WORKPLACE INJURY MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT 1998 - SECT 321 Referral of medical dispute for assessment

WORKPLACE INJURY MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT 1998 - SECT 321

321 Referral of medical dispute for assessment

(1) A medical dispute (other than a dispute concerning permanent impairment of an injured worker) may be referred for assessment under this Part by a court, the Commission or the President, either of their own motion or at the request of a party to the dispute. The President is to give the parties notice of the referral.

(2) The parties to the dispute may agree on the medical assessor who is to assess the dispute but if the parties have not agreed within 7 days after the dispute is referred, the President is to choose the medical assessor who is to assess the dispute.

(3) The President may arrange for a medical assessor to assess the dispute outside the State--

(a) if requested by a party to the dispute, or

(b) with the consent of the parties to the dispute.

(4) In deciding whether to make an arrangement under subsection (3), the President must consider the following--

(a) the interests and wishes of the parties to the dispute,

(b) the nature and complexity of the dispute,

(c) if the arrangement is necessary for the timely and cost effective assessment of the dispute,

(d) other matters the President considers relevant.