1. DWC

Qualified medical evaluator process

Qualified medical evaluators (QMEs) are qualified physicians who are certified by the Division of Workers' Compensation - Medical Unit to examine injured workers to evaluate disability and write medical-legal reports. The reports are used to determine an injured worker's eligibility for workers' compensation benefits. QMEs include medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of chiropractic, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists and acupuncturists.

Becoming a qualified medical examiner:

Online physician education courses now available

DWC offers free online education courses providing continuing education credits for physicians, QMEs, chiropractors, and nurses. Current offerings include the use of the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS) and tips for Qualified Medical Evaluators (QME).

Study Guides:

  • Competency examination booklet
  • Competency examination for acupuncturists
  • Physician guide - The Physician’s Guide is designed as an educational and reference tool to supplement the reader’s professional experience. Although the Guide reflects applicable laws, regulations, and policy updates at the time of publication, readers are responsible for consulting the most current legal and regulatory authorities. The Guide should not be relied upon as the sole resource for QME Examination preparation.

QME competency examination results:

Medical Legal Report Writing Tools:

Course Provider Information:

  • Report writing course providers
  • 25 hours Industrial Disability Evaluation course providers for chiropractors. This course must be completed prior to being appointed as a QME.
    Caution: Be advised that amendments to Title 8, California Code of Regulations § 11, that took effect on February 26, 2024, require that chiropractic applicants must have completed the required 25 hour course within three years of their application date; and all applicants must complete the new 25 hour course material that is detailed in Title 8, California Code of Regulations § 14, before they can be certified as a QME. The course no longer has to be taken prior to taking the QME Examination, but it is recommended. Holders of a valid 44-hour course certificate must complete the additional course requirements detailed in Title 8, California Code of Regulations § 11 before being appointed as a QME.
    • The International Chiropractor Association of California (ICAC). You may contact James E. Musick, DC at 916-362-8816 or icachome@msn.com to enroll.
    • California Chiropractic Association (CalChiro). You may contact Shasta Carey at 916-648-2727 or scarey@calchiro.org to enroll.

QME reappointment:

  • Continuing education
  • Online Portal for Submission of QME Medical-Legal Reports - QMEs are required to submit their two most recent medical-legal reports in which there was a face-to-face evaluation and the injured worker was determined to have reached the status of maximum medical improvement. If the QME did not generate two such reports in the two years prior to their reappointment date, they may submit a statement of explanation in lieu of the reports.

Resources:

  • Online physician education courses now available
    DWC offers free online education courses providing continuing education credits for physicians, QMEs, chiropractors, and nurses. Current offerings include the use of the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS) and tips for Qualified Medical Evaluators (QME).

QME Discipline

Database:

Frequently asked questions:

What's
New

June 2026