1. (1) Workers can bring an adult observer to the IME to provide comfort and reassurance.

   The accompanying person will not be compensated for attending the examination by the department or self-insured employer. The accompanying person must be unobtrusive at all times. Obtrusive behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbally or physically interrupting, interfering, or obstructing the examination in any way.

2. (2) The accompanying person cannot be:

   1. (a) The worker's attorney, paralegal, any other legal representative, or any other personnel employed by the worker's attorney or legal representative; or

   2. (b) The worker's attending provider, any other provider involved in the worker's care, or any other personnel employed by the attending provider or other provider involved in the worker's care.

      The department may designate other conditions under which the accompanying person is allowed to be present during the IME.

3. (3) The worker may not bring an interpreter to the examination. If interpretive services are needed, the department or self-insurer will provide an interpreter.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, and 51.36.070. WSR 24-08-025, § 296-23-362, filed 3/26/24, effective 4/26/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.32.055, 51.32.112, 51.32.114, 51.36.060, and 51.36.070. WSR 04-04-029, § 296-23-362, filed 1/27/04, effective 3/1/04.]