License: Qualified Medical Evaluator

Any licensed physician, as defined in Labor Code Section 3209.3, who acts as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) and who writes medical/legal reports to evaluate the extent of disability and need for medical treatment of injured workers in the California workers compensation system. Physician includes medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, chiropractor, psychologist, optometrist, dentist, podiatrist and acupuncturist. All physicians are required to pay a non-refundable/non-rollover $125.00 fee to sit for any upcoming QME examination (Title 8, California Code of Regulations § 11(f)(2)). Before appointment as a QME, the physician shall complete a 12 hour course in disability evaluation report writing approved by the Administrative Director (Labor Code § 139.2). The DWC will assess your annual QME fee after you have successfully passed the QME Competency Exam in order to activate your QME status. Please call 1-800-794-6900 or (510) 286-3700 or email QMETest@dir.ca.gov for further assistance. For additional information regarding the qualifications to become a QME, please visit www.dir.ca.gov/dwc. You may also obtain additional application forms on the website.

  • Registry
  • State exam required
  • Specific course required
  • Continuing education required
  • Experience required
  • No criminal record requirements
License information updated 06/02/2022