- Committee -

SCS/SB 631 - This act allows an Administrative Law Judge to appoint an impartial physician to examine, at the request of the State, upon a finding that there is no other adequate medical evidence available and necessary to second injury fund claims. The physician's fee and other reasonable costs may be assessed by the administrative law judge against any party and becomes immediately payable.

The report of a treating or examining physician may be submitted into evidence in a second injury fund claim, provided the physician is made available to the opposing party by deposition.

This act is similar to SB 832 (2002).

JIM ERTLE