
The Notice of Late QME Report has several purposes:
Notifying the delay: It formally informs the injured worker, employer, and their legal representatives that the QME report is not yet submitted.
Maintaining compliance: It also ensures that medical evaluations are completed within the deadlines set by regulatory boards to avoid delays in processing claims.
Encouraging timely submission: It reminds the QMEs of their obligation to provide the report on time or to take necessary steps if an extension is needed.
Once the late QME report notice is issued, the following actions can be taken:
Extension request: The QME can formally request for an extension to complete the report, providing a valid reason for the delay in submitting the report. The approval of the extension depends on compliance with the California Worker’s Compensation regulations.
Replacement of QME: If the delay is not justified with a valid explanation or the extension request is denied, the parties may need to request a replacement of the QME from the Division of Worker’s Compensation (DWC).
Resolving the dispute: If there is a disagreement regarding the late report, the issue may be forwarded to the worker’s compensation judge for resolution through a formal hearing.
The Form 116 typically includes:


