1. Upon the recommendation of the medical society of the county in which the physician's office is located or of a board designated by such county society or of a board representing duly licensed physicians of any other school of medical practice in such county, the chair may authorize physicians licensed to practice medicine in the state of New York to render medical care under this chapter and to perform independent medical examinations in accordance with subdivision four of section thirteen-a of this article. If, within sixty days after the chair requests such recommendations the medical society of such county or board fails to act, or if there is no such society in such county, the chair shall designate a board of three outstanding physicians, who shall make the requisite recommendations. No such authorization shall be made in the absence of a recommendation of the appropriate society or board or of a review and recommendation by the medical appeals unit. No person shall render medical care or conduct independent medical examinations under this chapter without such authorization by the chair, provided, that:

1. (a) Any physician licensed to practice medicine in the state of New York may render emergency medical care under this chapter without authorization by the chair under this section; and
2. (b) A licensed physician who is a member of a constituted medical staff of any hospital may render medical care under this chapter while an injured employee remains a patient in such hospital; and
3. (c) Under the active and personal supervision of an authorized physician medical care may be rendered by a registered nurse or other person trained in laboratory or diagnostic techniques within the scope of such person's specialized training and qualifications. This supervision shall be evidenced by signed records of instructions for treatment and signed records of the patient's condition and progress. Reports of such treatment and supervision shall be made by such physician to the chair on such forms and at such times as the chair may require.
4. (d) Upon the referral which may be directive as to treatment of an authorized physician physical therapy care may be rendered by a duly licensed physical therapist. Where physical therapy care is rendered records of the patient's condition and progress, together with records of instruction for treatment, if any, shall be maintained by the physical therapist and physician. Said records shall be submitted to the chair on such forms and at such times as the chair may require.
5. (e) Upon the prescription or referral of an authorized physician occupational therapy care may be rendered by a duly licensed occupational therapist. Where occupational therapy care is rendered records of the patient's condition and progress, together with records of instruction for treatment, if any shall be maintained by the occupational therapist and physician. Said records shall be submitted to the chair on forms and at such times as the chair may require.
6. (f) Where it would place an unreasonable burden upon the employer or carrier to arrange for, or for the claimant to attend, an independent medical examination by an authorized physician, the employer or carrier shall arrange for such examination to be performed by a qualified physician in a medical facility convenient to the claimant.