PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The subject of the rule is independent chiropractic examination's (ICE), also known as IME's (Independent Medical Examination's), or paper reviews.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.25.050, 18.25.0171.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The CQAC has no rule to adequately discourage filing of frivolous ICE complaints. The rule will need to define the proper scope and legitimate role "independent opinions" occupy in the practice of chiropractic. A rule will allow chiropractors and the commission to better evaluate whether patient harm occurred or substandard procedures were employed during the independent examinations or record reviews.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Labor and industries currently trains chiropractors who they utilize to perform ICEs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner regulates standards for reimbursement of ICEs. Both agencies will be invited to participate in the rule development process.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Gail Zimmerman, (360) 236-4859; Connie Glasgow, (360) 236-4871; or Tammy Benson, (360) 236-4858; at P.O. Box 47867, Olympia, WA 98504-7867.
October 31, 2000
Gail Zimmerman
Executive Director