The DWC within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) administers workers’ compensation programs. The DWC assists employers and employees with workers’ compensation law and specific workers’ compensation claims.

In cases where there is a dispute, the nature and extent of benefits owed will be determined through a process involving a medical evaluation by an independent qualified medical evaluator (QME) chosen from a three-member QME panel requested from the state by either party to the dispute. The QME’s determination is then reviewed by a workers’ compensation judge.

In cases where the employee is represented by an attorney, requests for assignment of a QME can be made only via the DWC Medical Unit’s online submission process.1

Workers’ compensation judges within the DWC approve settlements and resolve disputes about:

• The cause of an illness or injury.
• Occupation type.
• The need for and scope of medical treatment.
• The nature and extent of temporary and permanent disability.

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) can adopt, confirm, modify or set aside decisions or findings of workers’ compensation judges.2 The WCAB decisions are subject to review by appellate courts and the state supreme court.3

1. 8 CCR sec. 30(b)

2. Lab. Code sec. 5315

3. Lab. Code sec. 5950