1. (1) The IME provider's responsibilities prior to the examination are to:

   1. (a) Be familiar with the contents of the medical examiner's handbook;
   2. (b) Review all claim documents provided by the department or self-insurer;
   3. (c) Contact the worker prior to the examination to confirm the appointment date, time and location; and
   4. (d) Review the purpose of the examination and the questions to be answered in the examination report.

2. (2) The IME provider's responsibilities during the examination are to:

   1. (a) Introduce themselves to the worker;
   2. (b) Verify the identity of the worker;
   3. (c) Let the worker know that the claim documents from the department or self-insurer have been reviewed;
   4. (d) Explain the examination process and answer the worker's questions about the examination process;
   5. (e) Advise the worker that they should not perform any activities beyond their physical capabilities;
   6. (f) Allow the worker to remain fully dressed while taking the history;
   7. (g) Ensure adequate draping and privacy if the worker needs to remove clothing for the examination;
   8. (h) Refrain from expressing personal opinions about the worker, the employer, the attending provider, or the care the worker has received;
   9. (i) Conduct an examination that is unbiased, sound and sufficient to achieve the purpose and reason the examination was requested;
   10. (j) Conduct the examination with dignity and respect for the worker;
   11. (k) Ask if there is any further information the worker would like to provide; and
   12. (l) Close the examination by telling the worker that the examination is over.

3. (3) The IME provider's responsibilities following the examination are to:

   1. (a) Send a complete IME report to the department or self-insurer within 14 calendar days of the examination date, or within 14 calendar days of receipt of the results of any special tests or studies requested as a part of the examination. Reports received after 14 calendar days may be paid at a lower rate per the fee schedule. The report must meet the requirements of WAC 296-23-382; and
   2. (b) The claim file information received from the department or self-insurer should be disposed of in a manner used for similar health records containing private information after completion of the IME or any follow-up test results are received. IME reports should be retained per WAC 296-20-02005.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, and 51.36.010. WSR 25-11-071, s 296-23-347, filed 5/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.055, 51.32.112, 51.32.114, 51.36.060, and 51.36.070. WSR 04-04-029, § 296-23-347, filed 1/27/04, effective 3/1/04.]