a)(1) When a dispute exists regarding the reasonableness and necessity of treatment for
  an injury, or regarding the claimant’s ability to perform suitable work, including
  light duty work, or regarding any other medical issue, the Commissioner may appoint
  an independent medical examiner to examine the employee and report to the Commissioner. (2) Whenever a dispute exists regarding the nature and extent of any permanent partial
  impairment that involves permanent partial disability ratings that differ by more
  than 10 percent, the Commissioner shall appoint an independent medical examiner to
  examine the employee and report to the Commissioner the examiner’s opinion regarding
  the nature and extent of any permanent partial impairment. The opinion of the independent
  medical examiner as to degree of impairment shall be binding on the parties absent
  a showing of substantial error or omissions fraud or a gross departure from generally
  accepted medical practices. (3) If a dispute involves permanent partial disability ratings that differ by 10 percent
  or less, the rating shall be determined by the Commissioner. (b)(1) A pool of independent medical examiners shall be established to perform independent
  medical examinations. (2) Representatives of management and labor shall each submit a list of health care providers
  as proposed members of the pool. The Commissioner shall select the common names from
  both lists. (3) If, in the opinion of the Commissioner, the number of independent medical examiners
  in the pool is not sufficient for any reason, or does not adequately represent a range
  of health care providers, the Commissioner shall select additional health care providers
  or request additional names. (4) All health care providers in the pool shall receive training about the nature and
  purpose of workers’ compensation and shall follow the guidelines developed by rule
  by the Commissioner. (5) Where a dispute involves a determination of the degree of permanent partial disability,
  the independent medical examiner shall use the most recent edition of the American
  Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment or the supplement
  provided by the Commissioner.