<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 14.09.09.03" title_num="14" subtitle_num="09" chapter_num="09" heading="Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Written Evaluation Required. As evidence of permanent impairment, a party shall submit:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A written evaluation of permanent impairment prepared by a physician; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>In claims where the issue concerns psychiatric impairment, a written evaluation of permanent psychiatric impairment prepared by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>When preparing an evaluation of permanent impairment, a physician, psychologist or psychiatrist shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Generally conform the evaluation with the format set forth in §2.2 (“Reports”) of the American Medical Association's “Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment”;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Use the numerical ratings for the impairment set forth in the American Medical Association's “Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment”, provided that a physician, psychologist or psychiatrist is not required to use the inclinometer evaluation technique specified in §3.3, but instead may use the goniometer technique specified in the “Addendum to Chapter 3”;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Include the items listed under the heading “Comparison of the results of analysis with the impairment criteria . . .” in §2.2 (“Reports”) of the American Medical Association's “Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment”; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Include information on the items required by Labor and Employment Article, §9-721, Annotated Code of Maryland:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Loss of function, endurance, and range of motion; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Pain, weakness, and atrophy.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Numerical Ratings.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A physician, psychologist or psychiatrist preparing an evaluation of permanent impairment may include numerical ratings not set forth in the American Medical Association's “Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment” for the items listed in §B(4) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the physician, psychologist or psychiatrist uses other numerical ratings the physician shall include in the evaluation the detailed findings that support those numerical ratings.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>When reviewing an evaluation for permanent impairment, the Commission shall consider all the items listed in §B of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The Commission may not approve payment of a physician's, psychologist's or psychiatrist's fee for an evaluation that does not comply with this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>This regulation shall apply to all evaluations prepared on or after July 1, 1990.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>