What Are the Legal Deadlines for QME Reports in California?
California’s Qualified Medical Evaluator timelines are hard-wired into the Medical-Legal Evaluation Reporting regulations (CCR §§ 34–38). Missing them can mean fee reductions, panel replacement, or even disciplinary action. Here are the critical clocks every QME must watch.
1. Scheduling the Examination
60 Days — You must offer the injured worker an appointment date within sixty calendar days of receiving the panel-selection letter or AME agreement.
Exception: If both parties stipulate in writing, you may extend to 90 days.
2. Serving the Comprehensive Report (ML200 / ML201)
30 Days — The full narrative must be served on all parties within thirty days of the exam date.
- Day 1 = date of face-to-face evaluation.
- Service means mailed first-class or secure e-service plus proof of service.
3. Supplemental Reports (ML202)
60 Days — When a party requests clarification or supplies new records, you have sixty days from receipt of the request/records to issue the supplemental report.
4. Late-Report Penalties
- 11–15 days late → 10 % fee reduction.
- 16–30 days late → 20 % fee reduction.
- >30 days late (without stipulation) → no payment; parties may petition for a new panel.
5. Extension Requests
You may email both parties before the 30-day limit expires to request a one-time extension, explaining good cause (e.g., waiting on imaging or translation). If both sides agree in writing, the new deadline becomes enforceable.
6. Proof-of-Service Clock
Payment timelines (60 days for fees; 20 days for deposition) start on the proof-of-service date. Forgetting the POS delays both payment and any penalty accrual.
Quick Deadline Cheat-Sheet
| Action | Regulatory Deadline |
|---|---|
| Offer exam appointment | Within 60 days of panel/AME selection |
| Serve comprehensive report | Within 30 days of examination |
| Serve supplemental report | Within 60 days of request/new records |
| Invoice payment by carrier | Within 60 days of service (20 days for deposition) |
For the authoritative text on all QME timelines, see California’s CCR § 38 – Time Frames for Medical-Legal Reports.